This study examined whether avoiding sexual intercourse during the time when a fertilized egg may attach to the uterus affects placental development and pregnancy outcomes. Couples who were trying to conceive naturally were assigned by chance to one of two groups. Couples in the abstinence group were asked to avoid sexual intercourse for 14 days after ovulation. Couples in the no-restriction group continued their usual sexual activity without a study-imposed restriction. Participants were followed to determine whether pregnancy occurred and, when applicable, through pregnancy and delivery. During pregnancy, ultrasound was used to assess blood flow between the pregnant participant, placenta, and fetus. After delivery, available placentas were examined for tissue changes, blood-vessel development, and markers of oxidative stress, which reflects the balance between potentially damaging oxidants and the body's antioxidant defenses. Pregnancy and birth outcomes were also recorded. The study was designed to improve understanding of whether sexual activity around the time of implantation may be associated with placental development and pregnancy outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
94
Couples assigned to the intervention were instructed to avoid vaginal sexual intercourse for 14 consecutive days after ovulation during each study cycle. Ovulation timing was identified using the method specified in the study protocol. The restriction covered the expected peri-implantation period. After the 14-day abstinence period, no further study-imposed restriction on sexual activity was applied
Hospital USM
Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Placental Malondialdehyde Concentration
Malondialdehyde concentration was measured in placental tissue as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and normalized to total placental protein. The outcome was reported in nanomoles per milligram of protein.
Time frame: At delivery
Placental Villous Microvessel Density Assessed by CD31 Immunohistochemistry
Placental villous microvessel density was measured as the mean number of CD31-positive microvessels per high-power field in placental tissue collected after delivery. CD31-positive structures were quantified using a prespecified QuPath-assisted digital image-analysis procedure by assessors blinded to study allocation.
Time frame: At delivery
Placental Superoxide Dismutase Activity
Superoxide dismutase activity was measured in placental tissue as an indicator of enzymatic antioxidant activity and normalized to total placental protein. The outcome was reported in units per milligram of protein.
Time frame: At delivery
Placental Catalase Activity
Catalase activity was measured in placental tissue as an indicator of enzymatic antioxidant activity and normalized to total placental protein. The outcome was reported in units per milligram of protein. .
Time frame: At delivery
Placental Total Antioxidant Capacity
Total antioxidant capacity was measured in placental tissue and normalized to total placental protein. The outcome was reported in micromoles per milligram of protein
Time frame: At delivery
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