Infertility Testing: The Post Coital Test

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

Of all the testing I had done when we were trying to conceive our first baby, the post coital test was the most embarrassing. This test involves visiting the doctor after having intercourse. The doctor then checks the sperm in your cervical mucous to see if it is moving well.

The post coital test is done for several reasons. It is usually done when the cause of infertility is not known. The test will show if there are immunity issues that are preventing conception. It will also show if there are problems with the cervical mucous that are not allowing the sperm to make it to the egg.

The post coital test is generally done a day or two prior to ovulation. This time of the month is optimum because the mucous is just right for allowing the sperm to reach the egg. The cervical mucous changes many times over the course of the cycle. The doctor wants to see how it is affecting the sperm around the time of ovulation.

Your doctor will determine the date of the test. He or she will use your cycles as a guide. If you have been charting your cycles, this information will be used to select the date. When the date of the appointment arrives, you will be instructed to have intercourse about two hours prior to your appointment time.

When you arrive at the doctor's office, you will undress from the waist down. The test is similar to a pap smear. The doctor will take a sample of the mucous and check it for several factors. A normal test result will show that the mucous is thin and stretchy. The sperm in the mucous will be moving freely and there will be a normal number of sperm.

An abnormal test can be caused by a problem or poor timing. If the test is not timed properly or you have an irregular cycle, it may not coincide with ovulation. In this case, the test will be repeated during the next cycle. If a problem is detected, your doctor will discuss the next step in your treatment with you.

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Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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