What is cervical factor infertility?

The cervix is the lowest portion of the uterus. The cervix produces clear and watery mucus at ovulation allowing sperm to pass into the uterus. Cervical factor infertility is a rare cause of infertility; however, prior cervical surgery (cervical biopsy, cone biopsy, loop electrosurgical excision procedure [LEEP], freezing and/or laser treatments for abnormal Pap smears, for instance) may contribute to cervical factor infertility. There are no predictive tests for it. Post-coital testing -- taking a sample of mucus during ovulation to evaluate for cervical factor -- is poor at predicting true cervical abnormalities and isn't routinely performed. Typically, intrauterine sperm insemination (IUI) to bypass any potential cervical factors is recommended.