Normally, mucus in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina) to thicken and can not be penetrated until just before releasing eggs (ovulation). Then, just before ovulation, the mucus becomes clear and elastic (due to increased levels of the hormone estrogen). As a result, the sperm can move through the mucus into the uterus into the fallopian tubes, where fertilization can occur.
If the mucus does not change during ovulation (usually due to an infection), pregnancy is not possible, pregnancy is also not possible if the sperm mucus contains antibodies that kill sperm before they can reach the egg.
Diagnosis
Postcoital test, performed between 2 and 8 hours after sexual intercourse, including cervical mucus study and determine if the sperm can survive in the mucus. The test is scheduled in the middle of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are very high and the woman was ovulating. Examples of mucus taken with forceps or a syringe.
Keelastisan thickening and mucus and the number of sperm in the mucus confirmed. Abnormal results, including the mucus is too thick, there is no sperm, and sperm and mixed clots because mucus contains sperm antibodies. However, abnormal results do not always indicate that there is a problem in the mucus, or that a pregnancy could occur, the sperm can not attend just because they are not stored in the vagina during intercourse, and mucus may be too thick because the tests did not show an appropriate time the menstrual cycle.
TREATMENT
Treatment may include intrauterine insemination, where semen is placed directly into the uterus to cut the mucus. Drugs to thin the mucus, such as guaifenesin, may be used. Even so, there is no evidence that any treatment increases the chance of pregnancy.
