Influence of the copper iud and the lippes loop on sperm migration in the human cervical mucus

Cervical mucus was obtained at the ovulation phase from thirty women: normally fertile; T-Cu-200 device users; and Lippes loop wearers. It was studied as regards sperm penetration, motility, turbidity, Spinnbarkeit and feming. Sperm penetration and motility were greatly impaired with Cu-device users, while with Lippes loop, the findings approached that of normal control women. Increased turbidity, diminished Spinnbarkeit and positive ferning were also observed in the presence of the Cu-device. Penetration results are discussed in relation to the local action of copper on the cervical milieu affecting spermatozoal migration.