Home 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 both physical and online specialized stores, it is easy and quick to get tested 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 quell fear or uncertainty.
They also serve as a preliminary step, as a quick check-up, when you are going to make the leap to parenthood.
However, if you have difficulty getting pregnant naturally, it is essential to go to a specialized center. There they will do a laboratory analysis of the semen because these tests do not analyze in such depth as to issue a medical diagnosis.
In this article we are going to reveal what exactly these sperm analysis tests measure, how many types are there, how they are used and how reliable they are.
Types of home 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 that analyze male semen.
Sperm concentration tests
There are kits that what they do is measure concentration 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 assumed "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. Moving sperm are seen on the screen while the test is taking place.
Seeing is believing.
They allow not only to know the sperm concentration of the semen sample collected at home, but also its mobility.
How to use home male fertility tests
Actually, the use It's very simple, almost like pregnancy test for the women.
For the reliability of the test to be greater, the ideal is to follow the same recommendations that they do in fertility centers when you have to take a semen analysis for the laboratory:
- abstention between two and five days,
- hand washing
- 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 come already in the same container for collection. In others it is added later.
After mixing well, the test strip is soaked 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 Male Fertility Home Test
LINK: Yo home, test sperm MAC PC
LINK: One Step sperm concentration
What is the reliability of home sperm tests
In addition to comfort, you are surely wondering about the reliability of these tests performed at home rather than those performed in the laboratory.
Let's start by listing the main parameters that are evaluated with semen analysis carried out 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 sperm. Sometimes they can present abnormalities, such as being two-headed or having 2 tails.
The volume (amount of semen in each ejaculation) and the total amount of sperm also affect male fertility.
To date, home semen 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 of More than 90%. Not bad at all, right?
Of course, you have to bear in mind that they do not analyze many other factors that also affect male fertility.
In which cases are home semen tests useful
We have already seen that there are notable differences between the analyzes of the laboratories of specialized fertility centers and the home tests. So it only remains to know in which cases it is recommended to buy one of these tests.
The truth is that with the slightest doubt that conception does not come by natural means after several months of attempts, you have to put yourself in the hands of a fertility specialist.
Look for a center where they do 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 to feel calm and eliminate doubts, ahead. It is easy, comfortable and is within reach of any pocket.
In fact it is shown that the more relaxed and less stress supports, 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.
The quantity is sometimes not as decisive as the quality: few spermatozoa but with great mobility and normal morphology can be more effective than many spermatozoa but with little mobility.
Keep this in mind if you are going to do a home semen test.
Here is a post where you can find test discounts, tests, vitamins and supplements related to both male and female fertility.