The fractional postcoital test: a reappraisal

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Sperm analysis
• Cervical mucus evaluation

Background:

• Postcoital tests (PCTs) are used to evaluate sperm-mucus interaction.
• Previous studies have not fully addressed potential inaccuracies in PCT methodology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the accuracy of postcoital tests (PCTs) in assessing sperm counts and cervical mucus acid phosphatase.
• To identify factors influencing PCT results, particularly after artificial insemination with non-viable sperm.

Main Methods:

• Postcoital tests (PCTs) were performed after artificial insemination using live or dead spermatozoa.
• Cervical mucus samples were analyzed for sperm counts and acid phosphatase activity.

Main Results:

• PCT sampling catheters may not accurately represent the in-situ distribution of sperm and mucus within the cervix.
• Insemination with dead sperm resulted in artificially elevated sperm counts and acid phosphatase levels.
• Semen translocation into the sampling catheter from the external os was identified as a cause of inaccurate results.

Conclusions:

• Standard PCT methods can yield misleading results, especially when non-viable sperm are used.
• Removing cervical mucus from the external os before sampling can significantly improve PCT accuracy.
• Refined PCT techniques are necessary for reliable assessment of male fertility and sperm-mucus interactions.