Postcoital test

Postcoital test

The postcoital test (PCT) 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 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.


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  • postcoital test — a test used in the investigation of infertility. A specimen of cervical mucus, taken 6 24 hours after coitus, is examined under a microscope. The appearance of 10 or more progressively motile spermatozoa per high power field in the specimen… …   Medical dictionary

  • postcoital test — a test used in the investigation of infertility. A specimen of cervical mucus, taken 6–24 hours after coitus, is examined under a microscope. The appearance of 10 or more progressively motile spermatozoa per high power field in the specimen… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • Тест Посткоитальный (Postcoital Test) — тест, применяемый для диагностики бесплодия. Слизь из шейки матки, взятую через 6 24 часа после полового сношения, подвергается микроскопическому изучению. Наличие в ней 10 или более подвижных сперматозоидов, наблюдаемых при сильном увеличении… …   Медицинские термины

  • test — 1. To prove; to try a substance; to determine the chemical nature of a substance by means of reagents. 2. A method of examination, as to determine the presence or absence of a definite disease or of some substance in any of the fluids, tissues,… …   Medical dictionary

  • Huhner test — Huh·ner test h(y)ü nər n a test used in sterility studies that involves postcoital examination of fluid aspirated from the vagina and cervix to determine the presence or survival of sperm in these areas Huhner Max (1873 1947) American surgeon.… …   Medical dictionary

  • Sims test — Sims Huhner test postcoital t …   Medical dictionary

  • huhner test — ˈh(y)ünə(r) noun Usage: usually capitalized H Etymology: after Max Huhner died 1947 American surgeon : a test used in sterility studies that involves postcoital examination of aspirated vaginal and intracervical fluid to determine the presence or …   Useful english dictionary

  • ТЕСТ ПОСТКОИТАЛЬНЫЙ — (postcoital test) тест, применяемый для диагностики бесплодия. Слизь из шейки матки, взятую через 6 24 часа после полового сношения, подвергается микроскопическому изучению. Наличие в ней 10 или более подвижных сперматозоидов, наблюдаемых при… …   Толковый словарь по медицине

  • PCT — can mean: Contents 1 Geography 2 History 3 Law 4 Science and technology 5 Society, cult …   Wikipedia

  • Female infertility — Classification and external resources ICD 10 N97.0 ICD 9 628 …   Wikipedia

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