How the test works
The test is prescribed on the day before ovulation using ultrasound monitoring, when the mucus is most abundant and “stretchable”; sexual intercourse 4–12 hours before the visit without lubricants, condoms, washing and douching after; abstinence 2–3 days before contact. The doctor takes mucus from the cervical canal with a pipette and looks under a microscope: a positive test - 10 or more actively motile sperm in the field of view (mucus is compatible), negative - immobile or absent sperm. A negative result is rechecked (the day may be wrong), then antisperm antibodies are examined and intrauterine insemination is recommended, bypassing the cervical barrier.
Indications
- moderate decrease in sperm counts (subfertility), erectile and ejaculatory disorders in a partner;
- cervical factor of infertility - unfavorable mucus, antisperm antibodies, negative Shuvarsky test;
- infertility of unknown origin, anovulation (with stimulation of ovulation) with patent tubes;
- use of donor sperm (single women, severe male factor);
- Shuvarsky test - for infertility to assess the interaction of sperm and cervical mucus.
Efficiency
Intrauterine insemination is the simplest and most physiological method of assisted reproduction: processed sperm with a concentration of the best motile sperm is injected directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation, bypassing the cervical barrier. The probability of pregnancy per attempt is 10–20% (higher with stimulation of ovulation and age under 35 years), in total for 3–4 cycles - up to 40–50%. Mandatory conditions: patent fallopian tubes and a sufficient number of motile sperm after treatment; if 3–4 attempts fail, IVF is recommended.
