Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2025
09:11
A Human Fallopian Tube Model for Investigation of C. trachomatis Infections
Published on: August 11, 2012
13.1K
The Correlation between Chlamydia Trachomatis and Female Infertility: A Systematic Review
Laura Gazal Passos1,2, Paula Terraciano2,3, Nicole Wolf2,3
1Medicine school of Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis infection significantly increases the risk of female infertility. Screening for this common infection is crucial for women investigating fertility issues.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Gynecology
Background:
- The link between Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection and female infertility is not fully understood, with limited evidence.
- Previous research has not conclusively established the extent of CT's impact on fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and elucidate the association between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and female infertility.
- To evaluate the strength of evidence linking CT to reduced fertility outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of studies published within the last five years (up to May 11, 2021) was conducted.
- Searches were performed on the Medline/PubMed database using specific keywords related to CT, infertility, tubal alteration, and pregnancy rates.
- Seventeen studies were included in the qualitative analysis after rigorous screening and exclusion of irrelevant or duplicate research.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (76.47%) of the included studies demonstrated a positive correlation between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and female infertility.
- The findings support the hypothesis that CT infection negatively impacts female reproductive capacity.
Conclusions:
- There is a substantial association between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and female infertility.
- Routine screening for CT should be considered in the infertility workup for women.
- Integrating CT screening is a justified and relevant step in diagnosing and managing female infertility.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Infertility in Females
411
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
411
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
430
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
430
01:29Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
127
The phylum Chlamydiae or Chlamydiota is composed of a single order, Chlamydiales. This phylum consists entirely of obligate intracellular parasites that infect eukaryotic hosts. While human pathogens within this group have been studied extensively, the phylum encompasses many species capable of interacting with various eukaryotic organisms. Members of Chlamydiae are typically small cocci, approximately 0.5 μm in diameter, and exhibit a distinctive developmental cycle. As is characteristic...
127
01:23Infertility in Males
341
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
341
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
532
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
532
02:07Oogenesis
64.5K
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
64.5K