Homemade male fertility tests, are they really reliable?
For a few years now it has been possible for men to have a seminogram home. Thanks to home male fertility kits, available in specialized stores both physical and online, it is easy and quick to get a test without having to go to a clinic or hospital.
These home tests are useful for those men who are still reluctant to go to a fertility clinic. It can be useful to calm fears or uncertainty.
They also serve as a preliminary step, as a quick check-up, when you are going to take the leap into parenthood.
However, if you have difficulties achieving a pregnancy naturally, it is essential to go to a doctor. specialized center. There they will do a laboratory analysis of the semen because these tests do not analyze in depth enough to issue a medical diagnosis.
In this article we are going to reveal What exactly do these sperm analysis tests measure, how many types are there, how they are used and their reliability.
Types of homemade seminograms
When looking for a test to take a male fertility test, you will find that there are different types, depending on the type of characteristics they analyze in male semen.
Sperm concentration tests
There are kits that do measure concentration of sperm who has the semen sample. That is, they do a sperm count.
According to the WHO (World Health Organization), a concentration equal to or greater than 15 million sperm per milliliter is considered “normal” for a fertile man.
So in this type of test what is collected is whether the sample obtained is above or below that value.
Seminograms that measure mobility
Other male fertility tests measure mobility: because the measurement of the count is as important as its motility (the ability to move spontaneously and independently).
These tests, although more expensive than the previous ones, allow you to see and have the recording of the sample on your mobile phone. The sperm are seen moving on the screen while the analysis is performed.
Seeing is believing.
They allow us to know not only the sperm concentration of the sample collected at the semen house, but also their mobility.
How home male fertility tests are used
In fact, the use It is very simple, almost like the pregnancy test for the women.
To ensure the reliability of the test is greater, the ideal is to follow the same recommendations that fertility centers make when you have to do a semen analysis for the laboratory:
- abstention between two and five days,
- handwashing
- Collect the complete sample in the bottle that is included in the kit.
In some of them, the chemical components that must be added to mix with the semen sample already come in the same bottle for collection. In others it is added later.
After mixing it well, soak the test strip and just wait a few minutes.
Without leaving your home and in less than 15 minutes you will be able to know the results.
It is certainly very comfortable.
LINK: ExSeed home male fertility test
LINK: Yo home, test sperm MAC PC
LINK: One Step sperm concentration
What is the reliability of home sperm tests?
In addition to convenience, you are surely wondering about the reliability of these tests performed at home instead of those done in the laboratory.
Let's start by listing the main parameters that are evaluated with semen analyzes performed in the laboratory by infertility specialists. Basically there are 3:
- Concentration: the number of sperm.
- Mobility: how many are alive and the motility or ability to move to reach the egg.
- Morphology: the shape of the sperm. Sometimes, they can present anomalies, such as being two-headed or having 2 tails.
Male fertility is also affected by volume (amount of semen in each ejaculation) and the total number of sperm.
To date, home seminogram tests are not capable of evaluating morphology. Furthermore, only a very small sample is analyzed.
So are they reliable?
The precision guaranteed by the test manufacturers is more than 90%. Not bad at all, right?
Of course, you have to keep in mind that they do not analyze many other factors that also affect male fertility.
In which cases are home seminogram tests useful?
We have already seen that there are notable differences between analyzes carried out by laboratories at specialized fertility centers and home tests. So all that remains is to know in which cases it is recommended to buy one of these tests.
The truth is that if there is even the slightest doubt that conception does not occur through natural means after several months of attempts, you must put yourself in the hands of a fertility specialist.
Find a center where they will do the diagnostic tests, show you the options you have and accompany you in the process. Having said that, Male fertility tests performed at home can be equally beneficial in some cases.
If you have just made the decision to have a child and you want to do it for feel calm and eliminate doubts, forward. It is easy, comfortable and within reach of any pocket.
In fact it is proven that the more relaxed And the less stress you endure, the better sperm quality you have.
Another good idea is that if you already have any suspicions and want to do a first test at home, in the comfort of your home, it can help you gain confidence.
The important thing is that you are clear about what measurement the test is giving you.
Quantity is sometimes not as decisive as quality: few sperm but with high mobility and normal morphology can be more effective than many sperm but with low mobility.
Keep this in mind if you are going to do a home seminogram.
Here I leave you a post in which you can find discounts on tests, tests, vitamins and supplements related to both male and female fertility.
