Correlation of mycoplasma with unexplained infertility

Abstract

Background: The role of genital mycoplasmas, particularly Ureaplasma urealyticum, in the etiology of infertility has been very controversial. An attempt has been made to explore the role of mycoplasma in unexplained infertility.

Methods: The study was conducted on 100 women, divided into two groups: 50 cases with unexplained infertility (study group) and 50 cases with confirmed fertility (control group). Three cervical swabs were collected from each case and sent for bacteriological examination for mycoplasmas. Statistical analysis was performed with chi-square test.

Results: Mycoplasmas were isolated from 19 cases (38%) in study group and six cases (12%) in the control group. Out of these, 16 cases (32%) and 4 cases (8%) in the study and control group respectively were positive for U. urealyticum and the difference was statistically highly significant (P < 0.02). Mycoplasma hominis was found to be positive in three cases (6%) and two cases (4%) in the study and control group respectively and was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). The colonization of mycoplasmas was maximum in the age group 26-30 years and low socio economic group.

Conclusions: U. urealyticum can be considered as an etiological agent in unexplained infertility. It is suggested that culture for U. urealyticum should be carried out in patients with unexplained infertility.