|
||||||||
|
Home
|
Infertility Causes > Woman > Uterus and Cervix Overview - Evaluation - Treatment Options - DiagnosisTHE POSTCOITAL TEST The best way to evaluate the cervical mucus is through the post-coital test, the performance and timing of which is discussed in detail in Chapter 4. In short, the post-coital test involves checking the interaction of the sperm and mucus by looking at the cervical mucus shortly after intercourse. The characteristics of the mucus which can be evaluated include: Ferning. When the cervical mucus dries on a microscope slide, it should take on the appearance of ferns. This assures that the mucus has been exposed to adequate levels of estrogen without any exposure to proges-terone; in other words, that the timing is correct. Amount. Cervical mucus production normally increases dramatically just prior to ovulation. Clarity. It should be very clear, almost watery. Cellularity. There should be relatively few cells present, other than sperm. Spinnbarkeit. This is the stretchiness of the cervical mucus. It should be almost elastic and may stretch ten centimeters or more. © 2005 Jarrett Fertility Group |
