Sperm migration in the human female genital tract with and without intrauterine devices
Koch, J.U.
Acta Europaea Fertilitatis 11(1): 33-60
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0587-2421 PMID: 7004046 Document Number: 5777
The process of sperm transport is followed from ejaculate, through deposition in the vagina, into the oviducts where fertilization occurs. The cyclic influence of the sex hormones, governed by the female menstrual cycle, causes characteristic changes in the entire genital tract, resulting in different secretions, some of which are more favorable to the survival of sperm in their transport through the female genital tract. The level of acidity in the vagina can be influenced by sexual behavior and by secretions of the upper genital tract. A sufficient glucose content in the cervical mucus is essential for sperm survival. A literature review presents what has been learned regarding sperm transport from various recent studies. Transport at different times is seen to be both active and passive. Infertility studies have contributed to current knowledge regarding sperm transport and capacitation. The IUD seems to effect biochemical, biophysical, cytological, and histological changes in the epithelia and their fluids. In fact, the different types of IUDs exert differing antifertility effects. Inert IUDs seem to create disturbances in the endometrium, preventing implantation. Copper-bearing and medicated IUDs exert influences in addition to the foreign-body reaction. In fact, some of these IUDs cause changes in the entire genital tract.
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