Cervical Mucous Problems

Mucous is usually present in a woman’s cervix to help keep bacteria out of the uterus and, around the time of ovulation, to help the transport of sperm through the uterus to the egg. If the woman’s body does not produce cervical mucous, or if the cervical mucous doesn't have sufficient elasticity, sperm cannot reach the egg.

Evaluation

A post-coital test will determine the quality of the cervical mucous, and its role, if any, in a woman’s fertility problems. Women can also check fertile-quality cervical mucous for themselves, by checking to see whether the mucous stretches between their finger tips as it should around the time of ovulation.

Cause

Usually, problems with a woman’s cervical mucous can be linked to hormonal imbalances. Changes in the volume and texture of the mucous are due to an increase in the hormone estrogen, which rises around the time of ovulation (when eggs are released). Normal cervical mucous around the time of ovulation is thin and watery. When there is an estrogen imbalance the quantity and quality of the mucous can be affected (could be thicker or less copious).

Treatment

Several options exist if cervical mucous is a contributing factor to infertility, including an assisted reproductive procedure called intrauterine insemination (IUI).