Post-coital Test

Results

A post-coital test checks a woman's cervical mucus after sex to see whether sperm are present and moving normally. Results of the post-coital test may be shared with you right after the test.

Post-coital test results

Normal:	Normal amounts of sperm are seen in the sample. Sperm are moving forward through the cervical mucus. The mucus stretches at least 5 cm (2 in.). The mucus dries in a fern-like pattern.
Abnormal:	Mucus does not stretch 5 cm (2 in.). Mucus does not dry in a fern-like pattern. No sperm or a large number of dead sperm are seen in the sample. Sperm are clumped together and not moving normally.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: August 31, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.