[Interaction of spermatozoa and the cervical mucus]

Interactions between spermatozoa and cervical mucus are important for the process of fertilization, especially in cases of sterility, whereby the whole system including both participants has to be evaluated. We have investigated couples, where the husband was suffering from a reduced fructose content or increased viscosity of the seminal plasma. We found that reduced fructose did not interfere with fertility; however increased viscosity of the seminal plasma did significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy. The various disturbances in spermatozoal morphology (Düsseldorf scheme) interfered with fertility in quite different ways. From the different forms of spermatozoa in cervical mucus one can define a specific disturbance in the man. Using cytophotometry for multiple spermatozoa, Feulgen-DNS-determination and aktin-determination of the single spermatozoon we found additional parameters to evaluate the infertile couple.