Postcoital Test: Results


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Results


A postcoital test checks a woman's cervical mucus after sex to see whether sperm are present and moving normally. Results of the postcoital test may be shared with you right after the test.

Postcoital test results
Normal:
  • Normal amounts of sperm are seen in the sample.
  • Sperm are moving forward through the cervical mucus.
  • The mucus stretches at least .
  • The mucus dries in a fernlike pattern.
Abnormal:
  • Mucus does not stretch .
  • Mucus does not dry in a fernlike pattern.
  • No sperm or a large number of dead sperm are seen in the sample.
  • Sperm are clumped together and not moving normally.


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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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