Sperm Penetration Tests: Results
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Results
Sperm penetration tests check to see whether a man's sperm can move through cervical mucus and the fallopian tubes to join with (fertilize) an egg.
Sperm mucus penetration test
A controlled test can see if the cervical mucus is preventing sperm penetration. This test uses donor sperm and the male partner's sperm. Both sperm samples are added to a sample of the woman's cervical mucus. Donor cervical mucus may also be used with the woman's cervical mucus.
A problem with the partner's sperm may be present if:
- The donor's sperm penetrates the mucus but the partner's sperm does not.
- The partner's sperm does not penetrate the woman's or the donor's cervical mucus.
A problem with the woman's mucus may be present if neither the partner's or the donor's sperm do not penetrate the cervical mucus.
| Normal: | Sperm penetrate the cervical mucus and move through it easily. |
|---|---|
| Abnormal: | Sperm cannot penetrate the cervical mucus or they clump together in the mucus. Clumping may mean that the woman or man has developed antibodies against the sperm. If the sperm antibodies are from the man's body, clumping may also be seen in his semen analysis. |
Sperm penetration assay (SPA)
Results are based on the number of sperm that can penetrate an egg and can vary from lab to lab. Talk with your doctor about whether your results are normal.
| Normal: | Sperm penetrate the hamster egg. |
|---|---|
| Abnormal: | Sperm cannot penetrate the hamster egg. |
| 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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