Patient's question:
Hello, because of infertility, I went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor asked me to do an ultrasound for ovulation monitoring + PCT test in two days. I had my period from the evening of the 21st last month and it completely ended on the 27th. Is December 4th for the check-up okay? Can I postpone it by one more day? What does PCT test for? How is it checked?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Post-coital test, also known as intracervical mucus function test (post-coital, PCPT), examines the function of cervical mucus, sperm viability, and penetration. It is primarily used for couples with normal general examinations who have undergone ovulation induction treatment and are undergoing cervical mucus monitoring. Specific method: The test should be scheduled during the late follicular phase or ovulation period. Abstinence and avoidance of vaginal douching for 3 days before the test. Intercourse should occur between midnight and dawn, followed by visiting the hospital for examination 2-5 hours later. This test should be scheduled with a physician in advance. During the examination, a speculum is used to expose the vagina, and the secretions of the posterior fornix and external cervical os are gently wiped clean. A cervical catheter or long forceps is inserted 1.5 cm into the cervical canal to collect the mucus, which is then spread on a glass slide for microscopic examination. A positive PCPT result indicates normal sexual activity, normal cervical mucus function, normal ovarian estrogen secretion, and normal cervical mucus reactivity, suggesting that sperm can penetrate the cervical mucus and have normal fertility. A negative result has the opposite meaning, indicating infertility caused by cervical factors. It is recommended that you undergo effective examination within the time specified by your physician. Wishing you health!