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An evaluation of the cervix and uterus usually has two endpoints for identifying problems.
They are physical problems or mucus related problems. The physical problems of the cervix
is more related to recurrent miscarriages than a cervical evaluation. The mucus related
problems usually involve three possible issues
- There is not enough mucus for the sperm to survive.
- The mucus is too thick for sperm to survive.
- The mucus contains sperm antibodies.
Cervical Treatments
There are many different types of treatments for cervical issues. The cervical factor
is very patient specific and needs to be discussed and evaluated at length with your
physician. Here is a list of treatments that are sometimes used for cervical factors:
Intra-uterine Insemination (IUI)
Sperm is placed in a catheter and the catheter is placed
through the cervix to the uterus. Any mucus issues related to the cervix are bypassed.
Low Dose Estrogens
Estrogens are needed to produce an adequate quantity of sperm friendly mucus.
Ovulation Induction
Poor ovulation will give out low levels of estrogen and progesterone
and yield poor mucus. Ovulation induction with clomiphene or gonadotropins can improve
ovulation and therefore mucus.
IVF (in vitro fertilization)
If there are anti-sperm antibodies in the cervix, IVF will
bypass the cervix and be a treatment option to assure that fertilization is possible.
Stop Taking Medications
Clomiphene and progesterone are anti-estrogens that can limit
adequate mucus production.
Sperm Abstinence
Sometimes a woman may make an anti-sperm antibody. Six months of condoms
can deprive the anti-sperm antibody production capability and return the cervix to a normal
mucus environment. This treatment is rare due to the heightened awareness of more successful
therapies and the urgency to become pregnant.
Wide speculation of treatment options takes place with infertility patients in general.
The treatment is very specific to the patient. Discuss treatment options with your physician.
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