Semen analysis (sperm test) kit at a glance
- In couples experiencing infertility, which is the inability to conceive within a year of trying, the chance of the man being the sole cause or a contributing cause is about 50%, with poor sperm as the most common cause.
- A laboratory semen analysis is often one of the first tests performed to help establish if a man has infertility issues, which are often due to the inability to produce any sperm or healthy sperm that can fertilize a woman’s eggs.
- ARMS recommends the FDA-approved YO Home Sperm Test, a convenient at-home sperm testing kit that utilizes a smartphone app and allows men to evaluate their sperm to help identify potential issues early on.
- Because it is essential that couples and men use this at-home sperm test in conjunction with professional guidance, ARMS will help interpret results and advise the man on a course of action, such as an office evaluation and lab semen analysis.
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What is an at-home sperm test kit?
When it comes to fertility, both men and women play an equally important role. Men are the sole or a contributing cause of a couple’s infertility in about 50% of cases. About 50% of male infertility is due to poor sperm. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 10%-15% of infertile men produce no sperm at all (azoospermia). Other factors in poor sperm include sperm concentration, sperm motility (its ability to move) and sperm morphology (shape).
An at-home sperm testing kit is a diagnostic tool designed to evaluate the health and viability of sperm. For the convenience of our patients, ARMS recommends the FDA-approved YO Home Sperm Test kit as an easy and private way to assess male fertility without the need for a clinic visit. This at-home test offers an accessible, affordable step in sperm health analysis for men. Many men are embarrassed to go to a fertility clinic or a urologist for the laboratory semen analysis and avoid doing so.
While the YO Sperm Test is not as comprehensive as a full laboratory semen analysis (see semen analysis section below), it offers a level of accuracy that makes it a useful preliminary screening tool. By using this kit, couples can gain insights into potential fertility issues and take appropriate steps toward conception.
How does the YO Home Sperm Test work?
The at-home YO Sperm Test is designed to be user-friendly and includes all the necessary components to conduct an accurate and convenient sperm analysis. The test provides a motile sperm concentration (MSC) value, because only sperm with healthy motility (movement) can reach an egg for fertilization.
This MSC is converted to a YO Score, which is how the man’s MSC matches up with other men who have fathered children. The higher the YO Score, the more likely the man is to achieve pregnancy in a reasonable period of time.
Items in the YO Sperm Test include:
- Sterile cups provided for the collection of semen samples.
- Liquefaction powder to mix with the semen sample, ensuring proper consistency for analysis.
- Disposable slides for the prepared semen sample.
- Detailed instructions on how to use the kit.
- Corresponding app to share results with Dr. Drew Moffitt at ARMS (or other providers).
At-home semen analysis process
Watch the at-home YO Sperm Test demonstration video.
- Sample collection. The process begins with the collection of a semen sample through masturbation, which is placed in a provided collection cup.
- Preparation. The sample is then mixed with the kit’s liquefying powder. This step ensures the sample is adequately prepared for YO analysis.
- Loading the sample. The prepared semen is loaded onto a disposable slide, which is then inserted into the YO device that connects to a smartphone, either Android or iPhone.
- Analysis. The device utilizes the smartphone’s camera to analyze the sample, and the app guides men through each step, ensuring proper usage and accurate results.
- Results. Within a few minutes, the YO app provides results on sperm motility. The app provides a YO Score that categorizes motile sperm concentration (MSC) as “low” or “moderate/normal.” It also provides a video of sperm to illustrate their movement.
Benefits of at-home sperm testing kits
- Privacy and convenience. One of the main advantages of at-home sperm testing is the ability to assess important aspects of fertility in the comfort of one’s own home. The ability to perform the test at home makes it very convenient for those whose schedule may make it difficult, or who might feel uncomfortable, going to a clinic or lab.
- Early detection of potential issues. Sperm testing kits enable couples to identify potential fertility issues at an early stage. This early detection can lead to timely intervention and appropriate treatment options, increasing the chances of successful conception.
- Cost-effectiveness. Sperm testing kits offer a more affordable alternative to a doctor visit or laboratory semen analysis, making fertility testing accessible to a wider audience.
- Immediate results and fast professional collaboration. The test provides quick results, allowing for immediate assessment by the user without waiting for lab processing times. The YO test can share results immediately with a fertility professional who can provide further analysis and guidance. We strongly advise that users of any at-home fertility testing consult with a doctor about test results.
- Empowerment and informed decision-making. By using sperm testing kits, individuals or couples gain a better understanding of their fertility health. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions about their reproductive journey and seek appropriate medical advice if needed.
Limitations
The test primarily measures sperm concentration and motility combined. It does not assess other critical aspects of sperm health noted in the information on semen analysis below.
Moreover, any concerning results should be followed up with a visit to a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and professional guidance.
Related reading for female partners
We can interpret results from a couple of recommended at-home female fertility test kits.
When to see a fertility specialist for male infertility testing
While sperm testing kits can provide valuable information, we recommend discussing the results with an ARMS fertility specialist. It may be necessary to make an office visit for more comprehensive evaluations.
Men or couples should consider seeking professional help in the following situations:
- Abnormal or concerning results from a sperm testing kit.
- History of reproductive health issues or medical conditions that may affect fertility.
- Unsuccessful attempts at conception after a year of trying.
- Known male factor infertility.
Semen analysis
A laboratory semen analysis is the gold standard for evaluating male fertility. Conducted in a controlled environment by medical professionals, this test provides a thorough and accurate assessment of sperm health.
Sperm testing or semen analysis is recommended for men or couples who are experiencing difficulties in conceiving or have concerns about their fertility. This is where sperm testing comes into play as it can indicate the need for a more complete evaluation.
A semen analysis assesses both the quality and quantity of sperm, as well as the semen (the ejaculate material released during male climax) that carries the sperm. The following factors are examined in a laboratory semen analysis:
- Sperm count. This measures the number of sperm in a milliliter of semen.
- Motility. This assesses the percentage of sperm that are moving and their movement quality.
- Morphology, or the shape and structure of the sperm, which affects fertility.
- Vitality. This determines the percentage of live sperm in the sample.
- Agglutination. This checks for sperm clumping, which can affect motility.
- White blood cells, in order to identify possible infections.
Further testing
A specialist can conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including further testing and analysis as well as recommendations for treatment.