Gracial ProdMonograph_cover - epgonline.org

Pharmacodynamics
Prevention of
sperm
penetration
3.4 Effect on cervical mucus
Apart from ovulation inhibition, combined OCs have a second
contraceptive effect: they block the cervical ostium to
spermatozoa by keeping the cervical mucus thick and viscous
(Diczfalusy 1968).
During a normal menstrual cycle, the cervical ostium opens
and the mucus becomes more liquid around the time of
ovulation, facilitating sperm penetration. Gracial has been
shown to inhibit these changes, thus preventing penetration of
spermatozoa into the uterus. A low ‘Spinnbarkeit’ together
with absence of ‘ferning’ have been consistently observed
(Organon Scientific Development Group 1980).
Conclusion
Pharmacodynamic studies have demonstrated that Gracial
suppresses gonadotrophin secretion and reliably inhibits
ovulation. Gracial also keeps the cervical mucus thick and
viscous, thus preventing penetration of spermatozoa into
the uterus.
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