post-coital questions

[meeshy9]

So I've been reading a lot about post-coital tests here lately, and I think I get the general idea of what it is and why its done.  At what point does an RE decide this is necessary?  Is this something that I should bring up with my RE?  I've been ttc for a year and a half, had a normal HSG, my blood work done so far (some things were not checked by previous crappy RE) has been normal, DH had an SA - everything normal.  I've been on Femara for two cycles, prescribed by my previous RE, who I didn't like.  Seeing a new RE now, who is talking that maybe I have PCOS (only symptom is occasional anovulatory cycle so he has not confirmed the diagnosis yet), and that I may need to go to injectibles and IUI.  Anyway - can anyone give me some more insight into post-coital tests?  Thanks!

[meeshy9]

Thanks for all the answers ladies, it really helps.  Knowing that there is some controversy helps a lot - I'll bring it up with him, but if he feels its not necessary I probably won't push - save that for something more important :)

I have been thinking maybe I should start charting.  I had avoided it in the past because I'm not sure I'd be able to remember to do it first thing everyday, but maybe its worth a shot!  Thanks again!

[Heather5]

Just wanted to add that there's a lot of controversy surrounding the post-coital. Many people have gotten a negative post-coital test, and still gotten pregnant. Also, unless it is done at exactly the right time, it will be invalid. Basically it has to be done while you have fertile cervical mucus, which is right before ovulation. I got a "failed" post-coital a year ago. Like mommyin09, it was done the day after my positive OPK. Yet I got pregnant on my own a few months later. I've also started charting since then and has come to realize that I actually ovulate the same day as my positive OPK, so the test was most likely done after ovulation in my case, and by then, fertile cervical mucus had already dried up.

[kikicoates78]

Some Re don't use the post coital, it is kinda an "old-fashioned" test my Re said. Mine used it but some don't. If your not having any male factor problems thats probly why he didn't order it. Mine ordered it cause DH had a low count, his motility was good though and thats what the post coital shows. I would probly ask though I think it would be good to know your CM isn't destroying the little "guys". Good luck!!

[mommyin10]

I just had a post-coital test done yesterday.  We had a consultation with an RE last Friday & because I was already cd10, he decided that the first step would be for me to come in for the post-coital test since I would be O'ing soon.  So, doc's orders were to call the office when I get my +opk, bd that night, then come in the next morning for the test.  They did an u/s first, then the post-coital.  It's done like a pap & they take a very small sample of fluid from your cervix, then look at it under a microscope.  My results were shocking to me!  The doc said normally it looks like a swarm of ants, but all we saw was one lonely swimmer...  Needless to say, it really bummed me out :(  I've read that it's not the most reliable test, so some doctors may not do it.  Of course that gave me some hope :)  Anyway, I think the first step with your RE is to do bloodwork & have dh do a S/A.  Because I was at cd10, they couldn't do the S/A 'cause we'd have to abstain.  Our next step is to get that test done & then move forward.  Anyway, hope this helps & best wishes :)

[Keyan]

Hi

Post-coital test is usually done during the inital evaluation (labs, SA, U/S), not in the first visit. The RE well tell you to come in the office the next morning after (right before or during O) BD the night before the test (evaluation).

This is a great test to see DH swimmers and to see how they are doing inside your track. Maybe you should ask the new RE to consider it.