The post-coital test assesses the quality of the cervical mucus and the ability of sperm to penetrate and survive in the cervical mucus. Increasing estrogen hormone levels prior to ovulation normally change the cervical mucus to a clear, watery and abundant mucus which enables the sperm to penetrate the mucus and survive for many hours.
The post-coital test must be done when you are ovulating. For this reason, you will be using a urine ovulation prediction test kit (Ovuquick 1 step). Ovulation occurs 24-36 hours after the color change. You should begin checking your urine as directed in the kit on cycle day 12 (cycle day one is the first day of menstrual flow) or when suggested by your provider. The day of the color change, you should call to make an appointment for your post-coital test. You may call for an appointment at 408-236-6475 before 3 PM and your appointment will be made for the next day. If the ovulation kit is positive Saturday or Sunday please call 408-236-6912 before 12 noon to schedule your appointment for the following day. You should plan to have intercourse approximately 2-12 hours prior to this appointment. Do not use lubricants during intercourse. You may shower prior to the appointment but do not douche or take a tub bath after intercourse. At the office, a pelvic exam will be performed using a vaginal speculum. A small amount of cervical mucus will be removed and examined under the microscope for the appearance of sperm. The quality of the cervical mucus will also be assessed. This test is not painful.You will know the results of the test the same day.