Periodontal Disease and Conception
For years, studies have shown that periodontal diseases may be a risk for general health, but now recent studies show it may also contribute to the delayed conception in young women.
The study, carried out by the University of Helsinki, was comprised of 256 healthy non-pregnant women (age range 19 to 42) who had discontinued contraception in order to become pregnant. Clinical oral and gynecological examinations were performed. Subjects were followed-up to establish whether they did or did not become pregnant during the observation period of 12 months.
The analysis showed that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium associated with periodontal diseases, was detected more frequently among women who did not become pregnant during the one-year follow-up period than among those who did.
“Our results encourage young women of fertile age to take care of their oral health and attend periodontal evaluations regularly.” – Susanna Paju, periodontist and researcher
Statistical analysis showed that the finding was independent of other risk factors contributing to conception, such as age, current smoking, socioeconomic status, bacterial vaginosis, previous deliveries or clinical periodontal disease.
According to Paju, the study does not answer the question on possible reasons for infertility, but it shows that periodontal bacteria may have a systemic effect even in lower amounts and even before clear clinical signs of gum disease can be seen.
Learn more about the study at the Journal of Oral Microbiology (2017); doi.org/10.1080/20002297.2017.1330644
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