This test is now less commonly used to identify problems with sperm or with cervical mucus because more effective management technologies such as IVF or IUI have evolved to completely bypass hostile mucus.

Cervical mucus is supposed to enhance sperm survival, however, abnormal test results, which could include overly thick mucus, no sperm, or sperm clumping together, won't always indicate a problem with the mucus. The test could determine that sperm may be absent because they were not deposited into the vagina during intercourse.