Bacteria in the Genital Tracts of Fertile and Infertile Women
Author Information
Author(s): Mark G. Martens, Ronald L. Young, Marco Uribe, V.C. Buttram, Jr., Sebastian Faro
Primary Institution: University of Texas Medical Branch, Baylor College of Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The role of genital mycoplasmas and Chlamydia in infertility needs to be further defined.
Conclusion
The study found no significant differences in the presence of certain bacteria between fertile and infertile women, suggesting routine antibiotic treatment prior to infertility work-up may not be necessary.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 4% of cervical cultures from infertile women were positive for Chlamydia.
- 14% of cervical cultures from fertile women were positive for Mycoplasma.
- 29% of cervical cultures from fertile women were positive for Ureaplasma.
- 41% of patients had endometriosis, but this did not correlate with higher rates of bacterial colonization.
Takeaway
Doctors looked for certain germs in women who couldn't get pregnant and found that these germs weren't more common in them than in women who could get pregnant.
Methodology
The study involved 79 infertile patients and 80 fertile women, with cultures taken from various parts of the genital tract during laparoscopy.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of participants and their previous medical history.
Limitations
The study may not account for previous infections or treatments that could affect culture results.
Participant Demographics
{"infertile":{"number":80,"age_mean":30.9,"age_range":"20-40","race_distribution":{"Caucasian":63,"Black":8,"Hispanic":5,"Others":4}},"fertile":{"number":80,"age_mean":29.1,"age_range":"18-39","race_distribution":{"Caucasian":55,"Black":12,"Hispanic":9,"Others":4}}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website