Home testing for male factor infertility: a review of current options

Fertil Steril. 2019 May;111(5):864-870. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.01.032. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Abstract

Male factor infertility contributes to about 50% of the incidence of infertility in couples. Semen analysis is key to the diagnosis of the reproductive potential of a male subject. In current practice, men must attend a clinic or other hospital facility to have their semen analyzed. However, many men are not comfortable with this process, which they often find embarrassing and expensive. To solve these problems, many devices for home analysis of semen samples have been developed and commercialized. This review examines the literature pertaining to the currently available home semen test devices and describes their limitations and future directions.

Keywords: Home semen test; male infertility; sperm concentration; sperm motility.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / diagnosis*
  • Infertility, Male / genetics
  • Infertility, Male / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic* / trends
  • Semen / physiology
  • Semen Analysis / methods*
  • Semen Analysis / trends
  • Sperm Motility / physiology

Substances

  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic