Professor Erik Odeblad
Emeritus Professor, Department of Medical Biophysics
University
of Umeå, S-90187, Umeå, Sweden
"the cervix is a precision organ as complex as the
eye"
Printable version of this page in PDF format
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Carefully mapped
lateral wall of the Cervix of a 20 year old virgin
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The cervix is
at the bottom of the uterus and channels sperm from the
vagina through to the uterus.
The figure shows the crypt types in
the cervix wall which secrete the corresponding mucus type:
These mucus produce the symptomatic pattern of fertility
and infertility which underpins the Billings Ovulation Method.
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| Mucus
Types |
L
Mucus
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G
Mucus
- impenetrable gestagenic mucus formed in the lowest cervical
crypts. Prevents sperm entry to the cervix and is part of
the immune system which protects the woman's reproductive
system from infection. |
- eliminates low-quality sperm and provides
a structure to support the S and P mucus. Produces a wet,
sticky sensation at the vulva. |
F
Mucus
- comes from the cells scattered throughout the length of
the cervical canal and has no known special function.
Z Granules
- the enzyme in the Z granules combines with the P mucus
to create a liquifying effect. |
Artist's impression
of mucus secretions
(The Author gratefully acknowledges Jane Mooney
for the original artwork)
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S
Mucus
- forms string-like channels and provides transport ("swimming
lanes") for sperm cells. Produces a wet, lubricative
sensation at the vulva. |
P Mucus
- there are a number of sub-types of this mucus, the most
relevant for fertility are P2 and P6. P2 could be present
as early as the beginning of the fertile phase possibly having
a role in liquifying the G mucus. P6 is mostly confined to
the upper part of the cervix, occurring close to the Peak
of fertility, and having a role in conveying sperm. It creates
a very wet and lubricative sensation at the vulva. |
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Bibliography
Odeblad, Erik,
"The Discovery of Different Types of Cervical Mucus and the
Billings Ovulation Method", Bulletin of the Natural
Family Planning Council of Victoria, Vol 21, No. 3, September
1994.
Odeblad, E., "Investigations
on the Physiological Basis of Fertility Awareness",
Bulletin of Ovulation Method Research and Reference Centre of
Australia, Vol 29 Number 1 March 2002, pp 2-11.
Billings, Evelyn L. and Billings, John J., Teaching
the Billings Ovulation Method, Part 2, Variations of the Cycle and
Reproductive Health, Ovulation Method Research and Reference
Centre of Australia, Melbourne, 1997.
Billings, Evelyn and Westmore, Ann, The
Billings Method, Ann O'Donovan Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, 1997.
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