Post-Coital Test

Post-Coital Test

A Post-Coital Test is necessary to check your cervical mucus right after intercourse, simply to see if there are sperm present and if these are moving regularly. The Post-Coital Test can be utilized if you are unable to get pregnant and no causes have been found even after taking other available tests. The after intercourse or Post-Coital Test is at times utilized to determine how a male’s sperm interacts with the cervical mucus of the female; it is usually scheduled when you are close to the time of ovulation when there is a large amount of mucus present, and you and your partner will be asked to have intercourse, along the early hours of the morning before the actual scheduled procedure.

During the examination, a normal and fluid sperm should easily be seen in the specimen; however, if there are multiple dead or inactive sperm present, it could only mean that there may be an antigen-antibody response. There are times when your immune system does not correctly identify the sperm and considers this as some form of an invasive pathogen that the body will eventually destroy in the same manner as it does with viruses or bacteria. However, you should keep in mind that men rarely create antibodies to his sperm. Moreover, if there were female antibodies, an IUI or Intrauterine Insemination may be a great option as an alternative treatment. Another good choice for couples is the In Vitro Fertilization or IVF but achieving a positive outcome for this will depend on various factors such as previous treatments, age, and other variables.

Why is the Procedure Done?

The Post-Coital Test is done for a variety of reasons and generally, it is done when you are having difficulties in getting pregnant. There are other reasons for going through this procedure, and listed below are the most common reasons for doing this:

• The test can be utilized during your period of ovulation when your fallopian tubes are not blocked and the sperm of your partner is normal. Usually, the problem occurring with your cervical mucus may be the reason for your infertility.

• It is necessary for treating immune system issues such as sperm antibodies which may be the main reason for infertility.

• The procedure is also done when your male partner refuses to be tested.

How to Prepare for the Post-Coital Test

The Post-Coital Test should be done in one to two days during the ovulation period then follow the instructions provided by your doctor to determine your cervical mucus, basal temperature, and the levels of LH or luteinizing hormones in your urine. Once you examine your levels of LH, make sure to do the urine test mid to late morning without drinking any other liquid that morning until the test has been done successfully. If the test results show that you are ovulating, you should call for a doctor’s visit the next day.

Before the visit, have intercourse with your partner, two to eight hours before the actual clinic visit but avoid using any form of lubrication and avoid bathing or douching after intercourse; however, showering is still possible after intercourse. Once you have reached the clinic, speak with your doctor or specialist regarding any concerns about the need for a Post-Coital Test, the various risks, how the whole testing process goes, and the meaning of the actual results.

How the Post-Coital Test is Done

You will need to visit your doctor’s office or clinic to be able to go through the Post-Coital Test; here, your doctor will require you to remove your clothing below the waist and will have you put on a lab gown to drape carefully around your waist. After this, the doctor will instruct you to lie down on your back on the clinic’s examination table where your feet will be lifted and supported to stay in place by stirrups – this is similar to a Pap test or pelvic examination.

Once you have settled comfortably on the examination table, your doctor with carefully insert a speculum (a type of curved medical instrument) to gently spread your vaginal walls to thoroughly examine your cervix.

The Risks of a Post-Coital Test

Although a little discomfort may be felt when the speculum is carefully inserted, you will not have to worry about anything further since there are no risks or problems associated when having a pelvic examination to acquire your cervical mucus.

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