What is the window after sexual intercourse that you can perform a Pregnancy Confirmation Test (PCT)?

The post-coital test (PCT) should be performed 1-2 days before expected ovulation, typically around day 12-14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle, and 2-12 hours after intercourse. The optimal timing is 8-12 hours after intercourse, as this allows sufficient time for sperm to travel to the cervical mucus while still being viable for observation. The test involves collecting a sample of cervical mucus to evaluate sperm quantity, motility, and survival in the female reproductive tract. This timing is crucial because cervical mucus is most receptive to sperm around ovulation when it becomes thin, clear, and stretchy (resembling egg whites). The PCT helps identify potential issues with sperm-mucus interaction, such as poor sperm motility or hostile cervical mucus. To prepare for a PCT, couples should abstain from intercourse for 2-3 days before the scheduled test intercourse, and the woman should avoid douching or using vaginal medications that might affect the cervical environment. While the PCT has become less common with advances in fertility testing, this timing window remains important when the test is performed.