Positive Chlamydia Trachomatis Serology Does Not Affect Live-Birth Rate After Intrauterine Insemination

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the leading cause of sexually transmitted bacterial infections worldwide, affecting around 131 million new cases annually.  This cohort study investigated the effect of CT serology on the cumulative live-birth rate (cLBR) in women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) who have documented bilateral tubal patency. 

The study involved matching infertile women based on age, number of IUI cycles completed, and number of motile sperm inseminated (NMSI). The researchers compared 71 women with positive CT serology to 71 women with negative CT serology, evaluating 136 cycles per group. Main outcome measures included cLBR, clinical pregnancy rates, spontaneous abortion rates, and biochemical pregnancy rates.

The results of the study showed the following findings:

• No statistically notable differences were found between the two groups in demographic and medical characteristics. 
• The cLBR per woman was comparable in both groups: 32.4% in the negative CT group vs. 25.4% in the positive CT group. 
• The two groups' rates of biochemical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and clinical pregnancy were similar.

Thus, the study concluded that IIU cLBR remains unaffected by the serological status for CT in a cohort of infertile women with patent tubes.

Source: Trabaud V, Miquel L, Faust C, Berbis J, Paulmyer-Lacroix O, Courbiere B. No impact of a positive Chlamydia trachomatis serology on live-birth rate after intra-uterine insemination. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2024 Oct 16;54(1):102863. doi: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102863. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39423928.