When to Perform the Compatibility Test
A postcoital test is prescribed for infertility. Since infertility can be associated with various causes, and the postcoital test only identifies cervical and immunological factors, it is recommended to undergo preliminary testing to exclude other factors:
- For the woman: a gynecological examination, pelvic ultrasound, and testing for fallopian tube patency to exclude pathologies of the uterus and appendages.
- For the man: a spermogram to evaluate sperm quality, quantity, and motility, to rule out male infertility factors.
The Shuvarsky test is not the only compatibility test for pregnancy. During pregnancy planning, a blood test for the Rh factor is prescribed. In cases of suspected immunological infertility, along with the postcoital test, additional blood tests for couple compatibility (HLA antigens, antisperm antibodies), ASAT tests in sperm (1BT test, MAR test) may also be recommended.
The postcoital test should be performed between the 9th and 16th days of the menstrual cycle, before ovulation or in the first hours after its onset. An ovulation test (measuring luteinizing hormone in urine) should be conducted beforehand. If the result is negative, the postcoital test can be done; if positive, the test should be postponed for a month due to increased viscosity of cervical mucus, which could lead to a false-negative result.
The test can be performed in any gynecological office in Dnipro and the Dnipropetrovsk region, but it is better to visit a clinic or medical center with an in-house laboratory for faster processing of the sample.
How to Prepare for the Compatibility Test
Biological material for the Shuvarsky test is collected from the woman, but since sperm is present in the cervical mucus sample, both partners need to prepare:
- The man should perform a spermogram a week before the test.
- The woman should undergo a gynecological examination and take a flora smear 4-5 days before the test. If an inflammatory process or pathogenic flora is detected, treatment must be completed before the test can be performed. If there are no contraindications, folliculometry will be done for more accurate ovulation timing.
- Both partners should abstain from sexual intercourse for 2-3 days prior to the test (the man should also refrain from any actions that could induce ejaculation).
- The woman should avoid vaginal medications and douching for 2-3 days before the test.
- On the day of the test, an ovulation test should be done. If ovulation has not yet occurred, vaginal intercourse without contraception or lubricants should take place.
After intercourse, the woman should lie down for 30-40 minutes. Before the gynecological examination, she should not douche, wash, or use tampons.
How the Postcoital Test is Performed (Shuvarsky Test)
To complete the compatibility test, the woman should visit a gynecologist within 4-6 hours after intercourse. She will lie on the examination chair, and the doctor will collect a sample of cervical mucus using a special instrument (pipette or syringe) and place it on a microscope slide. This procedure is painless, and after it, the woman can leave, while the sample is sent to the laboratory for microscopic analysis. The following characteristics are evaluated:
- The number of sperm per milliliter of mucus
- The percentage of sperm with fast, slow movement, and immobile sperm
- The type of movement of active sperm (linear or pendulum-like)
- The consistency, viscosity, and other characteristics of the mucus
Depending on the number and activity of sperm in the sample, the result of the Shuvarsky test is classified as positive, doubtful, or negative. The doctor interprets the results. In case of a negative or doubtful result, the Kurzrok-Miller test may be prescribed, which involves artificially mixing sperm and mucus (donor material may be used). This test is more expensive due to its complexity, so the Shuvarsky test is typically used as the first-line test.
Price for the Postcoital Test
The price for the postcoital test consists of the gynecologist's service (cervical mucus collection) and laboratory fees. The cost varies depending on the clinic and laboratory.
