African Journal of Reproductive Health Women's Health and Action Research Centre ISSN: 1118-4841 Vol. 6, Num. 1, 2002, pp. 107-108

African Journal of Reproductive Health, Vol. 6, No. 1, April, 2002 pp. 107-108

Effects of Different Temperatures for Drying Cervical Mucus Smear on their Crystallisation Pattern: A Short Report

SO Onemu

Correspondence: S. O. Onemu, Laboratory Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1111, Benin City, Nigeria

Code Number: rh02014

ABSTRACT

The effects of different room temperatures for drying cervical mucus on crystallisation of fern-tree patterns was determined using cervical mucus smears from 60 women undergoing investigation for infertility at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Cervical mucus smears were dried in the oven at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35^oC and examined rapidly for fern-tree pattern crystallisation. Fern-tree patterns were formed consistently between 15 and 25^oC. At 30 and 35^oC fern-tree crystallisation patterns decreased significantly in proportion (p < 0.05); they became atypical or were not formed at all. The finding in this study demonstrates that in tropical environments where ambient room temperature may reach 35^oC, fern-tree pattern would differ from those in temperate regions. (Afr J Reprod Health 2002; 6[1]: 107–108)

RÉSUMÉ

Les Effets des Diverses Températures Ordinaires pour le Séchage du Frottis des Mucosités Cervicales sur l'Aspect de Cristallisation: Un Compte rendu. Nous avons déterminé les effets des diverses températures ordinaires pour le séchage du frottis des mucosités cervicales sur l'aspect de cristallisation en fougère, à l'aide des frottis des mucosités cervicales, chez 60 femmes qui faisaient l'objet de l'enquête pour la stérilité au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire à Benin City. Les frottis des muscosités cervicales ont été séchés au four à une température de 15^oC, 20^oC, 25^oC, 30^oC et 35^oC et ont été examinés très rapidement pour la cristallisation en feuille de fougère. Il y a eu des aspects en fougère qui ont été formés constamment entre 15^oC et 35^oC. A 30^oC et 35^oC, il y a eu une baisse remarquable des aspects de cristallisation en feuille de fougère en proportion (p <  0,05); ils sont devenus atypique ou bien non formés du tout. Le résultat de cette étude montre que dans les régions tropicales où la température ordinaire ambiante peut atteindre 35^oC, l'aspect de fougère serait différent de ceux qu'on trouve dans les régions tempérées. (Rev Afr Santé Reprod 2002; 6[1]: 107–108)

KEY WORDS: Infertility, ovulation, cervical smears, fern-tree patterns, temperature

INTRODUCTION

When smeared on glass slide, the fern-tree pattern crystallisation of cervical mucus during ovulation form an important part of the post-coital (Huhner) test in the early stages of infertility investigation for a female causal factor. Cervical mucus exhibits changes in consistency under the influence of estrogens. The examination for fern-tree is performed as near as possible to the time of ovulation as determined by clinical and laboratory means. The fern-tree pattern should possess tertiary and quaternary stems.¹ The mucus at this stage is fibrous (high spinnbakeit) and more favourable to sperm penetration than at any other time during the cycle.² Hostile cervical mucus has been implicated as a causal factor in some cases of infertility.³

The degree of fern-tree crystallisation in conjunction with the sperm penetration and survival tests is helpful in excluding a cervical factor. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of varying room temperatures on fern-tree crystallisation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study materials consisted of cervical mucus samples from 60 different women aged 22–41 years undergoing investigation for infertility at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Cervical mucus was obtained from each patient after two days abstinence from sexual intercourse with an unlubricated speculum inserted into the vagina to dilate it. A sample was then aspirated with a mucus pipette from the vagina posterior fornix. Five smears were made from each patient's specimen and dried in the oven to simulate room temperatures of 15^oC, 20^oC, 25^oC, 30^oC and 35^oC for 60 minutes. The dried smears were thereafter examined rapidly under a microscope at a room temperature of 20–22^oC with 200 and 400X magnifications.

RESULTS

Table 1 shows the effect of different temperatures for drying cervical mucus smears. The proportion of cervical smears that formed fern-tree patterns remained unchanged between the temperature range 15–25^oC. At this range of temperature 16 (26.6%) showed no fern-tree patterns, 9 (15%) displayed atypical ferns, 24 (40%) crystallised ferns with secondary stems and 11 (18.3%) fern-tree patterns with quaternary branches.

The proportion of cervical smears that formed fern-tree patterns at 30 and 35^oC decreased significantly (X², p < 0.05) in proportion and in the degree of crystallisation.

DISCUSSION

Correct timing of ovulation may well be a solution to a female fertility problem. Examination of the cervical mucus during the oestrous cycle for fern-tree patterns forms an important part of the investigation in the early stages and in excluding a cervical factor. The different temperatures at which cervical smears were dried clearly showed that high room temperatures significantly affect fern-tree pattern crystallisation (p < 0.05). This study, therefore, demonstrates that in our tropical environment where ambient room temperatures may reach 35^oC, fern-tree crystallisation patterns would differ from those in temperate regions.

REFERENCES

1. Phillip EE. An overview of infertility research and treatment. Int J Fert 1993; 38(3): 134–138.
2. World Health Organization. Laboratory Manual for the Examination of Human Semen and Sperm Cervical Mucus Interaction. 3rd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992, 28–39.
3. Matilsky M, Ben-Ami M, Geslevich Y, Eyali V and Shaler E. Cervical leukocytosis and abnormal post-coital test: a diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Hum Reprod 1993; 8(2): 244–246.

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