Decreased occurrence of endometriosis in women with Chlamydia trachomatis infection

Problem Despite abundant reports on the risk role of uterine outflow tract obstruction in endometriosis, information on the occurrence of endometriosis in women with Chlamydia trachomatis infection causing fallopian tube obstruction is unknown. We investigated the role of Chlamydia trachomatis infection with or without fallopian tubal patency in the occurrence of endometriosis. Methods This is a retrospective case-controlled cohort study with 539 women who had laparoscopic surgery for several indications during the period between January 2003 and June 2010. Women with ectopic pregnancy, uterine anomaly, chromosomal abnormality, primary amenorrhea, and perimenopausal women were excluded. Endometriosis was diagnosed by laparoscopic inspection and confirmed by histopathology. Tubal patency was diagnosed by HSG or laparoscopic chromopertubation test. Presence of chlamydia infection was examined by RT-PCR and serological test. Results Two hundred seven women were enrolled. Eighty-six (41.5%) women had chlamydia infection. Tubal patency and occurrence of endometriosis were significantly decreased among women with chlamydia infection comparing to women without it (P = 0.005 and P = 0.0008, respectively). Even among women with patent tube, laparoscopic detection of endometriosis was significantly decreased in chlamydia infected comparing to non-infected women (P = 0.02). Multiple logistic regression model revealed that previous history of chlamydia infection significantly decreased the occurrence of endometriosis, and was independent of age, menstrual status, parity and tubal patency (odds ratio 0.44; 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.80; P = 0.007). Conclusion A decreased occurrence of peritoneal endometriosis was observed in women with Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The possible impairment of retrograde menstrual flow by chlamydia-infected tubal damage may decrease the risk of endometriosis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.