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Related Experiment Videos

Effectiveness of the postcoital test: randomised controlled trial

S G Oei1, F M Helmerhorst, K W Bloemenkamp

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saint Joseph Hospital, 5500 MB Veldhoven, Netherlands.

BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|August 26, 1998
PubMed
Summary

The postcoital test, used in infertility investigations, increases diagnostic tests and treatments without significantly impacting pregnancy rates for subfertile couples. This finding is crucial for fertility treatment planning.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Clinical Trials
  • Infertility Research

Background:

  • Subfertility affects a significant number of couples seeking medical assistance.
  • The postcoital test is a traditional component of infertility investigations.
  • Its clinical utility in improving pregnancy outcomes remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the postcoital test in increasing pregnancy rates among subfertile couples.
  • To assess the impact of incorporating the postcoital test on the number of additional diagnostic tests and treatments utilized.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial was conducted across multiple teaching hospitals in the Netherlands.
  • Couples attending infertility clinics were randomized into two groups: one receiving investigations including the postcoital test, and a control group without the test.

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  • The primary outcome measure was the cumulative pregnancy rate over 24 months.

    • Main Results:

    • A total of 444 couples met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study.
    • The intervention group, which included the postcoital test, underwent more treatments (54%) compared to the control group (41%).
    • Cumulative pregnancy rates at 24 months were similar between the intervention (49%) and control (48%) groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Routine implementation of the postcoital test in infertility workups results in increased utilization of diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions.
    • The postcoital test does not demonstrate a significant positive impact on the overall pregnancy rate for subfertile couples.
    • These findings suggest a re-evaluation of the routine use of the postcoital test in standard infertility investigations.