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.

Is there a dramatic increase of infertility problems recently?

Is there a dramatic increase of infertility problems recently?

Has there been significant increase in the infertility cases in the recent years? This is perhaps the most frequently asked question to infertility experts. Many people believe that it is true. However, to your surprise, the reality is not like that. In fact, the percentage of infertility has shown quite static trend. The awareness and acceptance of infertility has greatly increased. Now people come forward boldly for infertility treatment. The utilization of infertility treatment services has increased multiple times. The availability of modern methods and increase in the expertise of the doctors has given a boost to it.

The history

The history of modern infertility treatment goes back to 1978 when the first baby was born through a revolutionary technique called In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). It was popularly called as Test Tube Baby. The options to treat infertility were very limited that time. Tubal microsurgery and ovulation using hormonal drugs were the only options available to treat infertility.


The present
The times have changed now and so many effective treatments are available today to handle multiple aspects of infertility problems. There has been dramatic increase in the success rate of infertility treatment due to the modern techniques. Statistics reveal that more patients are visiting the clinics today to get rid of infertility problem.


We can see incredible change in the way people look towards infertility today. The stigma and taboo of infertility problem has been reduced considerably. Couples are ready to about it openly. People are more aware about the problems because of the information explosion. The Internet has become a major source of information today. Couples come prepared for the infertility treatment and they know the basics of their problem.

The future
Although we have not seen a dramatic increase of infertility cases in the past, but experts say that it will surely happen in the future. There are multiple reasons of it:


a) Delayed childbearing: It is a common trend today to delay the childbirth in lieu of career and education. As we know that the reproductive capacity decreases with the age, the cases of infertility problem will shoot up in the future. It is a trend in the upper crust of the society to think about expansion of the family in late thirties. It is very obvious that the chances of pregnancy lower about this age. Also, it increases the chances of interrupted pregnancies.


b) Lifestyle and pollution: Experts indicate that the human reproductive system has direct linkage with the pollution and lifestyle related issues. Exposure to various chemicals, living in a highly polluted areas and addiction of toxic elements are the major causes of infertility problem.


c) Stress and fatigue: Modern lifestyle generates a lot of stress and fatigue that affects human reproduction system adversely.

It is a fact that we infertility experts will have to work harder to get rid of infertility problems in the future. However, with the advancement in medical treatment and increased support and cooperation of the patients, we will be able conquer the battle against infertility!

There is no link between fertility drugs and ovarian cancer

There is no link between fertility drugs and ovarian cancer


When we plan infertility treatment, medication plays an important role. As an infertility expert I need prescribe several drugs to the patients. Some of these drugs are swollen and some are injected. It is a known fact that infertility drugs have some or the other side-effects because the drugs directly interrupt the hormones in the body. Some of these side-effects are hardly noticeable while a few are quite visible and irritating.


There has been a lot of misconception and misunderstanding about infertility drugs and as an infertility expert I spend considerable time in counseling the patients and convincing about these baseless theories. People come with the fear of ovarian cancer mostly and it is quite hard to convince them about no linkage between infertility treatment and ovarian cancer. The scary thought sometimes forces couples to stop infertility treatment. This is an unfortunate situation and therefore, we do not leave any chance to correct it.


What does the recent study say?


Undoubtedly there is no relation between the ovarian cancer and infertility drugs. These drugs neither induce nor boost the chances of getting affected by this fatal disease. However, there has been a recent study conducted that clearly suggests that there is no direct or indirect harmful effect on the reproductive system.


The results of the research indicate that ovarian cancer is rare as compared to uterine and breast cancers. It develops in the later part of life and therefore, no significant correlation with the age group that undergoes infertility treatment. However, researchers recommend doing further research for long-term use (more than a year) of infertility drugs.


What are the risk factors then?


