Cervical origin infertility

Cervical infertility can be the cause of the inability to conceive. It is a condition in which the cervix becomes an insurmountable barrier for male sperm, and conception does not occur.

What is cervical infertility?

The physiology of the female reproductive system is organized in such a way that the uterine cavity remains mostly closed to external agents. This protective function is ensured by the viscous cervical mucus secreted by the cells of the cervix. During the menstrual cycle, the levels of sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone regulate its properties: during ovulation, the mucus becomes more fluid and permeable to sperm, while during other phases of the cycle, it remains thick, making penetration difficult.

Cervical mucus problems are generally not a major cause of infertility, but they can be a factor in women who have a cervical infection or scar tissue in the cervix (cervical stenosis). If the cervical mucus remains viscous, it can lead to the development of what is known as the cervical factor of female infertility.

Additionally, successful conception can be prevented by:

• anomalies in the development of the cervix.
• Changes in healing and deformities of the cervix after surgeries, abortions.
• Cervicitis. Inflammation that may lead to narrowing of the cervical canal.
• Cervical erosion.
• Polyps and fibroids in the cervical area.
• Endocrine disorders. Problems with estrogen production.

Diagnosis of cervical infertility

The main symptom of the pathology is the difficulty in conceiving a child during regular intercourse without contraception. Generally, doctors begin to suspect the cervical factor of infertility if no pregnancy occurs after a year of attempts in women under 35 or after six months in women over 35. Typically, the woman feels healthy, but there are cases where patients suffering from infertility due to the cervical factor complain of the following:

• Pain and a feeling of heaviness in the groin and lower back.
• Abundant urine discharge.
• Discomfort during intercourse.
• Menstrual irregularities.

To find the reasons why a couple is unable to conceive, an evaluation must first be carried out:

• Menstrual cycle and ovulation.
• Fallopian tubes.
• Male spermogram.

To highlight the presence of the cervical form of infertility, examinations are conducted: each diagnostic method has its own advantages. For example, a mirror examination allows for the identification of obvious anomalies in the structure of the cervix, the PAP test detects pathological changes in the cells, and pH measurement determines the acidity level of the mucus, which can affect sperm motility.

1. Examination of the cervix using mirrors.
2. Samples taken from the cervical canal.
3. Colposcopy.
4. PAP test: The test involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix and examining them for potential cancerous cells.
5. pH measurement of cervical mucus.

For more detailed analyses, the following may be used:

• Assessment of the physicochemical properties of cervical secretion.
• Post-coital test.
• Kurzrock-Miller test.
• Detection of anti-sperm antibodies in plasma and cervical secretions.
• MAR Test: The purpose of the MAR test is to detect the presence of these antibodies on the surface of sperm.

Treatment methods for cervical infertility

The set of therapeutic measures is determined by the nature of the detected pathology:

• Antimicrobial therapy. It is used in cases of infectious processes. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or ceftriaxone, are generally prescribed, along with anti-inflammatories to eliminate inflammation symptoms and prevent complications.
• Removal of polyps or fibroids. Surgery is necessary if these masses hinder conception.
• Plastic surgery. It is used to eliminate anatomical anomalies of the cervix.
• Hormonal therapy. It is prescribed in cases of changes in the composition of cervical mucus due to endocrine disorders.
• Desensitization therapy. It is used in the context of the immune mechanism deteriorating sperm.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) options

For patients facing severe reproductive disorders, the clinic offers modern IVF methods:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF). An effective method for couples who cannot conceive naturally.
• IVF with egg donation. A solution for women who do not have eggs or have poor-quality eggs.
• IVF with double donation. An option that involves the use of eggs and sperm from donors if necessary. This approach is suitable for couples where the woman lacks eggs and the man has low-quality sperm, making this method an ideal solution to overcome dual reproductive limitations.

Professional help in case of cervical infertility

Specialized reproductive doctors and gynecologists-obstetricians at the NatuVitro Clinic have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating cervical infertility. We use modern research methods and an individualized approach to help each patient achieve the desired goal – motherhood. To learn more about the possibilities of reproductive medicine and take a step toward realizing your dream of parenthood, make an appointment by phone or through the form in the “Contact Us” section.