The post-coital test is a test that evaluates the ability of sperm to penetrate cervical mucus. It is often used in couples where the cause of infertility is unknown, and both partners’ examinations are normal, and further sperm function tests should be performed. In semen injected into the female reproductive tract, the sperm must penetrate the cervical mucus in order to pass through the cervix and reach the uterus and fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg. A postcoital test can be used to determine whether there are cervical factors for infertility.
The post-coital test is conducted during the ovulation period. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for two days before the test. The test is best conducted 6 to 10 hours after intercourse, but can also be delayed to 18 to 24 hours after intercourse. Insert the vaginal speculum without lubricant into the vagina, then use a thin blue core syringe to draw the mixed sample from the back of the vagina, and then use two pairs of syringes to draw the mucus samples from the extracervix and the cervical canal respectively, and place these samples respectively. On a glass slide, examine under a 40x objective.
If there are more than 25 sperm with forward movement or more than 10 sperm with rapid linear movement per high-power field of view in the mixed solution, the result can be regarded as good. If the sperm count is less than 5, especially if it only moves slowly or in circles, it can be considered abnormal. If there are more than 10 fully viable sperm per high-power field of view in the cervical specimen 6 to 10 hours after sexual intercourse, it is normal, otherwise it is also abnormal. Those who have normal cervical mucus but abnormal test results after sexual intercourse should seek medical advice. If the test is negative after sexual intercourse, artificial insemination can be used to help conceive.
It must be noted that this test has some influencing factors. First, the ovulation period must be accurately determined, because only the cervical mucus during ovulation is most suitable for sperm to pass. If ovulation cannot be accurately predicted, the test must be repeated. Secondly, the quality and quantity of the man\’s semen are also very important. If there is no abstinence, the quantity of ejaculation will be reduced; if the abstinence time is too long, the sperm may also age, and the sperm entering the vagina after sexual intercourse will have poorer motility. It will also affect the inspection results. Therefore, abstinence for 3 days is more appropriate. Because the examination is time-sensitive, it requires infertile couples to cooperate closely with the doctor and complete the examination as required.
This article is provided by Baidu Reading and is excerpted from \”The Clear \”Conception\” Plan\” Author: Sun Jianqiu and Xie Yingbiao