O H Harmanli1, R J Wapner, J F Lontz. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of human ejaculate on the biomechanical properties of the human chorioamniotic membranes. STUDY DESIGN: Equivalent strips of chorioamniotic membranes were obtained from 30 term, uncomplicated pregnancies immediately after delivery and incubated for 0, 1 and 24 hours with either ejaculate or pseudoamniotic fluid. Three biomechanical properties--rupture tension, strain to rupture and work to rupture--were compared. RESULTS: One hour of incubation with pseudoamniotic fluid alone did not significantly change the membrane biomechanical parameters, but these parameters were reduced after one hour of exposure to ejaculate (P < .05). Twenty-four hours of incubation decreased all three properties in both the ejaculate and control groups without any significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In vitro exposure to human ejaculate for one hour significantly weakens the human chorioamniotic membranes.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of human ejaculate on the biomechanical properties of the human chorioamniotic membranes. STUDY DESIGN: Equivalent strips of chorioamniotic membranes were obtained from 30 term, uncomplicated pregnancies immediately after delivery and incubated for 0, 1 and 24 hours with either ejaculate or pseudoamniotic fluid. Three biomechanical properties--rupture tension, strain to rupture and work to rupture--were compared. RESULTS: One hour of incubation with pseudoamniotic fluid alone did not significantly change the membrane biomechanical parameters, but these parameters were reduced after one hour of exposure to ejaculate (P < .05). Twenty-four hours of incubation decreased all three properties in both the ejaculate and control groups without any significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In vitro exposure to human ejaculate for one hour significantly weakens the human chorioamniotic membranes.