[Cervical mucus as a barrier to conception and spermatozoa migration]

Cervical mucus plays an important role in the migration of spermatozoids only in certain species. The transport of spermatozoids through the cervix is greatly influenced by seminal protease, the pH of the cervical mucus, proteins, immune antibodies of the seminal plasma, and ovarian hormones. A considerable part in the mechanism of spermatozoid migration through the uterus and tubes, along with their own motility, the chemotaxis of the ovarian cell, and prostaglandin, is played also by oxytocin. Apart from the well-known effect of this hormone on the transport of spermatozoids, its small doses stimulate the elimination of luteinizing hormones, in which way they enhance success in fertilization, and this has been substantiated by an experiment in 413 animals. A successful fertilization is greatly ensured also by the capacitation of spermatozoids.