title: [Experimental detection of cervical mucus changes produced by a surfactant spermicide].
abstract: Examination under the scanning electron microscope of the arborizations which had developed in dehydrated ovulatory cervical mucus following contact with a contraceptive agent "Alpagelle," with recognized activity only as a spermicide, revealed abnormal structural and exogenous crystallization.  2 conclusions can be drawn which cast new light on the mechanism of action of this contraceptive:  the water-soluble active principle of the spermicide enters the aqueous phase of the mucus and eventually saturates this phase; and the water/salt balance is disturbed by the addition of solutes from the spermicide.  It can therefore be concluded that "Alpagelle" makes part of the cervical passage lethal to spermatozoa and its protective action is not limited to that of a film coating the vaginal neck and body.  It can also be concluded that, by disturbing the salt balance within the aqueous phase, it also alters the cervical "climate" and renders it less suitable for the male gametes.
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Chretien
mesh_terms: D001695:Biology; D002582:Cervix Mucus; D002584:Cervix Uteri; D003267:Contraception; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D019049:Developed Countries; D004467:Economics; D005060:Europe; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005602:France; D005835:Genitalia; D005836:Genitalia, Female; D010827:Physiology; D012106:Research; D013672:Technology; D014566:Urogenital System; D014599:Uterus
chemical_list: D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female
keywords: Biology; Cervical Mucus; Cervix; Clinical Research; Contraception; Contraceptive Agents; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Developed Countries; Economic Factors; Europe; Evaluation; Family Planning; France; Genitalia; Genitalia, Female; Mediterranean Countries; Physiology; Research And Development; Research Methodology; Technology; Urogenital System; Uterus; Western Europe