Chlamydia increases risks in pregnancy

Researchers found that women who had had the sexually transmitted infection were more likely to produce a particular protein in their Fallopian tubes.

Increased production of this protein – known as PROKR2 – makes an embryo more likely to implant outside the womb in the Fallopian tube, in what is known as an ectopic pregnancy.

The University of Edinburgh said the study by its researchers provides evidence for the first time of how chlamydia could increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

It follows on from research, also at the University of Edinburgh, which showed production of a similar protein increased the likelihood of smokers having an ectopic pregnancy.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK.

It can be treated but often goes undiagnosed because it can occur without symptoms.

The infection is known to cause infertility as it can lead to scarring and blockages in the Fallopian tube.

This new research shows chlamydial infection linked to ectopic pregnancy also causes much more subtle changes in the Fallopian tube, without evidence of severe scarring.

The study was funded by the Wellbeing of Women and the Medical Research Council.

Some 11,000 women in the UK have an ectopic pregnancy each year.