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Key Points:
- The best at-home sperm test is the clinical grade type such as Fellow, Legacy, Mojo and Sapyen.
- Mail-in sperm tests are most accurate when delivered to the laboratory shortly after collecting sample.
- A normal sperm analysis result does not guarantee you are fertile.
- Please consult your healthcare professional if you are having difficulty trying to conceive.
At-Home Sperm Tests
At-home sperm tests are readily available over the counter or online nowadays. These kits help men overcome the cultural barriers or stigma associated with checking their fertility.
However, no two tests are identical so choosing the one for you is not a simple task. Let’s take look at each test in more detail.
The following is a current list of readily available at-home sperm tests:
- ExSeed
- Fellow
- FertilitySCORE
- Forelife SpermTest
- Labcorp OnDemand Rapid Fertility Test
- Legacy
- Mojo
- O’VIEW Sperm Tester Pro
- Sapyen At-Home Male Fertility Analysis Kit
- SpermCheck Fertility
- SpermCheck Vasectomy
- SwimCount
- Tenga Men’s Loupe
- Yo Home Sperm Test
ExSeed
| Parameters tested | Concentration, Motility, Volume, TMC |
| Parameters NOT tested | Morphology, pH |
| Time to result | 30 minutes |
| Approvals | CE |
The ExSeed Home Sperm test is a smartphone based at-home semen test. This test determines the users semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and final Total Motile Count.
However, compared to a standard semen analysis, the ExSeed Home Sperm test does not check sperm morphology or semen pH levels.
The accuracy of the ExSeed Home Sperm test is greater than 95% according to the manufacturer.
Overall, the ExSeed Home Sperm test is an average at-home sperm test for those who just want a simple yes or no answer while trying to conceive during their first 6 to 12 months.
Fellow
| Parameters tested | Concentration, Motility, Morphology, Volume, TMC |
| Parameters NOT tested | pH |
| Time to results | Within 36 hours of receiving semen sample |
| Approvals | CLIA |
The Fellow Semen Analysis is an at-home sperm collection kit that needs to be mailed to their own laboratory for analysis. The laboratory evaluates all the basic semen parameters except for pH.
According to the manufacturer, the accuracy of the Fellow Semen Analysis is the same as a traditional clinic. Although the validation study does show a linear decrease in sperm motility and morphology relative to time from ejaculation. Therefore, some parameters in the results are estimated (*) to account for this decrease.
Overall, the Fellow Semen Analysis is a clinical grade sperm test for those who want more information about their sperm quality than most other at-home tests.
FertilitySCORE
| Parameters tested | MSC |
| Parameters NOT tested | Concentration, Motility, Morphology, Volume, pH |
| Time to result | 90 minutes |
| Approvals | CE |
The FertilitySCORE test is a basic colorimetry test. This test determines if the users motile sperm concentration (MSC) is above or below 20 million/mL.
As a result, the FertilitySCORE test does not report any individual parameters, as is the norm with a standard semen analysis.
According to the manufacturer, the accuracy of the FertilitySCORE test is 93%. Although technically speaking this is the tests PPV (Positive Predictive Value) reported in the original studies and not the accuracy. Either way, users should be aware that any borderline result warrants further testing (i.e. standard semen analysis).
Overall, the FertilitySCORE test is a basic at-home sperm test for those who just want a simple yes or no answer while trying to conceive during the first 6 to 12 months.
Forelife SpermTest
| Parameters tested | Concentration |
| Parameters NOT tested | Motility, Morphology, Volume, pH |
| Time to result | 30 minutes |
| Approvals | TGA (Australia) |
The Forelife SpermTest is a simple immunochromatographic test sold in Australia that appears identical to the SpermCheck Fertility test. This test determines if the users sperm concentration is above or below 20 million/mL.
However, compared to a standard semen analysis, the Forelife SpermTest does not check sperm motility, morphology or semen volume and pH levels.
The accuracy of the Forelife SpermTest is 98% (PPV) according to a validation study in 2010, if the method is followed correctly. Accordingly, the manufacturer states if the control line does not appear within 7 minutes of adding the test solution to the sample well, the test is deemed invalid and a result cannot be interpreted.
Overall, the Forelife SpermTest is a basic at-home sperm test for those who just want a simple yes or no answer before trying to conceive.
Labcorp OnDemand Rapid Fertility Test
| Parameters tested | Concentration, Volume |
| Parameters NOT tested | Motility, Morphology, pH |
| Time to result | 45 minutes |
| Approvals | FDA |
The Labcorp OnDemand Rapid Fertility test is a more sophisticated at-home sperm test based on centrifugal motion based on The Trak Male Fertility Testing System (acquired 2021).
This test determines if the user’s sperm concentration is <15million/mL, 15–55million/mL or >55million/mL.
However, compared to a standard semen analysis, the Labcorp OnDemand Rapid Fertility test does not check sperm motility, morphology or pH.
