Takano, N., Maekawa, I., & Takamizawa, H. (1979). Ultrastructure of human cervical mucus observed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Fertility and Sterility, 32(5), 604-607. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)44368-2
Takano N, Maekawa I, Takamizawa H. Ultrastructure of human cervical mucus observed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Fertil Steril. 1979;32(5):604-607. doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(16)44368-2
Takano, Noboru, et al. "Ultrastructure of human cervical mucus observed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy." Fertility and Sterility, vol. 32, no. 5, 1979, pp. 604-607.
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Cervical mucus mesh peaks at ovulation in fertile women, study finds
The mucus mesh widened toward ovulation and peaked at 10 to 25 micrometers in a 1979 microscope study of cervical mucus from 45 fertile women. Two days later it had shrunk to 1 to 2 micrometers. The microscope viewed the mucus while it still held water.
Key Findings
Every one of the 45 mucus samples showed a 3-dimensional net-like structure under cryo-scan.
The mesh gradually widened toward ovulation and reached its maximum of 10 to 25 micrometers in diameter at ovulation.
Two days after ovulation, the mesh had decreased rapidly to 1 to 2 micrometers.
No distinguishable change in the network structures appeared from day -2 to day 0, where day 0 was the day of the luteinizing hormone peak.
The same samples dried by the critical-point method appeared crushed flat. Cold-lyophilized (freeze-dried) samples showed net-like structures that were scarcely visible.
Interpretation
The report is a short descriptive laboratory study. Samples came from 45 fertile women aged 20 to 30 with biphasic basal body temperatures. None took hormonal medication. Mucus was collected from day -2 to day +2 around the luteinizing hormone peak. The paper prints no statistical tests and no pregnancy outcomes. Women over 30, women with fertility problems, and other cycle days are outside the sample. The authors state that cryo-scan leaves specimens free of artifacts from chemical dehydration, and they compared the same samples across three preparation methods.
RRM Context
Fertility awareness methods track cervical mucus as a daily sign of the fertile window. This 1979 report shows a structural change in the mucus itself around ovulation, seen at microscope scale. The study tested no charting method. The findings give a microscope-level picture of mucus changing across the cycle.
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