Sperm Test Kit

An at home sperm test kit allows you to produce a sample to test for sperm count, concentration and quality at home, with very quick results. You’ll receive your kit within 72 hours through free premium delivery in discreet packaging.

Using a QR code, you’ll connect your kit to your Mojo account and schedule a collection date via premium delivery. You’ll need to produce your sample and collect your semen in the sterile container no more than 60 minutes before the courier is due to arrive.

Your results will appear in your secure, private online account within 48 hours.

Measured against the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, The Mojo kit will tell you:

• overall sperm quality (the number of abnormal forms, measured against WHO guidelines)
• sperm volume (how much you produce)
• sperm concentration (the number of sperm per millilitre of semen)
• motility (the percentage of sperm that swim well)

How do home sperm test kits work?

You can’t do semen analysis at home, but you can produce a sample which can be sent off for analysis in a lab.

Your sample will be examined and analysed using an AI microscope and models, developed in partnership with King’s College London, using millions of sperm data points. The AI technology adheres to WHO standards and is 97% accurate.

The analysis is Karolinska Institute validated and meets world-class fertility lab standards. In addition, Mojo have partnered with Cambridge University NHS Hospital and Imperial College London to fine-tune their tests and workflow.

How accurate are at-home sperm tests?

Mojo’s at home sperm tests are 97% accurate. Studies show that at home sperm test accuracy like this one, is the same as tests done in a clinical setting, and that many men prefer to give samples at home.

The NHS cautions that not all male fertility home-testing kits have been extensively studied, and that some classify a low sperm concentration as under 20 million sperm per millilitre of semen, rather than using international guidelines that state that anything above 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen is normal. They also explain that some kits only check the number of sperm, and not other factors such as motility. They suggest using a kit that measures these additional markers, such as the Mojo kit.

This test is a great screening tool to check for any abnormalities.

Getting your sperm tested is important if you’re struggling to conceive, you’ve had issues with miscarriages or are going through cycles of IVF. 1 in 7 couples in the UK are unable to have a child, and for50% of these couples, the cause is related to sperm quality.

If you’ve been trying unsuccessfully for a baby for a year or more, semen analysis will indicate if your fertility levels are low and give a clearer picture of why your partner isn’t getting pregnant.

If your sperm count or sperm motility is low, you can get advice, maximise your chances of conceiving in other ways, or think about IVF or donor insemination.

When should you have your sperm count checked?

Knowing your sperm count is not only useful if you’re trying to conceive and a home sperm count test kit can help.

If you are due to have a vasectomy or medical treatment that will affect your fertility levels you may want to freeze your sperm to use at a later date. Checking your sperm count and motility can help you make decisions about timing and strategies.

How common is low sperm count in the UK?

Low fertility is very common. Studies show that 7% of men in the UK are infertile (unable to conceive a child), and that number is increasing. Researchers have found that average sperm concentration is dropping worldwide. 1 in 7 couples in the UK are unable to have a child and in 50% of cases this is related to sperm quality.

Who should get a sperm test?

Male partners in couples who are trying for a baby might consider sperm screening. If you have a low sperm count, you can tailor your attempts to conceive accordingly or get advice. As you get older, your sperm quality, volume and motility decrease, so it's worth having regular tests if you're trying to have a baby.

If you are considering donating or freezing sperm, you may want to know your sperm count and motility. Only around 1 in 10 men have the sperm quality that’s needed for donating, and since sperm quality drops over time, you may want to freeze it earlier.

What can cause low sperm count?

Causes of low sperm count can include:

• hormone imbalances
• blocked or damaged tubes
• previously undescended testicles
• long-term illnesses, such as kidney failure
• prolonged exposure of the testicles to heat
• infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or prostatitis (infection of the prostate gland)
• some childhood infections, such as mumps
• a genetic problem
• enlarged veins in the testicles
• previous surgery to the testicles or hernia repairs
• excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and using drugs such as marijuana or cocaine
• certain medications
• obesity

What are the symptoms of low sperm count?

There are no symptoms of low sperm count itself apart from infertility. Your low sperm count may be being caused by another health problem, such as:

• inherited chromosomal abnormality
• a hormonal imbalance
• dilated testicular veins
• a condition that blocks the passage of sperm

If that’s the case then there are symptoms you may experience alongside low sperm count, including:

• low sex drive
• erectile dysfunction
• pain, swelling or a lump around the testicles
• less facial or body hair

If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, you can order treatment online using Asda Online Doctor’s erectile dysfunction treatment service.

