Human ejaculate. Effects on the biomechanical properties of 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.