Structural changes in human cervical mucus.
The crystallization phenomenon of human cervical mucus was investigated with the help of scanning electron microscope. Changes in the conformation of crystals and ferning patterns were studied on different days of the menstrual cycle in both normally ovulating women and those using oral contraceptives. No crystalline structure was found on day 5 in both categories of women, whereas square crystals were observed on day 21 in normal woman. Nature and type of ferning pattern changes seen from days 11 to 14 in normal women were not seen during this period in women who were on oral contraception, instead a thick, viscous mucus was found during the entire period of the cycle.
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D000328:Adult; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000494:pharmacology; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D003460:Crystallization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal