Why is this procedure done?
In order for a woman to get pregnant, a mans sperm must move through the cervical mucus and join with the egg. The doctor may suggest a special test to check and see how well the sperm are able to move. It may be done if: ‚
- A couple has problems getting pregnant after 1 to 2 years of unprotected sex
- Other tests cannot tell why a couple is having problems getting pregnant
- To check the results of tests done on a man's semen
- To test the sperm before doing artificial steps to get pregnant
What will the results be?
Your doctor will know if there are problems with the sperm moving through the mucus to join with the egg. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor will plan this test when the woman is producing an egg. This is called ovulation. The doctor will tell you how to check your hormone levels to see when you are releasing an egg. You will do a urine test each morning. You will call the doctor right away when the test is positive.
- The doctor will plan a time to collect the cervical mucus sample and your partners semen.
- Avoid having sex or masturbating 2 to 4 days before the exam. Avoid taking the test if you have gone more than 5 days without ejaculation.
- Avoid using lubricants or spermicides before the test.
What happens during the procedure?
The test will need a sample of cervical mucus from the woman and a sperm sample from the man. ‚
Women: ‚
- You will lie down on the exam table and put your feet in the footrests.
- The doctor will put a tool called a speculum into your vagina. This will help to keep it slightly open during the exam. You may feel some pressure as your doctor does this. Your doctor will put a spatula-like tool into your vagina. Your doctor will collect a sample of your cervical mucus. Your doctor will put the sample in a clean lab container.
- Your doctor will remove the tools and clean your vagina.
- The collection will take 15 to 20 minutes.
Men: ‚
- The staff will give you a clean cup.
- The staff will take you to a room where you can masturbate. This room will have magazines or videos that you may want to look at to help you masturbate. If you have problems producing semen, ask your doctor if your partner can help while you masturbate.
- Pass urine and wash your penis and hands with soap and water.
- Avoid using lubricants or condoms when collecting semen.
- Fill the cup with your semen and give it to the staff afterwards.
- The time it takes depends on how long you need to produce semen.
The staff will take both samples to the lab. They will do tests to see if the sperm are able to penetrate the egg. They will also see how far the sperm are able to travel. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
You may go home after the procedure. ‚
What care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor will set a time to talk about the results with you in detail.
- Your doctor may send you and your partner to a fertility expert if you have problems with your sperm.
What problems could happen?
- Vaginal injury after pelvic exam
- Not able to produce semen through masturbation
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