Sperm Penetration Tests

Hamster Zona-Free Ovum Test

How It Is Done

For the sperm mucus penetration test, samples of your cervical mucus and your partner's semen will be collected. In the lab, the semen is added to the mucus in a tube. After 90 minutes, the distance the sperm have moved is measured.

Cervical mucus sample

A sample of cervical mucus is collected from the woman during a pelvic examination. For more information, see the medical test Pelvic Examination.

Sperm sample

A semen sample is collected by masturbation. First, you should urinate and then wash and rinse your hands and penis before collecting the semen in a sterile cup. You cannot use lubricants or condoms when collecting the sample. If you collect the sample at home, it must be taken to the lab within 30 minutes. The sample cannot be collected by having sex and then withdrawing when you ejaculate because vaginal fluid may be mixed with the sperm.

For the sperm penetration assay, a semen sample is collected by masturbation. The sperm are mixed with hamster eggs in a laboratory. The number of sperm that penetrate an egg is measured.

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Author:	Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: August 16, 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
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