Are we entering the Era of ‘Home Sperm Testing?’

• 12 Feb 2020 05:59:56 PM
• |Andrology

Dear All,

Nosrati et al (2017) stated that Male factor infertility accounts for nearly 50% of Infertile Couples. Men are even now reluctant to have their Semen parameters checked. The conventional Semen Analysis involves sperm concentration, motility and Morphology. The other tests are restricted to those men who have altered parameters. The conventional Sperm testing need competent personals which may be lacking at many places causing considerable discrepancy of results.

Home testing of many diseases are being carried out especially Diabetes. The concept of Home testing of Semen is becoming a reality with many such tests approved by FDA are available. But there is an ongoing debate regarding the validity of these tests. Many protagonists feel that more men will accept home testing option and if found abnormal would seek the help of Andrologists for further studies as required. But the antagonists hold a different view that home testing not done properly may result in mis diagnosing and many may not avail further tests under the premise they are normal.

As mentioned that there are several home tests now available and some are based on the commonly available and used ‘Smartphones’. Some of them are available as Apps on Google play and the user can be trained adequately. Some of these Apps cost less than $50.

I am providing two articles addressing the various technologies now available. There is considerable overlap between these articles but read together will provide you with adequate information.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/andr.12441 (PDF available)

https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(19)30073-1/pdf

There is a good article by Ashok Agarwal et al (2018) on the utility of ‘YO Home Sperm Test’ which utilizes ‘Smartphone and the App is available with Google Play store. This could be utilized with Galaxy 7 and iPhone Smartphones.

https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(18)31888-0/pdf

How much of these innovations, will take a lead role in the evaluation of Male Infertility, will remain to be seen?

With warm Regards,

Venu