American Society for Reproductive Medicine
View all recommendations from this societyReleased December 3, 2013
Don’t perform a postcoital test (PCT) for the evaluation of infertility.
The PCT suffers from poor reproducibility and its predictive value for pregnancy is no better than chance. Utilizing the PCT leads to more tests and treatments but yields no improvement in cumulative pregnancy rates.
These items are provided solely for informational purposes and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their physician.
How The List Was Created
The Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) reviewed evidence from ASRM’s practice documents to identify possible topics along with suggestions for possible topics from the ASRM Board of Directors. By consensus, the Practice Committee narrowed the list to the top five most overused tests within specified parameters. Additional input was sought from the ASRM Board of Directors and incorporated. The final list was reviewed and approved by the ASRM Board of Directors. The ASRM Board of Directors and Practice Committee are comprised of representatives from every aspect of reproductive medicine through our five affiliated societies including the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology and the Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists.
ASRM’s disclosure and conflict of interest policy can be found at www.asrm.org.
Sources
Leushuis E, van der Steeg JW, Steures P, Koks C, Oosterhuis J, Bourdrez P, Bossuyt PM, van der Veen F, Mol BW, Hompes PG. CECERM study group. Prognostic value of the postcoital test for spontaneous pregnancy. Fertil Steril. 2011;95:2050–5.
Oei SG, Helmerhorst FM, Keirse MJ. Routine postcoital testing is unnecessary. Hum Reprod. 2001;16:1051–3.
Oei SG, Helmerhorst FM, Bloemenkamp KW, Meerpoel DEM, Keirse MJNC. Effectiveness of the postcoital test: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 1998;317:502–5.
Glatstein IZ, Best CL, Palumbo A, Sleeper LA, Friedman A, Hornstein MD. The reproducibility of the postcoital test: a prospective study. Obstet Gynecol. 1995;85:396–400.
Griffith CS, Grimes DA. The validity of the postcoital test. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990;162:615–20.
Collins JA, So Y, Wilson EH, Wrixon W, Casper RF. The postcoital test as a predictor of pregnancy among 355 infertile couples. Fertil Steril. 1984;41:703–8.
