THE VALIDITY OF THE POSTCOITAL TEST FOR ESTIMATING THE PROBABILITY OFCONCEIVING

OBJECTIVE: We determined the prognostic value of the postcoital test i n subfertile couples. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study relates the result of the postcoital test to the occurrence of a spontaneous pregn ancy. In a fertility center of a university hospital, data from the co mplete fertility workup of 956 couples who were examined because of in fertility due to cervical hostility, male subfertility, or unexplained causes were collected. Statistical analysis was done with Cox regress ion. RESULTS: The postcoital test result 9 to 12 hours after intercour se is strongly associated with future pregnancy during the first year after intake; the association is also present when the relation with o ther prognostic variables is taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: The post coital test result is a strong predictor of possible fertility within the following year.