Sperm function tests
Other sperm function tests performed in the andrological laboratory will allow the physician to choose the appropriate assisted reproduction method for the particular couple.
Postcoital test (PCT)
It is a painless gynecological examination in which the woman is sampled from cervical mucus. The test is performed 6-8 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. It assesses sperm’s ability to penetrate from the ejaculate into the cervical mucus and survive in this environment. The postcoital test is performed at the time of ovulation when the uterine lining is most permeable to the sperm. Prior to the examination, it is recommended to have a 3-day sexual abstinence so that sperm quality is optimal and there is no sperm from previous sexual acts in the cervical mucus.
Sperm Trial Wash
In order for the sperm to function properly, they must be separated from the seminal plasma. Prolonged exposure to seminal plasma causes impaired motility and vitality of sperm, and thus a reduction in fertility.
Test of fragmentation of DNA in sperm
The nuclear DNA in sperm is extremely vulnerable and likely to be damaged. It is known that this damage is a cause for the reduced fertility of men, and it is associated with a longer waiting period until pregnancy.
In some cases, however, even sperm with damaged DNA can fertilize the egg. The result of such fertilization is generally a deterioration in the development of the embryo to the point of a complete discontinuation of development; in the case of pregnancy this leads to miscarriage.
If we find an increased incidence of sperm with damaged DNA, the SanatoriumHelios offers the possibility of fertilizing of the oocytes using the PICSI method, which allows the embryologist to select a mature sperm with undamaged DNA.
Immunobead-Test
The Immunobead Test will help you to find out if there are autoantibodies to sperm in the ejaculate. These antibodies cover the surface of sperm cells and may be one reason why otherwise high quality and healthy sperm cells are unable to naturally fertilize an egg cell. Their occurrence is in the population between 8 – 20 %.
Early detection of the presence of autoantibodies to sperm aids in choosing the right assisted reproduction method, and this will save you time.