This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Post coital test

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

This is a test of cervical hostility to spermatozoa.

Procedure:

  • test performed at the time of ovulation - determined from rise in patient's basal body temperature, or detection of urinary LH
  • intercourse 6 - 12 hours previously
  • cervical mucus obtained by syringe, placed on a warm slide, and covered with a coverslip
  • with a simple light microscope, assess number and motility of sperm

Interpretation:

  • more than 20 motile sperm per high power field - semen penetration is normal i.e. being ejaculated into correct space, sufficient number, no immune problems
  • 0-20 motile sperm per high power field - repeat test in a further cycle at time of ovulation

Two negative results should be followed by a cervical mucus test to assess for problems of immunity.

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.