In this report, the ultrastructure of eM was studied by cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-scan), which enabled us to observe the sample while it still contained water. … It was then placed in a specially made chamber which was part of the cryo-scanning electron microscope model JSM-50A (JEOL, Tokyo). The eM was examined after etching and coating with gold. A human cervical mucus specimen as observed by cryo-scan. The 3-dimensional netlike structure was characteristic (original magnification x 10,000).
cervical mucus ultrastructure cryo-scanning electron microscopy, human cervical mucus 3D netlike structure imaging, cryo-SEM cervical mucus water content preservation, cervical mucus microstructure fertility biomarker, scanning electron microscopy cervical mucus morphology, cervical mucus architecture ovulation cycle changes, Takano cervical mucus cryo-scanning 1979, cervical mucus glycoprotein network ultrastructural analysis, cervical mucus sperm transport structural basis, electron microscopy reproductive tract secretions
PMID 499592 499592 DOI 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)44368-2 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)44368-2
Cite this article
Takano, N., Maekawa, I., & Takamizawa, H. (1979). Ultrastructure of human cervical mucus observed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Fertility and sterility, 32(5), 604-607. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)44368-2
Takano N, Maekawa I, Takamizawa H. Ultrastructure of human cervical mucus observed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Fertil Steril. 1979;32(5):604-607. doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(16)44368-2
Takano, Noboru, et al. "Ultrastructure of human cervical mucus observed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy." Fertility and sterility, vol. 32, no. 5, 1979, pp. 604-607.
Two main types of cervical mucus have been described oestrogenic and progestative. Each category shows diverse morphological and functional features from the reproductive point of view. Traditionally, this change has been approached by analysing morphological patterns. In fact, a mesh model has been described for cervical mucus, structurally composed of fibrillar subunits with a parallel orientation, together with another model in a characteristic network shape with canalicular units, but the real model is not clear. The objective of our work was to study the different morphological structures of the mucus, as related to the day of follicular rupture (considered as day 0) determined by ultrasound. Cervical mucus samples were obtained from the cervical canal with an ASPIRETTEtrade mark from day -4 to day +1 of the menstrual cycle. Samples were fixed and dried by critical point. The ultrastructure was examined with scanning electron microscopy. The presence of three types of oestrogenic and one type of progestative cervical mucus was confirmed in this period. Our paper shows different types of ultrastructure in the oestrogenic mucus in relation to ovulation, which would help to understand the interaction between male gametes and cervical mucus in migration through the female genital tract.
Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and Practice Committee of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, 2026·Fertility and sterility
Luteal phase deficiency (LPD) is a clinical diagnosis associated with abnormal luteal phase length of ≤10 days. Potential etiologies of LPD include inadequate progesterone duration, inadequate progesterone levels, or endometrial progesterone resistance. Luteal phase deficiency has been described in association with medical conditions, but also in fertile, normally menstruating women. Although progesterone is important for the process of implantation and early embryonic development, LPD has not been proven to be an independent entity causing infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Controversy exists regarding the multiple proposed measures for diagnosing LPD, and assuming it can be diagnosed accurately, whether treatment improves outcomes. This document replaces the document of the same name, last published in 2021 (Fertil Steril 2021;115(6):1416-23).
Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2026·Fertility and Sterility
Current strategies for the assessment and treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss are discussed. This replaces the previous document, titled, "Evaluation and treatment a committee opinion," last published in 2012.
This narrative review examines the evidence for medical optimization of inflammatory conditions, vitamin deficiencies, endocrine disorders, immune dysregulation, oligo-ovulation, and luteal phase factors to improve fertility outcomes in women attempting to conceive through natural or timed intercourse. Overall, there is a paucity of data with respect to these categories among patients pursuing timed intercourse, precluding our ability to draw strong recommendations. However, there is strong evidence supporting treatment of endocrine disorders, specifically overt thyroid dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia, as well as oligo-ovulation. Conversely, treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism is not recommended. The current data are insufficient to support empiric use of antiinflammatory medications, corticosteroids, thyroid hormones, or vitamins or supplements to improve chances of pregnancy in a general infertility population.