A new standardized in vitro penetration test (bovine) measuring the capacity of fertilization. I

In the general examination of the infertile man it is no longer sufficient to diagnose the capacity of fertilization of sperm from data obtained by observing the classical parameters (concentration, motility%, etc.). The andrologists have long been seeking a new general method which would show the functional value of the sperm, in contradiction to those static parameters which have previously been used. For this reason the post-coital test1, the in vitro capillary test2, and the standardized human penetration test3 are now suggested for diagnostic purposes. It is obvious that the previous two tests have real diagnostic value, but their technique needs a well organized and often rather a difficult preparation. To observe sperm penetration in human mucus is often not easy because in the anovulatory cycle and in cases of cervicitis mucus of proper quality is not present. The penetration tests with human mucus needs the close cooperation of the andrologist and gynaecologist in order to obtain evaluable results. Therefore we have devised a standardized in vitro sperm penetration test, where the penetration agent was the cervical mucus of the cow (BCM).