Helicobacter pylori infection and reproductive disorders.

We propose to determine routinely the existence of an H. pylori infection in men and women with reduced fertility. Our proposal is based on the following observations: a) the infection is more prevalent in patients than controls, b) the infection could negatively affect semen quality, c) the presence of H. pylori influences the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the blood stream and stimulates the production of antibodies that, being also present in follicular fluids, vaginal mucous and semen of infected people, could possibly hamper the meeting of sperm with the oocyte.