EDITOR - The review by Tay et al(1)
highlighted the increasing incidence of ectopic pregnancy.They
correctly associated this trend with genital infection caused by Chlamydia
trachomatis, a sexually transmitted organism. This association was
documented more than ten years ago by other investigators(2)(3).A
comprehensive management of a patient with ectopic pregnancy therefore
demands contact tracing of her recent sexual partner or partners. This is
to screen him/them for sexually transmitted infections like C.trachomatis,
and give the appropriate medication.
Hence the need for cooperation between the gynaecologist and the
genitourinary medicine physician in the care of these patients. This
practice will decrease repeat infections and further spread of sexually
transmitted infections. The staff of the genitourinary medicine department
are trained to treat these matters with sensitivity and keep findings
confidential.
While I agree with their last sentence, there is a need to look
beyond the gynaecology ward for the second part of the equation - the male
partner.
Rapid Response:
Look beyond the gynaecology ward
EDITOR - The review by Tay et al(1)
highlighted the increasing incidence of ectopic pregnancy.They
correctly associated this trend with genital infection caused by Chlamydia
trachomatis, a sexually transmitted organism. This association was
documented more than ten years ago by other investigators(2)(3).A
comprehensive management of a patient with ectopic pregnancy therefore
demands contact tracing of her recent sexual partner or partners. This is
to screen him/them for sexually transmitted infections like C.trachomatis,
and give the appropriate medication.
Hence the need for cooperation between the gynaecologist and the
genitourinary medicine physician in the care of these patients. This
practice will decrease repeat infections and further spread of sexually
transmitted infections. The staff of the genitourinary medicine department
are trained to treat these matters with sensitivity and keep findings
confidential.
While I agree with their last sentence, there is a need to look
beyond the gynaecology ward for the second part of the equation - the male
partner.
REFERENCES
1.Tay JI,Moore J, Walker JJ. Ectopic pregnancy.BMJ 2000;320:916-9.
2. Marchbanks PA, Annergers JF,Coulam CB,Strathy JH,Kurland LT. Risk
factorsfor ectopic pregnancy.A population based study.JAMA 1988;259:1823-
7.
3. Westrom L,Bengtsson LPH,Mardh P-A. Incidence, trends and risks of
ectopic pregnancy in a population of women.BMJ 1981;282:15-8.
Competing interests: No competing interests