It is a fact that infertility treatment is not directly associates with ovarian cancer, but there are some risk factors clearly associated with it:


a. Age of the female: Ovarian cancers normally occur after menopause because the female reproductive hormones prevent it.

b. Family history: If anybody in close family (mothers, sisters) have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, then the female is very likely to have it. Doctors recommend frequent checking of the disease in order to prevent it in the early stage.

c. Females who have never conceived: Ovarian cancer is more common in the females who have not been able to conceive even once.During the fertilization process body secrets hormones that prevent ovarian cancer.


d. Secretion of male hormones: Sometimes we have to prescribe drugs that cause androgen secretion in women. It increases the risk of ovarian cancer.


e. Endometriosis disease: It is very common in women and the treatment involves a few drugs that increase the risk of the ovarian cancer.


The prevention

When we convince the patients about no link between the ovarian cancer and infertility drugs, we also tell them about the probable symptoms of it. Menstrual irregularities or pain in the stomach is the common symptom. Normally women ignore it and the problem gets identified in the later stage. Regular check-up and immediate medical attention could prevent and treat the problem quickly.

Donor insemination, a bold decision to defeat infertility

Donor insemination, a bold decision to defeat infertility

Infertility treatment is a long running process and needs a lot of research to determine the best method for a couple. Each case of infertility is different and involves a different approach to resolve the issue. Egg donation, IVF, surrogacy, ART and many more are there. Donor insemination or DI is a typical solution to overcome male infertility.

In many cases, the male partner is unable to produce healthy sperms for fertilization. Sometimes the sperms are totally absent and sometimes quality of the sperm is inferior. Couples select DI to build the family because it is the only possible solution for them. It is surely a bold decision because the baby will carry the genetic characteristics of the donor and not the male partner. However, couples go for it with a few arguments in the support of it:

a) If the donor selection process is carried out sincerely, then it is possible to carry forward some great traits present in the donor.

b) Female partner (the recipient) can still experience the thrill and excitement of pregnancy and motherhood without bothering about the sperm donor, the male partner or an anonymous donor?

c) It is a simple and painless process as compared to the other ones. It doesn’t involve any surgical process and it is not needed to stay in the hospital.

d) The treatment is less costly, quick and confidential.

e) Sperm banks take care of the legal formalities.

Infertility expert plays a vital role

Infertility expert is important in the whole process. When it is decided that Donor Insemination is the best option for a couple, I start the process of searching the best suitable donor. Donor selection process takes some time and need attention.


Select the donor

Selecting the perfect donor is a critical aspect. It may take some weeks or more. Ask the infertility expert about reputed sperm banks that store frozen sperms. Some people call them “Cryobanks” because the sperms are stored in very low temperature. Modern sperm bank offer list of donors online and you can select the best one according to your choice. Some banks offer personalized services to make selection easy. There are various regulations and norms for donor screening process and every sperm bank has to comply with the norms. Regular audits and inspections are carried out to ensure adherence to the norms.

It is possible to see relevant information of donors either online or visiting the sperm bank. Couples can select the best suitable donor based on social, cultural and medical background. Physical characteristics and cultural aspects are also considered while selecting donors. They study the personal profile, traits and habits as well. It all depends on the individual preferences and choice.


Buy the sperms

Once you are satisfied with the donor profile and ready to buy the sperm, the sperm back should be informed accordingly. Being the infertility expert I coordinate with the sperm bank and decide a shipping date based on suitability of all three parties. The sperms are shipped to the clinic and ready for donor Insemination process.
DI is a great option to resolve infertility problem and many childless couples bring happiness of parenthood by choosing it!

Miscarriage and How to deal With Miscarriage

Miscarriage and How to deal With Miscarriage

What is a miscarriage?
A miscarriage is as a loss of pregnancy prior to the 20th week of gestation.  A pregnancy loss after the 20th week of gestation is considered a stillbirth. The different types of miscarriages create different signs and symptoms, ways of coping with miscarriage, and how to attempt conceiving after miscarriage.

The simple definition of miscarriage is the spontaneous termination of a pregnancy. Miscarriage affects about 25% of all expectant women, and generally happens between four and six weeks. Miscarriage almost always happens before the 13th week of pregnancy. The chances of a miscarriage are higher in first pregnancies than in later ones.

