Sperm vs Cervical Mucus

The reproductive system can be one of the best topics students love during their school days. It facilitates understanding of concepts students are not aware or confused about. It is also known in other countries as sex education. For college medical students, this is a very common topic and a subject which should be basic to them.

People are aware that in women there are lots of different discharges that come out of their reproductive organ. In men, there is only one kind of normal discharge that comes out which is the sperm cell. In women, it can be fresh blood during menstruation, bag of water when pregnant,or cervical mucus during fertile days.

So what can be the difference between sperm and cervical mucus? What can be the relationship of each other regarding function?

Sperm is produced in the testicles. The semen in which the sperm is contained is produced in the urethral gland, prostate gland, and seminal vesicles. Cervical mucus ,on the other hand, is produced in the cervical linings.

Sperm contains the sperm cells and other enzymes and proteins. Cervical mucus is mostly made up of water. It also contains certain electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, potassium, plus glucose, proteins, and amino acids. It has minute amounts of selenium, manganese, zinc, and copper. Cervical mucus also contains glycerol. Research studies show that glycerol increases during the sexual phase which produces the lubrication during intercourse.

But what if ejaculation occurred inside the vagina during intercourse and one is doubtful whether that is sperm or cervical mucus? The woman should first see the color and consistency of the discharge. Semen is usually whitish in color, and the consistency is very thick but not stretchable. Cervical mucus, on the other hand, can be compared to egg whites with a consistent transparent color all throughout. It can also be thick or thin in consistency depending on the ovulation period. It is not advisable to check the cervical mucus after sex because it may alter the observation.

In terms of function, sperm and cervical mucus may go hand in hand or may be enemies depending on the women’s menstruation period. Women can check their cervical mucus during their menstruation cycle to determine whether they are ovulating already. This is called the cervical mucus method or spinnbarkeit method. In this method, a woman will get a sample of cervical mucus inside the vagina. Then using two fingers, she will test the consistency of the mucus. If it’s stretchable, thin,and appears like the egg white, it can be penetrated by the sperm at the same time you are ovulating. If it’s scanty and poor in consistency, the sperm can penetrate but is not protected because the mucus protects the sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina.

Summary:

1.Sperm are produced in the testicles while cervical mucus is produced in the cervical linings.
2.Sperm contain the sperm cells, some enzymes, and proteins while cervical mucus is mostly made up of water, glycerol, and other electrolytes and minerals.
3.Cervical mucus can protect the sperm during ovulation or it cannot during the non-ovulation period of women through the spinnbarkeit method or cervical mucus method.

Sharing is caring!