Postcoital test
Encyclopedia
The postcoital test is a test in the evaluation of infertility
. It was apparently first performed by J. Marion Sims
and later described by Max Huhner, thus it has also been called Sims-Huhner Test.
The test is supposed to examine interaction between sperm
and mucus of the cervix
.
The PCT is scheduled close to ovulation
when mucus is abundant, and the infertile couple is asked to have sexual intercourse
. Several hours later, the woman is examined by the physician and the presence of active sperm in the mucus is recorded. Normally, active sperm are expected to be found as they can survive for many hours.
A poor PCT may indicate sperm or mucus problems, including perhaps presence of immune factors that inactivate sperm. Also ovulatory problems and poor coital technique may affect the PCT.
With the application of principles of evidence-based medicine
the role of the PCT has been questioned and its use has become controversial.
Infertility
Infertility primarily refers to the biological inability of a person to contribute to conception. Infertility may also refer to the state of a woman who is unable to carry a pregnancy to full term...
. It was apparently first performed by J. Marion Sims
J. Marion Sims
J. Marion Sims, born James Marion Sims was a surgical pioneer, considered the father of American gynecology. Modern historians argue about his legacy as Sims used slaves as experimental subjects.-Early career:...
and later described by Max Huhner, thus it has also been called Sims-Huhner Test.
The test is supposed to examine interaction between sperm
Spermatozoon
A spermatozoon is a motile sperm cell, or moving form of the haploid cell that is the male gamete. A spermatozoon joins an ovum to form a zygote...
and mucus of the cervix
Cervix
The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. It is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall...
.
The PCT is scheduled close to ovulation
Ovulation
Ovulation is the process in a female's menstrual cycle by which a mature ovarian follicle ruptures and discharges an ovum . Ovulation also occurs in the estrous cycle of other female mammals, which differs in many fundamental ways from the menstrual cycle...
when mucus is abundant, and the infertile couple is asked to have sexual intercourse
Sexual intercourse
Sexual intercourse, also known as copulation or coitus, commonly refers to the act in which a male's penis enters a female's vagina for the purposes of sexual pleasure or reproduction. The entities may be of opposite sexes, or they may be hermaphroditic, as is the case with snails...
. Several hours later, the woman is examined by the physician and the presence of active sperm in the mucus is recorded. Normally, active sperm are expected to be found as they can survive for many hours.
A poor PCT may indicate sperm or mucus problems, including perhaps presence of immune factors that inactivate sperm. Also ovulatory problems and poor coital technique may affect the PCT.
With the application of principles of evidence-based medicine
Evidence-based medicine
Evidence-based medicine or evidence-based practice aims to apply the best available evidence gained from the scientific method to clinical decision making. It seeks to assess the strength of evidence of the risks and benefits of treatments and diagnostic tests...
the role of the PCT has been questioned and its use has become controversial.