Postcoital test

The postcoital test (PCT), also known as the Sims test, Hühner test ,Sims–Hühner test, or cervical mucous penetration assay is a test in the evaluation of infertility. The test examines interaction between sperm and mucus of the cervix. The PCT examines sperm survival in cervical mucus during the pre-ovulatory period and determines whether sperm are migrating into the female reproductive system. It does not predict whether pregnancy can occur. The test is performed 1 to 2 days before ovulation, when estrogen-stimulated cervical mucus is abundant. Basal body temperatures or the midcycle luteinizing hormone surge may be used to determine the timing of the PCT. Mucus is withdrawn from the endocervical canal within 8 hours of coitus and examined. The presence of any forwardly motile sperm in alkaline mucus suggests adequate coital technique and a normal cervical mucus–sperm interaction.