Related Experiment Videos
Immunological factors and post coital test in unexplained infertility
International Journal of Fertility
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Immunological factors, including positive post-coital tests (PCT), may impact fertility. While not preventing conception, these factors are linked to a lower pregnancy rate in infertile couples.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Human Reproduction
Background:
- Infertility affects numerous couples, with immunological factors being a potential, often overlooked, cause.
- Standard infertility investigations may not fully elucidate all contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of immunological factors in couples with unexplained infertility.
- To assess the correlation between post-coital test (PCT) results and various immunological tests.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four infertile couples underwent semen analysis, PCT, menstrual cycle evaluation, hysterosalpingography, and laparoscopy.
- Immunological investigations included Sperm Immobilization Test (SIT), Spermatotoxicity Tests (STT) on cervical mucus and serum, and Leucocyte Migration Inhibition Test (LMIT).
Main Results:
- Post-coital test (PCT) was positive in 13 couples and negative in 11.
- Local antispermatic activity in cervical mucus was negative in PCT-positive cases but positive in 6/11 PCT-negative cases.
- No significant correlation was found between PCT results and serum-based immunological tests (SIT, STT, LMIT).
Conclusions:
- Positive immunological factors, while not absolute barriers to conception, are associated with a reduced fertility rate.
- Further research into immunological testing may refine infertility diagnosis and management strategies.