Induced abortion: Chlamydia trachomatis and postabortal complications

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Abstract
The overall prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among 873 abortion‐seeking women was 9.3% during 1985. Significantly higher age‐specific prevalences of C. trachornatis occurred among younger women (pC. trachomatis before the abortion was carried out, was readmitted to the hospital. Of 64 Chlamydia‐positive women, who commenced treatment within the first 2 weeks after the abortion was carried out, 14.1% were readmitted to the hospital, compared with 5.7% of Chlamydia‐negative women (p < 0.02). Postabortal salpingitis was verified at readmission among 10.9% of Chlamydia‐positive women and 3.2% of Chlamydia‐negative women (p < 0.01). An analysis of screening of all abortion‐seeking women is estimated to be worthwhile when the prevalence of C. trachomatis exceeds 4.3%. We recommend screening for Chlamdyia trachomatis of all abortion‐seeking women, 30 years or younger, at the preabortion visit, provided that treatment can be completed before the abortion is carried out.