The Huhner test evaluates the compatibility of sperm and cervical mucus, which can affect up to 8% of infertility cases. The test examines the clarity, viscosity, pH, and presence of other cells in the mucus. Hormonal medications or artificial insemination may be recommended if the mucus is incompatible.
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 the incompatibility between cervical mucus and sperm. The Huhner test, also known as the Sims-Huhner test or postcoital test, is performed by an infertility diagnostician, who examines these fluids several hours after intercourse.
The cervical cells secrete mucus which changes consistency according to the different phases of the menstrual cycle. As the cycle approaches the time of ovulation, the cervical cells produce more mucus. The mucus also changes qualitatively, to approximate a pH and viscosity more compatible with sperm migration. In order for sperm to travel beyond the cervix and into the uterus, the mucus present in the cervix generally needs to have a pH between 7 and 8.5 and have some degree of viscosity and stretch. Infertility can result if cervical mucus and sperm are incompatible.
To determine whether cervical mucus has the required pH and viscosity, the Huhner test is performed several hours after intercourse, on a date close to the time of ovulation. Typically, a couple taking the test is asked to avoid intercourse for 48 hours before the test and to have sex four to eight hours before their test appointment. During the testing appointment, mucus samples are collected from the woman’s cervix and then examined in a diagnostic laboratory.
Several aspects of the cervical mucus are evaluated during a Huhner test. First, the mucus is examined for clarity and stickiness. The mucus obtained from the cervix at the time of ovulation should be clear and watery and viscous enough to stretch a piece of mucus at least 8 inches (3.15 cm) before breaking. The pH of the mucus is also recorded; the optimal level is from pH 7 to 8.5.
The next part of the Huhner test involves microscopic examination of the mucus to check how many sperm cells are present. A drop of mucus should contain a dozen or more sperm cells, which should swim in a strong forward motion. If there are too few sperm, this could indicate that the pH of the mucus is too low for sperm to survive. If the sperm is unable to swim strongly, the mucus may be too thick.
The presence of other cell types is also noted, including immune cells and yeast cells. If there are more than normal numbers of immune cells, an infection can affect the quality of the cervical mucus. Similarly, the presence of yeast cells indicates an infection which can also affect sperm survival and motility. In some cases, resolution of the infection will improve the quality of the mucus enough for the woman to conceive.
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 medications that can improve the quality of the mucus. When medications don’t solve the problem, artificial insemination may be recommended. This procedure allows sperm to bypass the cervical mucus, improving the chances of conception.
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