Prognostic value of the postcoital test: prospective study based on time-specific conception rates

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Human Fertility Studies

Background:

• Infertility affects numerous couples, necessitating effective diagnostic tools.
• The post-coital test (PCT) is a traditional method to assess sperm-mucus interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate time-specific conception rates following a validated post-coital test (PCT).
• To determine the predictive value of PCT results for conception in ovulatory women with unexplained infertility.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 80 ovulatory women with unexplained infertility.
• Post-coital test (PCT) performed 6-18 hours after intercourse, analyzing endocervical mucus.
• Negative PCT defined by absence of forward-moving sperm in two cycles with optimal mucus quality.

Main Results:

• Conception time was inversely related to the number of motile sperm observed in cervical mucus.
• A positive PCT demonstrated a fivefold greater chance of conception compared to a negative PCT.
• Cumulative conception rates after two years were 84% for positive PCT and 16% for negative PCT.

Conclusions:

• The post-coital test (PCT) is a valuable predictor of conception in women with unexplained infertility.
• A positive PCT is strongly associated with significantly higher cumulative conception rates.
• PCT results can guide fertility treatment decisions and patient counseling.