Evaluation of the Sperm Cervical Mucus Contact test (SCMC) for Assessment of Cervical Factor Infertility

Abstract

Background:Cervical mucus is a necessary component of human fertility. Cervical mucus is considered a main barrier for sperms for passing to the upper female reproductive tract, only less than 1% of the spermatozoa in vagina can penetrate the cervical mucus successfully.Objective:Use in vitro sperm cervical mucus contact test (SCMC) to evaluate the fertility of couples complaining from unexplained infertility.Methods:This study was conducted in the Infertility Unit/ Babylon Hospital of Gynecology and Children. Seminal fluid analysis was performed for all 45 studied specimens. SCMC test was performed by aspirating a cervical mucus at 12-14 day cycle of females. One drop of semen mixed with a drop of cervical mucus and covered with cover slide. The slide is then incubated at 37C° for 30 minutes.The sperm concentration and sperm motility due to grading activity were evaluated and compared with semen parameters.Results:The results showed a significant decrease (p<0.001) of sperm concentration and forward sperm motility (grade a & b ), while a significant increase (p<0.001) in grade c and d sperm motility compared to their values in seminal fluid analysis.The correlation (r) study showed significant negative correlation between forward sperm motility a+b with age of females, while a positive correlation between grade c of sperm motility and age of females, and non-significant correlation between all studied sperm parameters with infertility period.Conclusion:It was concluded that sperm SCMC test is necessary for detecting the causes of infertility for Normospermic men.