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Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy
M Saraiya1, C J Berg, J S Kendrick
1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|April 16, 1998
Summary
Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy in Black women. This risk is dose-related, with heavier smoking leading to a higher chance of this serious pregnancy complication.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Epidemiology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Background:
- Ectopic pregnancy poses a significant health risk to women.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cigarette smoking and the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- To determine if smoking is an independent risk factor for ectopic pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted using data from an inner-city hospital.
- Cases included women with surgically confirmed ectopic pregnancy; controls included women who delivered or sought abortions.
- Adjustments were made for parity, douching, infertility, and age.
Main Results:
- Women who smoked during the periconception period had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.9 for ectopic pregnancy.
- A dose-response relationship was observed: the risk increased with the number of cigarettes smoked daily.
- Smoking 11-20 cigarettes daily increased the odds ratio to 2.3, and >20 cigarettes to 3.5.
Conclusions:
- Cigarette smoking is an independent, dose-related risk factor for ectopic pregnancy in Black women.
- Public health initiatives should highlight this risk and promote smoking cessation among women of reproductive age.
- Healthcare providers should counsel patients on the risks of smoking during the periconception period.