Sperm–cervical mucus contact test

Sperm–cervical mucus contact test
[[File:|250px|alt=|]]
Pronunciation
Synonyms
Reference Range
Calculator
Purpose
Test of
Based on
ICD-10-PCS
ICD-9-CM
MeSH
OPS-301 Code
Other Codes
MedlinePlus
eMedicine
LOINC
HCPCS-L2

The Sperm–cervical mucus contact test, also known as the Post-coital test or Sims-Huhner test, is a diagnostic procedure used in the field of reproductive medicine to evaluate the interaction between sperm and cervical mucus. This test is primarily used to assess fertility issues and to determine the potential causes of infertility in couples trying to conceive.

Procedure

The test involves examining a sample of cervical mucus after sexual intercourse. The sample is typically collected within a few hours post-coitus and is then analyzed under a microscope. The primary focus of the analysis is to observe the number of motile sperm, their motility, and their interaction with the cervical mucus. A normal result shows active and progressive movement of sperm through the mucus, which is indicative of good fertility potential.

Indications

The Sperm–cervical mucus contact test is indicated for couples who have been unable to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse. It helps in diagnosing issues like:

• Hostile cervical mucus, which can impede the sperm's ability to swim through the cervix
• Low sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)
• Abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia)

Interpretation of Results

• Positive result: A good number of active, motile sperm are observed in the mucus, suggesting normal interaction.
• Negative result: Few or no sperm are observed, or the sperm present are immotile, suggesting a possible incompatibility or abnormality.

Clinical Significance

The results of the test can guide further diagnostic or therapeutic steps, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI), especially in cases where an abnormal interaction between sperm and cervical mucus is detected.

Limitations

The accuracy of the Sperm–cervical mucus contact test can be influenced by several factors, including the timing of the test in relation to the woman's ovulation cycle and the quality of the cervical mucus at the time of the test. Additionally, the test requires that intercourse occur close to the time of ovulation, which can be difficult to predict accurately.

See Also

• Infertility
• Reproductive endocrinology
• Intrauterine insemination
• In vitro fertilization