Cervical Mucus - the Biochemical and Molecular Properties in
Fertile and Subfertile Women (C-MIS Study) Infertility affects
approximately one in six couples1. In approximately one third of
cases, there is no cause found as to why a couple are unable to
conceive2. In order for natural pregnancy to occur, sperm must
pass through the cervix (neck of the womb) and swim to the
woman's Fallopian tubes so that fertilisation of one of the
woman's eggs can occur. It is known that mid-cycle mucus at the
cervix is essential for sperm to gain access to the uterus and
tubes. There is evidence that the composition of this mucus in
women may affect fertility but this area has not been studied
well in recent years, partly because fertility treatments such
as IVF bypass the cervix. Research in sheep and cows in UCD has
shown interesting differences in the cervical mucus of fertile
and infertile animals. It appears that the mucus not only helps
sperm to get to the uterus but may also help the sperm to mature
and be ready to fe