Miscarriages happen for a wide variety of reasons. About half are due to abnormalities in the fetus or the placenta, including chromosomal problems. Sometimes the egg attaches in the wrong place resulting in an early miscarriage. Recent studies have linked environmental pollution or excessive caffeine consumption to higher risks of miscarriage. So the short answer is that most times, miscarriage occurs totally outside of the control of the expectant mother.

The different types of miscarriages are listed below:
- A "Chemical" Pregnancy        
- Missed Miscarriage
- Blighted Ovum                    
- Molar Pregnancy
- Completed Miscarriage        
- Recurrent Miscarriage
- Ectopic Pregnancy                
- Stillbirth
- Incomplete Miscarriage        
- Threatened Miscarriage
- Inevitable Miscarriage

What are the impacts of a miscarriage?
For the mother it is both physical and emotional, and there are a number of painful and unpleasant impacts of a miscarriage. There will usually be significant vaginal bleeding and the passing of large clots. This in and of itself is a little unnerving for the mother and her partner. After all, how much blood is too much or how many clots are too many? How can you tell what is to be expected and what is not? In addition, mom's body often reacts like it does when she gives birth, so, for example, her breasts may enlarge and be tender. Her hormones will likely cause unexpected emotional and physical reactions, which only complicate the feeling of loss.

Emotional impacts - For both mom and dad, there are significant emotional issues. The feeling of emptiness a mom experiences is both physical and emotional. There may be feelings of guilt or of failure. And there may be a sense of overall depression or discouragement.

How should I deal with my grief, and that of my partner?
Know what to say and what not to say. Many moms who have miscarried have suggested that their husbands not try to console them with a message that "you can still have other kids." For mom, this baby was unique and special. Having more kids in any number will not eliminate the feeling of loss. Talking about other pregnancies may be our male way of trying to fix it. What mom needs is a listening ear, sympathy and a reassurance of your love for her. This kind of attitude will help her deal more effectively with her loss.

Socialize and share. Men typically don't call other men on the phone to talk about their feelings, even in the case of a miscarriage. It is just not our way of grieving. But some dads have experienced some peace and healing by writing down some of those feelings and "giving them life" on paper. That can be very therapeutic for a grieving father.

Support each other for your partner. Your partner will often feel the loss of a child more keenly that you will. So take the time to sit with her, hold her, and listen to her express herself. Just being there and supporting her through her grief will really help her process the experience.

Do more creative work and get busy. Men will often turn to a project to help assuage the feelings of grief and loss. It is not a bad way to deal with everything that is going on around you. Being busy (but not too busy to be supportive to your partner) will help with the passing of time and will focus you in a positive direction.

Miscarriage is a huge blow to an expectant couple. By staying focused on supporting each other and by realizing that time will help the healing process, you can find peace even as you grieve for the loss of that one special life.

Sperm Morphology, a strange dimension of male infertility

Sperm Morphology, a strange dimension of male infertility

As an infertility expert I need to look into every case minutely. Female infertility is still easier to handle as compared to male infertility because it has clear clues. Male infertility, on the other hand, is quite complicated and the symptoms are similar.


Semen analysis is the major tool to know about the sperm quality. The number of sperms and sperm movement can be captured by the semen analysis. We see another angle that is equally important to determine male fertility (or infertility) levels. It is the sperm morphology or shape of the sperm.

Kruger’s morphology: the effective method

We use a special test to know about the shape of sperms. This test is called as Kruger’s morphology method. Historically, this test was tried to measure the chances of success in fertility treatment like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). It is the method of fertilizing the female egg in the laboratory by mixing sperms and matured egg.Very recently scientists have tried it to establish the need of ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) method where sperms are injected directly in the core the egg.

What is a healthy sperm?

A healthy sperm is usually five to six micrometers in length and has a smooth oval shaped tip (head). The thickness of a sperm is 2.5 to 3.5 micrometers. The cap of a sperm covers almost half to two-third part of the head. The shape is welldefined and no deformity is visible. Healthy sperms swim fast and able to reach the matured egg quickly.

