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 Concern
 Treatment
Pregnancy
Experiences
Concern
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Other Causes (Idiopathic)
Cervical problems are a relatively uncommon cause
of infertility. They may include:- Inadequate cervical mucus:
may be caused by poor oestrogen stimulation or poorly functioning
endocervical cells. One of the treatment options for inadequate
cervical mucus is gonadotropin therapy.
- Mucus hostility: in which
normal sperm fails to penetrate the cervical mucus. Mucus hostility
may arise as a result of intravaginal infections or due to the
presence of antisperm antibodies in the mucus (which are also
commonly a result of treatment). It is also possible for the male
to develop antibodies against his own sperm. Treatment of both
partners with antibiotic/antifungal agents may eliminate the
problem. Where this fails, these patients can be treated by
intrauterine insemination (IUI), in which sperm are introduced
directly into the uterus so bypassing the abnormal cervix. (See
Treatment section of this site)
Unexplained infertility is defined as failure to
conceive after one year, even though the cycle is normal, semen is
normal, laparoscopic findings are normal and there is normal
sperm-mucus penetration. In about 10-15% of couples, a cause for
infertility may not be found even after thorough investigation of
both partners.
The results of empirical hormonal treatment have been encouraging
in some female patients whose infertility is undiagnosed after
thorough investigation.
In women, unlike men, fertility declines with age from the age of
about 35 years. Clinical subfertility, defined as delay in
conception of more than 12 months, is therefore closely associated
with increasing age.
Other lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, alcohol and use of
prescribed or illegal drugs may influence fertility, but their
importance is uncertain.
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