Related Experiment Videos
Doxycycline treatment and human infertility
Abstract:
The role of mycoplasmas in infertility was studied in 120 couples. During the twelve months of the study 27 couples (22-5%) conceived. T mycoplasmas were isolated from 63% of these couples, and Mycoplasma hominis from 18%, compared with 56% and 13%, respectively, in those who did not conceive. 88, with primary infertility of unascertained cause, took part in a controlled trial with doxycycline. The couples in the trial were allocated randomly to three groups: 30 received doxycycline, 28 received a placebo, and 30 couples were untreated. Although a twenty-eight-day course of doxycycline eradicated M. hominis and T-strain mycoplasmas from 27 (96%) of the 28 couples harbouring them, the rate of conception was no higher in those treated with the drug than in control groups. It is concluded that mycoplasmas are not associated with primary infertility and that, although doxycycline eradicates them, this drug is of no benefit in the treatment of primary infertility of unascertained cause.
Insights
Mycoplasmas are not linked to primary infertility. Treatment with doxycycline effectively eliminates these bacteria but does not improve conception rates in couples with unexplained infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycoplasmas, including T mycoplasmas and Mycoplasma hominis, are bacteria that can colonize the urogenital tract.
- The potential role of mycoplasmas as a cause of infertility, particularly primary infertility of unascertained cause, has been a subject of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mycoplasma colonization and infertility in couples.
- To evaluate the efficacy of doxycycline treatment in eradicating mycoplasmas and improving conception rates in couples with primary infertility.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 120 couples to assess mycoplasma prevalence in those who conceived versus those who did not.
- A randomized controlled trial of 88 couples with primary infertility, comparing doxycycline treatment, placebo, and no treatment.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma isolation rates were slightly higher in couples who conceived compared to those who did not, but the difference was not statistically significant.
- Doxycycline successfully eradicated Mycoplasma hominis and T-strain mycoplasmas in 96% of treated couples.
- Conception rates were similar across the doxycycline, placebo, and untreated groups.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasmas are not significantly associated with primary infertility of unascertained cause.
- Doxycycline treatment, while effective in eradicating mycoplasmas, does not improve fertility outcomes in this patient population.