Test of semen and cervical mucus for infection


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Test of semen and cervical mucus for infection


As part of testing for a cause of infertility, semen and cervical mucus can be tested to determine whether infectious organisms such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or mycoplasma are present.

If chlamydia or gonorrhea organisms are found, they should be treated before any other testing is performed.

Mycoplasma, a type of bacterial organism, has been considered a cause of infertility in the past. Current research has found, however, that both fertile and infertile people test positive for mycoplasma. Mycoplasma is sometimes treated with antibiotics, but whether or not this helps couples conceive is not proven.1

References


Citations

  1. Burney RO, et al. (2007). Infertility. In JS Berek, ed., Berek & Novak's Gynecology, 14th ed., pp. 1185–1275. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Credits


Author Bets Davis, MFA
Author Sandy Jocoy, RN
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated March 21, 2008

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Last updated: March 21, 2008
Author: Sandy Jocoy, RN
Reviewed By: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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