Knowing the state of your fertility health is crucial to starting your conception journey on the right foot. A sperm count test is one method that gives you a quick glimpse into your fertility health. Discover how twoplus’ Sperm Count Test Kit works and how it differs from a semen analysis.
In 1597, English philosopher and statesman Sir Francis Bacon coined the famous saying, “Knowledge is power.”
If you and your partner are trying to conceive, you’ll definitely need all the knowledge you can get on your fertility health, especially for men.
A sperm count test is a great way to get the ball rolling, with a wide variety of at-home sperm tests available either online or at a pharmacy.
As the name suggests, a sperm count test kit measures the concentration of sperm in your semen. What’s more, there are home test kits these days that measure your semen volume and sperm motility along with your sperm count. Neat, huh?
Read on to learn more about the importance of checking your sperm count and why the twoplus Sperm Count Test Kit might be the right solution for you.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended as medical advice.
Why Do I Need to Check My Sperm Count When Trying For a Kid?
It takes two hands to clap when trying for a child. Successful conception is a team effort, requiring you and your partner to ensure the sperm and egg cross paths. The more sperm entering the uterus and fallopian tubes, the higher the chances of conceiving. Therefore, having a higher sperm count in your semen goes a long way — literally.
Unfortunately, global sperm counts have been dropping since 1973.
The average sperm count was 101.2 million per milliliter of semen when the study began in 1973 before dropping to a mere 49 million in 2018.
But what is the normal sperm count to get pregnant? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy sperm concentration range is 15-259 million sperm per milliliter.
Sure, infertility is often a result of both parties having fertility health issues.
But research has shown that the male is either partially or fully responsible for about 20-40% of infertility cases. That’s why it’s so crucial for you to take an at-home sperm test to get a quick overview of your fertility health and the steps you need to take next.
To complicate matters, no other symptoms indicate a low sperm count. That’s where a sperm count test comes in, giving you and your partner more clarity on your journey toward parenthood.
What Is the twoplus Sperm Count Test Kit?
The twoplus Sperm Count Test Kit is an accurate, cost-effective, and easy-to-use at-home sperm test.
How it works: This test kit indicates if your sperm concentration is at least 15 million sperm per milliliter, the WHO’s magic number. It doesn’t display your exact sperm count, but it’s a great tool to start with and one that you can use in the comfort of your own home.
And if you’re wondering how accurate an at-home sperm test is, you’ll be happy to hear that the twoplus Sperm Count Test Kit is over 95% accurate compared to laboratory tests. Getting results from twoplus’ at-home sperm test is quick and lets you decide if you should go for an in-depth semen analysis afterward.
No matter your results, it allows you to make better plans when consulting your primary care physician. Furthermore, there are fertility tools that give you a leg up if your sperm concentration is on the lower end of the scale.
Remember that the Sperm Count Test Kit is only a precursor to an in-depth fertility screening by a licensed medical professional. It’s not a substitute but the perfect first step for shedding light on your fertility health.
At-Home Sperm Count Test Kits Vs. Semen Analysis: Which Is Better For You?
As mentioned above, an at-home male fertility test only preludes an in-depth fertility screening (i.e., a semen analysis).
Check out this quick overview of how these two test types differ:
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At-Home Sperm Count Test Kit |
Semen Analysis |
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Relatively low cost From tens of dollars (or pounds) to a few hundred. |
Price is generally higher From US$40-$450, depending on clinic and depth of analysis. |
|
Fewer measurements The simplest test kits usually indicate if your sperm concentration meets the WHO’s standard. |
Detailed Often include semen volume and pH, sperm count and concentration, sperm motility, and morphology. |
|
Quick and hassle-free No need to set aside time for a clinic visit. |
Time-consuming Need to book an appointment for the in-clinic visit. |
|
Confidentiality Enjoy complete privacy in the comfort of your home when you take an at-home sperm test. |
Sharing of personal information Need to provide personal details when registering at a clinic or hospital. |
As you can see, a semen analysis is more comprehensive than an at-home sperm test.
For one, you receive more information about your sperm and semen, like its level of DNA fragmentation, at additional costs. At-home sperm tests are currently not able to provide that level of analysis.
On top of that, many view a semen analysis performed by a licensed medical professional as the gold standard, with companies that produce home test kits usually comparing their products against it.
With that said, at-home male fertility tests can now achieve an accuracy of over 90%, including the twoplus Sperm Count Test Kit (> 95% accuracy).
Convenience-wise, sperm count home test kits have the edge over semen analysis. Simply order a test kit online or purchase one at a pharmacy, and you’re all set. With a semen analysis, you must schedule an appointment with a clinic or hospital before setting aside several hours when the day comes.
Most importantly, at-home sperm tests add a layer of privacy and confidentiality that’s missing in clinical appointments and lab-based tests. If you’re shy about having a stranger handle your sperm (we feel you!), you may be more comfortable with a home-based sperm count test instead.
How to Use the twoplus Sperm Count Test Kit
Using the twoplus Sperm Count Test Kit involves four simple steps. To ensure that the test is as accurate as possible, collect your semen sample between 2-7 days after your last ejaculation.
Here’s how to get started:
- Ejaculate directly into the collection cup (that comes with your kit) to obtain your semen sample. During the process, do not use any lubricants or lotions. Then, let the sample sit for about 20 minutes.
- Unscrew the Sperm OK solution bottle’s transparent cap and white tip and put it to one side on a clean surface. Using the included syringe, stir the semen and draw a sample until it reaches the black line on the syringe’s body.
- Insert the syringe into the Sperm OK solution bottle and push the plunger to transfer the entire semen sample. Once you’re done, screw the white tip and transparent cap back onto the bottle and thoroughly mix the contents inside.
- Allow the mixture to rest for two minutes before removing the transparent cap. Drip three full drops of the liquid into the sample well of the test device. The results will begin to appear in a minute or two.
When you use the Sperm Count Test Kit, there are three possible results you can obtain, as shown above. Here’s what they mean:
- Negative: Your sperm concentration is currently below 15 million sperm per milliliter. There is a higher possibility of infertility, but please note that your sperm concentration varies on a day-to-day basis. Perform another test after a few days or consult your primary care physician to see if additional tests are needed.
- Positive: Your sperm concentration is at least 15 million sperm per milliliter. It indicates a higher possibility of fertility, but you and your partner should still schedule an in-depth screening for confirmation.
- Invalid: Please perform the test again. The semen-solution mixture may have been contaminated with lubricants, lotions, or other substances. Also, physical illness or illegal substance use can affect your results.
If no lines appear on the test device’s results window within 3-5 minutes after dripping the semen-solution mixture into the sample well, the test is invalid. Disregard any results that show up after the five-minute mark. You’ll need to perform the test again with a new kit.
The twoplus Sperm Count Test Kit: An Excellent Reference Point
Once you and your partner know the state of your fertility health, it paves the way for a smoother journey to conceive. That’s why a sperm analysis or a sperm count home test kit is highly recommended when you and your S.O. decide it’s time to try for a baby.
Not only are these home test kits easy to use, but their accuracy is also admirable. The twoplus Sperm Count Test Kit is one product that you can consider, boasting high accuracy and hassle-free usage.
Within minutes, you’ll know whether your sperm concentration meets the WHO’s standard. The result will give you much-needed peace of mind before you decide to visit the hospital or clinic for a comprehensive semen analysis down the road.
Are you taking too long to conceive? Check out our Getting Pregnant 101 Guide for must-know TTC tips below & above 35 years old.