A postcoital test is a fertility test that is performed immediately after sexual intercourse to check the cervical mucus and to see if sperm are present in it. This test also determines the motility of the sperm. This test is used when other fertility tests have not shown any causes for inability to conceive. The postcoital test is performed in a clinical setting. It has to be done one or two days after ovulation. You would need to have sexual intercourse at least 8 hours before the test. Do not use lubricants or protection during intercourse. You are also not supposed to douche or take a bath for a specific period as mentioned by the doctor after the test. If you have any concerns or need any clarifications, consult your doctor. You will also be asked to fill a form on your medical information.
You will be asked to take your clothes off below the waist, and the doctor would give you a gown to drape over the lower half of your body. A pair of stirrups will be used to keep your legs raised and hold them apart. The doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina to spread the walls for easy examination of the cervix and the vaginal walls. During the post coital test procedure, the doctor will also take some samples of the cervical mucus. The post coital test report is normal if normal amounts of sperm are seen in the mucus. The mucus should stretch to about 5 cm and the sperm should be seen moving through it. This medical test is considered abnormal if the sperm is seen clumped together and if there is large number of dead sperm in the mucus. The mucus should also stretch normally and dry in a fern like pattern.
Post coital test at home is not possible, unless the doctor is visiting your home and is ready to take a sample there. It is usually difficult to perform this test without the help of stirrups. Post coital test CPT code is 89300, and if you are visiting a clinic, you can order this test using the CPT code.
The post coital test cost can differ from one lab to another, and it may depend on the fee of the doctor. There is no standard fee for the procedure. You may consult your doctor to find out the exact cost of the procedure in their clinic.