The Effect of Short Duration Sperm Exposure on Development of Preeclampsia in Primigravid Women

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications, and affecting about 3% of pregnancies. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact short duration of exposure to sperm on development of preeclampsia. METHODS: The duration of sperm exposure with the biological father (cohabitation without barrier methods) <3, <6 months were evaluated among 120 primigravid women with preeclampsia and 120 women without preeclampsia in a case-control study. RESULTS: The short duration of exposure to sperm was more common in women with preeclampsia compared with controls (29.2 versus 14.2 for <3 months, adjOR 2.6 (95% CI=1.32-5.13) and (45 versus 29.2 for <6 months, adjOR 2.4 (95% CI=1.35-4.32). Regardless of the contraceptive method, short duration of cohabitation was more common in preeclamptic group (14.2 versus 5.8 for <3 months, adjOR 3.38 (95% CI=1.28-8.92) and (29.7 versus 13.3 for <6 months, adjOR 2.64(95% CI=1.24-5.79). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that short duration of exposure to sperm was more common in women with preeclampsia compared with controls.