The accuracy of the Labcorp OnDemand Rapid Fertility test is 93.3% (<15million/mL), 82.4% (15–55million/mL) and 95.5% (>55million/mL) according to a validation study in 2017, if the method is followed correctly. Accordingly, the manufacturer states that the test result must be read within 3 minutes of completion otherwise the result is deemed invalid.
Overall, the Labcorp OnDemand Rapid Fertility test is a basic at-home sperm test for those who just want a simple yes or no answer before trying to conceive.
Legacy
| Parameters tested | Concentration, Motility, Morphology, Volume, TMC |
| Parameters NOT tested | pH |
| Time to results | Within 48 hours of receiving semen sample |
| Approvals | FDA, CLIA |
The Legacy Standard Semen Analysis by Give Legacy is an at-home sperm collection kit that needs to be mailed to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory evaluates all the basic semen parameters (except for pH) and includes progressive motility.
The accuracy of the Legacy Standard Semen Analysis is comparable to that of a conventional in-person semen analysis according to the manufacturer. Although the manufacturer does also state that ‘you can expect to see a slight decrease in motility (approximately 10%)’ due to overnight shipping. Researchers also caution that results cannot be strictly compared to conventional semen analysis, particularly in terms of sperm morphology.
Overall, the Legacy Standard Semen Analysis Fellow Semen Analysis is a clinical grade sperm test for those who want more information about their sperm quality than most other at-home tests.
Mojo
| Parameters tested | Concentration, Motility, Morphology, Volume, pH, TMSC and 16 others |
| Parameters NOT tested | N/A |
| Time to results | Within 48 hours of receiving semen sample |
| Approvals | CE |
The Mojo Sperm Testing Kit is an at-home sperm collection kit that needs to be mailed to a laboratory for analysis with their purpose-built Artificial Intelligence (AI) microscope.
This AI-powered sperm analysis platform evaluates all the basic semen parameters and a further 16 as per the World Health Organization recommendations.
The accuracy of the Mojo Sperm Testing Kit is 97% according to the manufacturer. Although the manufacturer does clearly state that ‘you may experience up to an 8% drop in sperm motility’ due to shipping. Researchers have also noted that the Mojo Sperm Testing Kit is imprecise at extremely low concentrations and must not be used for diagnostic purposes.
Overall, the Mojo Sperm Testing Kit is a clinical grade at-home sperm kit for those who want as much information as possible prior to consulting a healthcare professional.
O’VIEW Sperm Tester Pro
| Parameters tested | Concentration, Motility, Volume, MSC |
| Parameters NOT tested | Morphology, pH |
| Time to results | Within 30 minutes |
| Approvals | NIDS (Korea) |
The O’VIEW Sperm Tester Pro is a smartphone based at-home semen test. This test determines the users sperm concentration, motility, volume and Motile Sperm Concentration (MSC).
However, compared to a standard semen analysis, the O’VIEW Sperm Tester Pro does not check sperm morphology or pH levels.
The accuracy of the O’VIEW Sperm Tester Pro is 85% according to a validation study in 2021. Although this very much depends on the smartphones camera quality (minimum 12MP).
Overall, the O’VIEW Sperm Tester Pro is an average at-home sperm test for those who just want a simple yes or no answer while trying to conceive during the first 6 to 12 months.
Sapyen At-Home Male Fertility Analysis Kit
| Parameters tested | Concentration, Motility, Morphology, Volume, pH, TMSC and 2 others |
| Parameters NOT tested | N/A |
| Time to results | Within 72 hours of sending semen sample |
| Approvals | FDA, CE, TGA (Australia) |
The Sapyen Male Fertility Analysis Kit is an at-home sperm collection kit that needs to be mailed to a laboratory for analysis.
The laboratory evaluates all the basic semen parameters and a further 2 (progressive motility, non-progressive motility, immotile).
The accuracy of the Sapyen Male Fertility Analysis Kit is unknown to date, although the manufacturer does say that the semen sample’s mobility will experience a mild decline during transport.
Overall, the Sapyen Male Fertility Analysis Kit is a clinical grade sperm test for those who want more information about their sperm quality than most other at-home tests.
SpermCheck Fertility
| Parameters tested | Concentration |
| Parameters NOT tested | Motility, Morphology, Volume, pH |
| Time to result | 30 minutes |
| Approvals | FDA |
The SpermCheck Fertility test is a simple immunochromatographic test. This test determines if the users sperm concentration is above or below 20 million/mL .
However, compared to a standard semen analysis, the SpermCheck Fertility test does not check sperm motility, morphology or semen volume and pH levels.
The accuracy of the SpermCheck Fertility test is 98% (PPV) according to a validation study in 2010, if the method is followed correctly. Accordingly, the manufacturer states if the control line does not appear within 7 minutes of adding the test solution to the sample well, the test is deemed invalid and a result cannot be interpreted.
Overall, the SpermCheck Fertility test is a basic at-home sperm test for those who just want a simple yes or no answer before trying to conceive.
SpermCheck Vasectomy
| Parameters tested | Concentration |
| Parameters NOT tested | Motility, Morphology, Volume, pH |
| Time to result | 30 minutes |
| Approvals | FDA |
The SpermCheck Vasectomy test is a simple immunochromatographic test. This test determines if the users sperm concentration is below 250,000 per mL. A level which has little or no risk of causing pregnancy.
Given its specific use case, this test does not need to check any of the other usual parameters such as sperm motility, morphology or semen volume and pH levels.
The accuracy of the SpermCheck Vasectomy test is 97% (NPV) according to a validation study in 2008, if the method is followed correctly. Accordingly, the manufacturer states if the control line does not appear within 7 minutes of adding the test solution to the sample well, the test is deemed invalid and a result cannot be interpreted.
Overall, the SpermCheck Vasectomy test is a basic sperm test for patients who want to confirm successful vasectomy at home.
SwimCount
| Parameters tested | PMSC |
| Parameters NOT tested | Concentration, Motility, Morphology, Volume, pH |
| Time to result | 1 hour |
| Approvals | FDA, CE |
The SwimCount sperm quality test is a basic colorimetry test. This test determines if the users progressively motile sperm concentration (PMSC) is above or below 5 million per mL.
Compared to a standard semen analysis, the SwimCount test does not check sperm concentration, motility, morphology individually or semen volume and pH levels.
The accuracy of the SwimCount sperm quality test is at least 91% according to the manufacturer (95.8% sensitivity, 90.6% specificity). This is higher than the test validated in 2020 (87.5% sensitivity, 73.4% specificity) possibly due to redesign. The manufacturer also states that the test result must be read within 5 minutes, after pulling the Slider back, to avoid a false positive.
Overall, the SwimCount Fertility test is a basic at-home sperm test for those who just want a simple yes or no answer while trying to conceive during the first 6 to 12 months.
Tenga Men’s Loupe
| Parameters tested | Concentration, Motility |
| Parameters NOT tested | Morphology, Volume, pH |
| Time to result | 1 hour |
| Approvals | NA |
The Tenga Men’s Loupe test is a smartphone based at-home semen test. This test assists the user manually calculate sperm concentration and motility.
However, compared to a standard semen analysis, the Tenga Men’s loupe test does not check sperm morphology or semen volume and pH levels.
The accuracy of the Tenga Men’s Loupe test is at least 87% (i.e. 87.5% sensitivity, 90.9% specificity) according to a validation study in 2016. Although this very much depends on the smartphone cameras field of view relative to the minimum number of sperm threshold. As such, users should be aware that any borderline result warrants further testing (i.e. standard semen analysis).
Overall, the Tenga Men’s Loupe test is a basic at-home sperm test for those who just want a simple yes or no answer while trying to conceive during the first 6 to 12 months.
Yo Home Sperm Test
| Parameters tested | MSC |
| Parameters NOT tested | Concentration, Motility, Morphology, Volume, pH |
| Time to result | 5 minutes |
| Approvals | FDA, CE |
The Yo Home Sperm Test is a smartphone based at-home semen test. This test determines if the users motile sperm concentration (MSC) is above or below 6 million/mL.
As a result, the Yo Home Sperm Test does not report any individual parameters, as is the norm with a standard semen analysis.
The accuracy of the Yo Home Sperm Test is at least 97% according to the manufacturer. This accuracy is the same as the 1st generation Yo device which was validated in 2018.
Importantly, users also obtain a YO Score which directly correlates with the MSC calculated by the app. This allows the user to easily differentiate between a borderline or average result.
Overall, the Yo Home Sperm test is a basic at-home sperm test for those who just want a simple yes or no answer while trying to conceive during the first 6 to 12 months.
Discontinued At-Home Sperm Tests
The following at-home sperm tests are currently unavailable or have been discontinued:
- Fertell
- Ro Sperm Kit
- SEEM
- Trak (acquired by Labcorp)
A Final Word from Fertility SCIENCE
Although these at-home sperm tests can be reassuring, for couples trying to conceive, they lack the detail needed for a doctor to confidently rule out male infertility.
Even the traditional semen analysis, conducted in a laboratory, is a poor predictor of the chance a couple will conceive according to research.
Instead, couples trying to conceive (with no known conditions) for 12 months or more are strongly recommended to go see their doctor for an initial fertility assessment (history, physical, STIs, hormones) and possible further testing. This evidence-based approach increases fecundability and decreases overall time to pregnancy.
References
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Parrella A, et al. (2022). P-110 A novel Artificial Intelligence Microscopy: Mojo AISA, the new way to perform semen analysis. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deac107.106
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