Sperm Penetration Tests

Hamster Zona-Free Ovum Test

Results

Sperm penetration tests check to see whether a man's sperm can move through cervical mucus and the fallopian tubes to join with (fertilize) an egg.

Sperm mucus penetration test

A controlled test can see if the cervical mucus is preventing sperm penetration. This test uses donor sperm and the male partner's sperm. Both sperm samples are added to a sample of the woman's cervical mucus. Donor cervical mucus may also be used with the woman's cervical mucus.

A problem with the partner's sperm may be present if:

• The donor's sperm penetrates the mucus but the partner's sperm does not.
• The partner's sperm does not penetrate the woman's or the donor's cervical mucus.

A problem with the woman's mucus may be present if neither the partner's or the donor's sperm do not penetrate the cervical mucus.

Sperm mucus penetration test

Normal:	Sperm penetrate the cervical mucus and move through it easily.
Abnormal:	Sperm cannot penetrate the cervical mucus or they clump together in the mucus. Clumping may mean that the woman or man has developed sperm antibodies against the sperm. If the sperm antibodies are from the man's body, clumping may also be seen in his semen analysis.

 

Sperm penetration assay (SPA)

Results vary from lab to lab. Talk with your doctor about whether your results your values are normal.

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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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