Functional Biochemistry of cervical mucus.

Presently the most precise method for determining ovulation occurrence is luteinizing hormone plasma level Analysis; other biochemical tests could be developed which could be carried out at home to determine the changes in cervical mucus components which indicate ovulation. Ovulation prediction is important because sperm may be stored for 2-3 days in cervical crypts and remain viable so consequently ovulation must be predicted at least 3 days before ovulation to insure protection by prophylactic + barrier contraception. However most biochemical changes of cervical mucus occur too late to prevent conception. Work is presently being done on various biochemical parameters of cervical mucus in an effort to find 1 which will foreshadow ovulation sooner. At midcycle the insoluble mucin gel (glycoproteins) becomes less rigid perhaps due to a decrease in sialic acid content at midcycle giving the mucus greater viscoelastic properties and allowing sperm penetrations. Biophysically 2 structurally different types of mucus the G (gestagenic) and E (estrogenic) types exist. Sperm heads are incapable of passing through the mesh size of G-type (.2-.5 mcm) and this is the abundent type during the luteal phase. However during the midcycle when cervical mucus consists of 95-98% E type sperm penetrate easily (sperm head 2.5 mcm; E-type mucus .5-5 mcm diameter mesh). Changes in water content immunoglobulins muramidase alpha-amylase alkaline phosphatase fibrinolytic enzymes proteinase inhibitors carbohydrates lipids and electrolytes are also discussed as possible ovulation markers.