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.