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Problems with the uterus and/or cervix that may cause infertility

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By Bets Davis, MFA; Sandy Jocoy, RN

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Problems with a woman's uterus and/or cervix may be caused by:

  • Abnormalities of the uterus present from birth.
  • Previous surgery or a procedure, such as a cervical cone biopsy or a dilation and curettage (D&C), which may decrease fertility if these procedures have damaged the cervix or uterine lining (rare).
  • Exposure to certain drugs before birth, such as DES, which may cause deformities of the uterus, resulting in infertility.
  • Abnormalities in a woman's cervical mucus, which may affect the movement of sperm through the vagina and cervix.
  • Antibodies to sperm present in a woman's cervical mucus, which may kill the sperm or affect their ability to move normally and result in infertility.

Credits

Author Bets Davis, MFA
Author Sandy Jocoy, RN
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated March 21, 2008
Author:Bets Davis, MFA
Sandy Jocoy, RN
Last Updated: 03/21/2008