ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

Persistence of Vaginal Spermatozoa as Assessed by Routine Cervicovaginal (Pap) Smears
Randall, B
Forensic pathologist, Laboratory of Clinical Medicine, SD

(Received 30 June 1986; accepted 28 July 1986)

Abstract

Retrospective review of cervicovaginal (Pap) smears of women with known sexual histories affords an opportunity to assess the potential for postcoital sperm recovery for large numbers of individuals. This study reviewed 542 individuals' Pap smears with accompanying sexual histories. Three hundred forty-nine respondents reported at least one act of sexual intercourse during the five days preceding the Pap smear. Unlike a previous report, the current study showed very poor sperm recovery (maximum of 25% during the first postcoital day). The observed results roughly correlate with the incidence of sperm noted on screening of large numbers of routine clinical Pap smears in a private reference laboratory. Routine Pap smears can detect sperm but do not appear to be an ideal method to substantiate recent sexual intercourse.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, criminal sex offenses, spermatozoa, coitus, Pap smears

Paper ID: JFS12372J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12372J
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