Having a low sperm count can make it difficult to conceive a child naturally. While a full semen analysis is required for an accurate diagnosis, there are some at-home tests you can try to get an initial indication of your sperm count.
What is a low sperm count?
A low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, is defined as having fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. A total sperm count below 39 million is considered low. Low sperm count can be caused by a variety of factors like genetics, health and lifestyle issues, and environmental toxins.
Why check sperm count at home?
There are a few reasons you may want to check your sperm count at home:
- Get an initial assessment – Home tests can give you an idea if your sperm count is in normal range or may be low before going for a full lab test.
- Track changes – Home tests allow you to check sperm count regularly to see if count improves with supplements, diet changes, etc.
- Privacy – Some men prefer the privacy and convenience of testing sperm count at home.
However, note that at-home tests are not a replacement for a full semen analysis at a doctor’s clinic. Home tests give an approximate result and can have inaccuracies.
When to see a doctor?
You should see a doctor for a full fertility workup if:
- Your home sperm test shows a low result.
- You’ve been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for over a year.
- You have symptoms like low libido, erectile dysfunction, etc.
- You have risk factors for infertility like prior surgery, medical conditions, genetics, etc.
A doctor will examine you, check your medical history, and order a complete semen analysis to diagnose and treat the cause of low sperm count.
At-home sperm count test methods
Here are some of the ways you can check sperm count at home:
Sperm count test kits
There are various do-it-yourself medical test kits available to check sperm count at home. Some popular options include:
- Yo Sperm Test Kit – Collects semen sample and analyzes sperm concentration under a microscope.
- Trak Fertility Testing System – Uses a device to electronically analyze sperm concentration in semen.
- SpermCheck Vasectomy – Mixes semen with reagents on test strips to check presence of sperm.
Follow the instructions carefully for accurate results. Test kits range from $25 to $250 but are easy to use.
Sperm analysis apps
Mobile apps like Yo and Trak allow you to use your smartphone camera and a microscope attachment to record and analyze a semen sample for sperm count and motility.
At-home microscopy
Viewing a semen sample under a microscope can give you an idea of sperm count. You will need:
- A good quality microscope with 40x and 100x magnification.
- Microscope slides and cover slips.
- A hemocytometer chamber to load the sample.
- Stains like eosin-nigrosin.
Capture images at multiple views and analyze sperm concentration, motility and morphology.
How to collect a semen sample correctly?
Proper sample collection is vital for accurate sperm count testing. Follow these steps:
- Abstain from ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before collecting the sample.
- Use a clean, wide-mouthed sample collection jar. Do not use condoms or lubricants.
- Wash your hands and genital area before collecting the sample.
- Collect the entire ejaculate sample, not just the sperm fluid.
- Keep the sample jar close to body temperature while transferring for testing.
- Get the sample to the lab or test kit within 1 hour after collection.
Interpreting sperm count results
The WHO reference values for semen analysis are:
| Parameter | Normal |
|---|---|
| Volume | 1.5 ml or more |
| pH | 7.2 to 8.0 |
| Sperm Concentration | 15 million sperms/ml or more |
| Total Sperm Count | 39 million sperms or more |
| Motility | 40% or more moving actively |
| Morphology | 4% or more normal forms |
Results below these reference ranges indicate subfertility or infertility issues in men.
Low sperm count results
If your home sperm test shows abnormally low results, it means you likely have oligospermia or azoospermia (zero sperm count). However, do not self-diagnose until you get a lab semen analysis test done.
Normal sperm count
A normal sperm count makes it very likely that you can conceive naturally. However, optimal fertility also requires good sperm morphology and motility in addition to healthy sperm concentration.
High sperm count
It is rare for sperm counts to be very high, but counts above 250 million/ml indicates hyperviscosity. This makes sperm function sluggishly due to the thick semen consistency.
How to improve low sperm count?
If you have a low sperm count, work with a fertility specialist to determine the cause. Improving count involves optimizing various lifestyle factors and treating underlying medical conditions.
Lifestyle changes
- Get supplements like zinc, selenium, vitamin C and E.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Exercise regularly and maintain healthy body weight.
- Avoid exposure to toxins from work materials, chemicals, radiation, etc.
- Reduce stress and practice relaxation techniques.
- Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid hot baths.
- Get tested for STIs and genital infections.
Medical treatment
Your doctor may prescribe medications or supplements to improve sperm count like:
- Clomiphene citrate to stimulate testosterone production
- Hormone treatments if low testosterone, pituitary issues, etc.
- Antibiotics to treat infections causing sperm problems
- Surgery to repair varicocele veins or blockages
In some cases, ASSISTED reproductive techniques like IVF may be needed despite treatment.
Conclusion
Checking sperm count at home with DIY test kits or a microscope can be a useful initial screening. However, a comprehensive semen analysis is a must for accurate diagnosis of male infertility. See a doctor if your home sperm count is low for proper evaluation and treatment. With the right lifestyle measures and medical care, your sperm production can improve significantly in 3-6 months.