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What is a Huhner Test?

Emma Lloyd
Emma Lloyd

The Huhner test is a type of fertility test in which the compatibility of sperm and cervical mucus is evaluated. This is an important test because up to 8% of infertility cases are related to incompatibility between cervical mucus and sperm. The Huhner test, also known as the Sims-Huhner test or the postcoital test, is carried out by an infertility diagnostician, who examines these fluids several hours after intercourse has taken place.

Cervical cells secrete mucus which changes in consistency according to different phases of the menstrual cycle. As the cycle approaches the time of ovulation, cervical cells produce larger quantities of mucus. The mucus also changes qualitatively, to approximate a pH and viscosity that is more compatible with sperm migration. For sperm to travel past the cervix and into the uterus, the mucus present in the cervix must generally be of pH 7 to 8.5, and have a certain degree of viscosity and stretch. Infertility may result if the cervical mucus and sperm are incompatible.

Cervical mucus secretion changes according to the different phases of the menstrual cycle.
Cervical mucus secretion changes according to the different phases of the menstrual cycle.

To determine whether cervical mucus has the required pH and viscosity, the Huhner test is carried out several hours after intercourse, on a date close to the woman’s time of ovulation. Generally, a couple undergoing the test is asked to avoid intercourse for 48 hours prior to the test, and to then have intercourse four to eight hours before the test appointment is scheduled. During the test appointment, mucus samples are collected from the woman’s cervix and are then examined in a diagnostic lab.

The cervix connects the vagina to the uterus.
The cervix connects the vagina to the uterus.

Several different aspects of the cervical mucus are evaluated during a Huhner test. First, the mucus is examined for clarity and viscosity. Mucus obtained from the cervix at the time of ovulation should be clear and watery, and viscous enough that a portion of the mucus can be stretched at least 3.15 inches (8 cm) before breaking. The pH of the mucus is also recorded; the optimal level is pH 7 to 8.5.

A Huhner test is performed several hours after sexual intercourse takes place.
A Huhner test is performed several hours after sexual intercourse takes place.

The next part of the Huhner test involves the microscopic examination of the mucus to check how many sperm are present. A drop of mucus should contain a dozen or more sperm, which should swim with a strong forward motion. If there are too few sperm, this may indicate that the pH of the mucus is too low for sperm to survive. If sperm are unable to swim strongly, the mucus may be too thick.

Infertility may result if cervical mucus and sperm are incompatible.
Infertility may result if cervical mucus and sperm are incompatible.

The presence of other types of cells, including immune cells and yeast cells, is also noted. If larger than normal numbers of immune cells are present an infection may be affecting the quality of cervical mucus. Similarly, the presence of yeast cells indicates an infection that may also affect survival and motility of sperm. In some cases, resolving the infection will improve mucus quality enough to allow the woman to conceive.

As the menstrual cycle approaches the time of ovulation, cervical cells produce larger quantities of mucus.
As the menstrual cycle approaches the time of ovulation, cervical cells produce larger quantities of mucus.

If the quality of a woman’s cervical mucus is reducing her ability to conceive, and this problem has no other underlying cause, she may be prescribed hormonal medication that can improve the quality of the mucus. When medication does not resolve the problem, artificial insemination may be recommended. This procedure enables sperm to bypass the cervical mucus, improving the chances of conception.

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    • Cervical mucus secretion changes according to the different phases of the menstrual cycle.
      By: blueringmedia
      Cervical mucus secretion changes according to the different phases of the menstrual cycle.
    • The cervix connects the vagina to the uterus.
      By: reineg
      The cervix connects the vagina to the uterus.
    • A Huhner test is performed several hours after sexual intercourse takes place.
      By: Forewer
      A Huhner test is performed several hours after sexual intercourse takes place.
    • Infertility may result if cervical mucus and sperm are incompatible.
      By: Monkey Business
      Infertility may result if cervical mucus and sperm are incompatible.
    • As the menstrual cycle approaches the time of ovulation, cervical cells produce larger quantities of mucus.
      By: joshya
      As the menstrual cycle approaches the time of ovulation, cervical cells produce larger quantities of mucus.
    • One part of the Huhner test involves the microscopic examination of the mucus to check how many sperm are present.
      By: 18percentgrey
      One part of the Huhner test involves the microscopic examination of the mucus to check how many sperm are present.
    • To perform the Huhner test, samples from a patient are examined in a diagnostic lab.
      By: diego cervo
      To perform the Huhner test, samples from a patient are examined in a diagnostic lab.