Sperm abnormality and infertility


In the normal case, the number of sperms with incorrect morphology is less than 4%. The remaining sperms are enough to fertilize the egg. However, in case of male infertility problem it becomes a crucial factor. In such cases where the sperm quantity or mobility is low, even less than 4% abnormally shaped sperms can cause infertility. This reduction is applicable for normal as well as clinical fertilization.


There has been no link established so far between the sperm morphology and the chromosomes. Even if pregnancy is caused by a deformed sperm, no ill-effects are anticipated. The offspring may inherit tendency of deformed sperms. There has been no correlation found between chromosome linked diseases and the sperm shape.


What is the way out?

There has been extensive research done so far to understand the correlation between lifestyle related factors and sperm morphology. Scientists have found a link between excessive consumption of alcohol/tobacco and sperm shape though. Some drugs also cause bad effect on sperm quality and shape. Caffeine also put harmful effect on the sperm shape.


It is important to adopt good food habits for improving sperm shape. Consumption of vitamins and minerals help a lot. Dietary supplements, multivitamin tablets, fresh fruits and vegetables and protein-rich food improve the sperm quality.


Reduction in weight also helps a lot. Studies indicate direct correlation between overweight and sperm count. Weight reduction helps not only in raising the sperm count, but the morphology as well.
It is possible to correct sperm shape by making corrective changes in the lifestyle.

Hydrosalpinx, the fallopian tube failure

Hydrosalpinx, the fallopian tube failure

Among various causes of infertility Hydrosalpinx is a rare, yet major cause. It is a problem of fallopian tubes, one of the important parts of female reproductive system. It is not very common problem though.


What is Hydrosalpinx?


The problem of Hydrosalpinx occurs when fallopian tubes are filled with fluid. It causes inflammation in the tubes and the ends of the tubes close. The glands secreteafluid that is accumulated in the tubes. The tubes swell like sausage and it is one of the prime symptoms of Hydrosalpinx.


Fallopian tubes are extremely delicate and prone to damage. The shape of fallopian tube is a funnel-shaped core with two arms called fimbria that reach to the ovaries. These arms are responsible for successful movement of the egg from ovaries to the uterus. These arms are equipped with hair like structure to help the movement of matured eggs and sperms. Because of infection and accumulation of fluid, it loses the hairy texture and restricts the movement of sperms and egg. Pregnancy becomes virtually impossible in the presence of Hydrosalpinx.


Reason for Hydrosalpinx


Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are the two major reasons. Various other reasons as well, e.g. IUD, abdominal surgery and endometriosis are also responsible for it. Inflammation is the common symptom. We need to investigate the basic reason and plan the treatment accordingly.


Hydrosalpinx makes the natural pregnancy impossible and it also cause hindrance to various procedures of infertility treatment. The fluid can reach to the uterus causing changes in the chemical composition. The internal environment of the uterus is critical for successful pregnancy and any minor change may cause severe damage. It causes hormonal imbalance and prevents pregnancy.


Diagnosis and treatment


HSG, ultrasound testing, laparoscopy and X-ray are the common diagnostic procedures used for detection of Hydrosalpinx. Sometimes multiple rounds of testing are required to diagnose the problem correctly.


Treating Hydrosalpinx is tough indeed. It is possible to repair it in a few cases, but we can’t predict about successful pregnancy. Normally we use Neosalpingostomy, a procedure of making incisions at the end of Hydrosalpinx and folding the edges. However, this method fails sometimes and the tube closes again. The size of Hydrosalpinx and the age of patient are two crucial factors to decide the chances of success. Younger women with smaller Hydrosalpinx and an overall healthy reproductive system recover completely whereas older woman with large Hydrosalpinx have very fewer chances of success.


The tremendous development in IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) has actually removed the need of correcting Hydrosalpinx. We take the eggs from ovaries and fertilize in the laboratory. Placement of the embryo at the correct place is important. It can be achieved through correct drugs that keep the hormone level correct. We don’t worry about Hydrosalpinx because the fallopian tubes are bypassed in the whole process.


Hydrosalpinx is indeed a tough problem, but not impossible to deal with. It is a classic infertility problem that limits the pregnancy rates. Expert reproductive endocrinologists and a team of skilled medical professionals can bring brilliant results.