In situ variation of cervical mucus pH during exposure to atmospheric air
Braz. j. med. biol. res
; 34(6): 767-70, Jun. 2001. tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-285851
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
The objective of the present study was to determine if exposure of cervical mucus to air during specular examination could modify mucus pH. Detection of changes is justified because of their possible interference with sperm-mucus interaction, since an acidic pH is unfavorable to sperm penetration and is associated with infertility due to the cervical factor. Twenty women with good quality mucus were evaluated. pH measurements of ecto- and endocervical mucus were made in situ using a glass electrode after 0-, 5- and 10-min exposure to air. There was a progressive alkalinization of mucus pH. Mean values of ectocervical mucus pH were 6.91, 7.16 and 7.27, while mean values of endocervical mucus pH were 7.09, 7.34 and 7.46 at 0, 5 and 10 min, respectively. Significant differences were found between the mean values obtained at 0 and 5 min, and at 0 and 10 min (P<0.05), whereas the differences in mean values at 5 and 10 min were not significant at either site. We conclude that 5 to 10 min of exposure to atmospheric air affects cervical mucus pH in a significant way. Since tests used to evaluate sperm-mucus interaction generally have not considered this possibility, we suggest that they should be performed immediately after mucus collection in order to avoid misinterpretation of the results.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
LILACS
Main subject:
Cervix Mucus
/
Air
Type of study:
Etiology study
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. j. med. biol. res
Journal subject:
Biology
/
Medicine
Year:
2001
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Fundaçäo Universitária de Endocrinologia e Fertilidade/BR