Post Coital Mucus Test, the best tool to determine sperm quality

Post Coital Mucus Test, the best tool to determine sperm quality

As an infertility expert I use multiple tools to diagnose infertility. Some of the tools are not generic and used in very special case. Post Coital Mucus test is one of them. It is a post-intercourse test to determine the movement of sperms and their ability to survive in the mucus. We check the movement of the sperms immediately after the intercourse and understand the overall quality and quantity of the sperms.

How does it help?

This test identifies the problems in the cervical mucus and its relation with infertility. Also, it helps
in determining the level of bacterial infection, thickness of the mucus, disorders pertaining to the
ejaculation, antibodies in the mucus that reject the sperms and the semen related disorders. It gives valuable results about the probability of pregnancy. Importantly, this test gives significant information about the male infertility, in case the male partner is not ready to undergo fertility test.

The procedure

I suggest the patient to chart the menstrual cycle at least three to four months prior to the test. It gives accurate timing to perform the test. I call the female one or two days prior to the ovulation. Ovarian follicles release one mature egg during that time. The couple is asked to have intercourse before two to eight hours of the appointment.

There is significant change in the mucus at the time of ovulation. The body produces extra estrogen resulting change in the viscosity, thickness and color of the mucus. It becomes clearer, less viscous and more slippery to give favorable environment to the sperms. They are able to swim easily and survive for a longer time.

The test is very simple and quick. It doesn’t need any hospitalization and performed in the clinic. Post coital Mucus test is performed just like a Pap test.

The Results

The beauty of this test is the quick results. It takes hardly a few minutes to determine the results. This test is quite inexpensive. We share the results with the patients immediately.

The result of the test is NORMAL if:

• Adequate number of sperms are visible in the sample
• The sperms show forward movement through the mucus
• The mucus is at least 2 inch long
• The mucus shows a fern like pattern while drying

The result of the test is ABNORNAL if:

• Very few sperms or no sperms are visible in the sample
• Dead sperms are visible in the sample
• The mucus is less than 2 inch long
• The mucus does not show a fern like pattern while drying

Possibility of errors

Post Coital Mucus Test gives quite accurate results, but we infertility experts have to take utmost precaution while performing the test. Maintaining perfect timing is important to obtain correct results.

In some cases the inflammation in the vagina or irregular menstrual cycle could generate erroneous results. Therefore, we do it with extra care.

Infertility experts worldwide recognize Post coital mucus test a great tool to determine infertility.

Vitamins to improve sperm quality

Vitamins to improve sperm quality

Around one third of infertility cases are contributed by the male partners. Among various aspects of male infertility, sperm quality is a significant one. Sperms cause fertilization and the quality and quantity of sperms determine the success ratio of fertilization. For successful penetration, there should be adequate quantity of healthy sperms reach to the uterus.

Causes of low quality sperm

There are various causes of lower quality of sperm in men. A complex process causes sperm production in the body. Pituitary and hypothalamus glands trigger specific hormones to produce sperms. Malfunctioning of these two glands, infections, physiological problems abnormality in the seminal fluid, obesity, exposure to chemical or radioactive substance and genetic defects are some of the prime causes of low sperm quality in men.

The treatment

As an infertility expert, I need to look into the case minutely before deciding the treatment. Diagnostic plays an important role in deciding the correct line of action. There are various treatments to improve the quality of sperms and they are quite effective as well. Vitamins are very important in treating male infertility caused by low quality of semen.  Balanced diet, correct lifestyle, adequate exercise and vitamin supplements can cause miracles and we can see significant improvement in the sperm quality. Vitamins that can bring great improvement are:

a) Vitamin C: It is most vital amino acid that helps in correcting the damage caused to male productive system. Vitamin C reduces the damage caused at the DNA level and corrects the abnormalities. It also helps in combating against the ill-effects of pollution and toxins. Regular intake of vitamin C improves the quality and quantity of sperms in the semen.

b) Vitamin E: Studies have indicated significant correlation between Vitamin E and fertility in men.  It helps in improving the inner strength and correcting the hormonal disorder. However, we examine the patients thoroughly before prescribing Vitamin E because it may cause harm in the patients having anemia, liver problems or high blood pressure.

c) Zinc: The importance of Zinc is sure in human reproduction system. Even a mild deficiency of Zinc can cause lower sperm count. It boosts the testosterone level, the male hormone responsible for reproduction. However, one must take Zinc supplements under infertility experts surveillance.

d) Vitamin B-12: Excessive smoking and regular consumption of processed and refined food cause deficiency of Vitamin B-12 and B-complex. It causes lower testosterone levels and lower quality of sperms. Supplements taken under consultation of infertility expert can improve the condition dramatically.

e) Vitamin A: Vitamin A is one of the important, but it is better to take in the multi-vitamin tablet form. Vitamin A is vital in increasing the production of sperm and enhancing the quality.

It is not enough to take vitamin supplements only. I discuss with the couple about the problem at-length and suggest them to change the lifestyle. Increasing consumption of natural and raw food, taking adequate sleep, quitting tobacco and alcohol and reducing stress levels helps a lot. These changes boost the effect of vitamin supplements and major improvement can be seen!