Publication: The mechanism of peri-implantation Sexual intercourse and oxidative stress on placenta histopathological changes
No Thumbnail Available
Date
0025-12
Authors
Ibrahim, Abubakar
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The peri-implantation phase is a pivotal period in pregnancy establishment, characterized by intricate synchronization between maternal and embryonic factors that facilitate optimal implantation and placental development. Disruptions during this critical phase can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and placenta previa. Although peri-implantation sexual intercourse (PISI) is traditionally believed to support conception, its potential impact on placental health and pregnancy outcomes remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of peri-implantation sexual abstinence on placental histomorphology, oxidative stress markers, placental positioning, and maternal-fetal outcomes. A randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 33 participants divided into abstinence (n=9) and non-abstinence (n=24) groups. Placental samples were analyzed for histopathological changes, including inflammation, fibrin deposits, and chorion/amnion integrity, using H&E staining and CD31 immunohistochemistry to assess angiogenesis. Oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), were quantified via ELISA. Placental positions were assessed through ultrasonography, and maternal-fetal outcomes, including preeclampsia, placenta previa, FGR, preterm birth, Apgar scores, NICU admissions, and neonatal anomalies, were documented. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism version 8.4.3. The results demonstrated significant histomorphological improvements in the abstinence group, including lower inflammation rates (33.3% vs. 70.8%, p=0.167), absence of MPFD (0% vs. 33.3%, p=0.0731), and intact chorion and amnion integrity (100% vs. 25%, p<0.0001). CD31 staining revealed significantly higher vascular density in the abstinence group (15.3 ± 3.1 vs. 8.9 ± 2.7 vessels/HPF, p=0.0136), indicating enhanced angiogenesis. Additionally, oxidative stress markers reflected reduced oxidative stress in the abstinence group, with lower MDA levels (6.54 ± 2.37 vs. 16.65 ± 4.98 μmol/L, p=0.0006) and higher antioxidant activity (SOD: 52.16 ± 15.29 vs. 24.40 ± 6.30 U/mg protein, p=0.0038; CAT: 106.7 ± 23.24 vs. 57.33 ± 11.63 U/mg protein, p=0.0026; T-AOC: 137.5 ± 60.93 vs. 60.93 ± 22.35 μmol/L, p=0.0034). Placental positioning analysis revealed no cases of low-lying placenta in the abstinence group compared to 20.8% in the non-abstinence group, though this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.137). Maternal outcomes included one case of preterm delivery in each group, with NICU admission reported in the abstinence group, while FGR was observed in one case in the non-abstinence group. No cases of preeclampsia or placenta previa were reported. Fetal outcomes showed no significant differences in Apgar scores or neonatal anomalies between groups. Peri-implantation sexual abstinence was associated with significant improvements in placental health, including reduced oxidative stress, enhanced angiogenesis, and a reduced risk of abnormal placental positioning. These findings highlight the potential protective role of abstinence during the peri-implantation period in optimizing pregnancy outcomes. Further studies with larger cohorts are recommended to validate these results and explore their integration into preconception care strategies.