Post-Coital Testing: Dr. Eric Daiter, MD

Infertility diagnostic procedures can be extensive. Your Reproductive Endocrinologist may order a number of tests to more accurately diagnose possible causes of your failed attempts at having a child. One test that may be ordered is called a post-coital test. This test is designed to check cervical mucus after intercourse to determine whether or not the sperm cells present are capable of moving and traveling normally.
Generally, cervical mucus is at its thinnest a couple of days before ovulation. This is most likely the best time to perform a post-coital test. During this time, the sperm should have its best chance of moving easily through the mucus. This is when most people trying to get pregnant are the most successful.
Post-coital testing is usually only recommended when other factors of infertility have been ruled out. If your fallopian tubes are not blocked and you are able to ovulate normally, then your mucus may be tested for certain problems that could hinder you from becoming pregnant. Still, this testing is not done until the male partner has also been evaluated for male factor infertility.
Antisperm antibodies present in your system could be one problem discovered through post-coital testing. Antisperm antibodies are produced by your immune system and can attack sperm when it is present. This condition is very rare. Sperm is normally protected by being kept separate from the immune system.
There are treatments and insemination techniques that can help you bypass the cervical mucus if there are antisperm antibodies present. Medications called corticosteroids can help reduce the amount of antisperm antibodies in your system. There could be side effects, so consult with your Reproductive Endocrinologist before going forward. Another option is In-Vitro Fertilization. In this procedure, sperm can be injected directly into the egg. Since the sperm never actually travels through the cervix or uterus, In-Vitro Fertilization can be very effective. Intrauterine Insemination is another way for sperm to bypass cervical mucus. Discuss all of your options, possible side effects and chances of success with your infertility specialist before proceeding with any procedure.
Preparing for the post-coital test will involve a urine test to determine your luteinizing hormone levels. This will tell you when you are getting ready to ovulate. Once you determine that you are about to ovulate, you will need to have intercourse with your partner four to eight hours before your appointment for the test. Do not use any type of lubricant, douche or cleansers, as sperm needs to be present and your cervical mucus unaltered for the test.
The test will seem like a simple gynecological exam, similar to a pap smear procedure. Results generally come back within a day or two. Your doctor will go over the results concerning the consistency of your mucus, the absence or presence of antisperm antibodies, and whether or not the sperm present was able to move normally through the cervical mucus. Discuss with your Reproductive Endocrinologist the possible infertility treatment options available to you depending on your results.

This information is provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.

About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter MD, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER. Dr. Eric Daiter MD offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Eric Daiter please visit http://www.drericdaitermd.com/.