Fertility Glossary

Cervical factors

Problems at the cervix that hinder sperm passage or transfer.

Female fertility

Narrowing after surgery such as LEEP, or unusually thick mucus, can impede sperm and complicate embryo transfer. IUI bypasses the cervix for conception, and cervical dilation or a different catheter can solve transfer difficulties.

Also known as: cervical stenosis, hostile mucus

Related Canada guides

Sources

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) patient information

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

Cervical mucus

Fluid produced by the cervix that becomes stretchy and clear around ovulation.

Difficult transfer

A transfer complicated by the shape or narrowness of the cervical canal.

IUI (intrauterine insemination)

Prepared sperm placed directly into the uterus around ovulation.

LEEP / cervical excision

Removal of abnormal cervical tissue after an abnormal Pap test.

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