The importance of sperm quality in fertility

Having a low sperm count or low sperm motility can affect your chances of conceiving naturally. If you want to have a baby, a sperm quality test can be helpful so you’re aware of any abnormalities in your sperm quality or quantity. Around 1 in 3 couples who struggle to get pregnant have issues with low sperm count.

It’s very simple to order your men’s sperm test kit, just answer a quick medical questionnaire, and your kit will arrive within 2 working days. Once your kit arrives, you can follow the instructions included in your kit, book to return your sample and then prepare your sample for when they arrive.

How to buy a sperm test kit online

Ordering a sperm test online is easy. To buy a sperm test kit online, follow these steps:

1. Start an assessment and fill out the online questionnaire
2. Log in to your account or create one if you don’t have one already
3. Place your order
4. One of our team will check your order
5. If your order is approved, your test kit will be dispatched to your chosen address

What are the benefits of an at-home sperm test?

Home sperm testing provides a number of advantages over in-person testing, including:

• there’s no need to book an appointment in advance
• there’s no need to travel to provide your sample
• you can produce your sample in the comfort of your own home
• it’s a discreet, private process
• you can get follow-up advice or contact our doctors any time through your account

Producing a sample for a sperm test at home is straightforward:

• your kit will arrive
• while you’re waiting for your kit to arrive, set up an account with Mojo so you can view the results
• once you’ve received your kit, put the preserving liquid in the fridge until you’re ready to use it
• plan when you will produce your sample and book your pick-up
• take the liquid from the fridge 45 minutes before you produce your sample
• produce your sample, activate the heat pack and secure your sample in the cup
• using the shipping box provided, package your sample and return it

It’s important to follow the instructions carefully in order to get accurate results.

Step 1: collect your semen sample

It’s advised that you shouldn’t have sex or masturbate for 3-5 days, but don’t abstain from sex or masturbation for more than 7 days before collecting your sample. More simply, perform your test 3-5 days after your last ejaculation. If you test too soon after you’ve had sex or masturbated, your test may show a false low sperm count.

To collect your sample:

• wash your hands and genitals
• do not use any lubrication, including saliva
• masturbate and ejaculate into the cup

Step 2: prepare your sperm sample for testing

To prepare your sample for testing:

• add the preserving liquid and swirl gently
• close the cup

Step 3: package up your sample and return it via courier

To package your sample:

• place the cup into the thermal container
• activate the heat pack and place it on top of the cup
• seal the container
• using the brown packaging provided, package the sample securely
• return your sample

Step 4: get your sperm test results

Log in to your online account to review your sperm test results. They should be available within 48 hours. Your results will come with advice from one of our doctors. You can message them back if you need any extra advice or information.

Your sperm test analysis will be graded using the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines of 2021. If you have any questions about your figures, you should message one of our doctors through your account.

WHO criteria for sperm analysis

The World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria for analysing sperm health are:

• sperm count – amount of sperm cells within a semen sample
• semen volume – amount of semen produced during ejaculation
• sperm concentration – how many sperm are in a particular volume of semen
• motility – how well the sperm are able to move about
• viability – how many sperm are considered ‘alive’ and able to function
• morphology – how many sperm in the sample are the correct shape

What are the normal values for a sperm test?

The 2021 WHO guidelines outline the normal values for sperm testing. They state the lower reference values which are the minimum test results for sperm to be considered ‘normal’:

• sperm count should be 39 million or more
• semen volume should be 1.4 millilitres or more
• sperm concentration should be 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen
• motility should be equal to or more than 42%
• viability should be equal to or more than 54%
• morphology should be equal to or more than 4%

Sperm count

This is the number of sperm present in your sample. More sperm make it more likely an egg will be fertilised. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines a low sperm count (oligozoospermia) as less than 39 million.

Sperm concentration

A more important indicator than total sperm count, sperm concentration shows how much sperm is in a specific amount of semen. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines a low sperm concentration as less than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen.

Sperm motility

This refers to how well your sperm move about, which affects how well they can reach and fertilise an egg. According to the WHO, low sperm motility (asthenospermia) is less than 42%. The higher the percentage above that, the more sperm that will be able to reach the egg.

Sperm morphology

Sperm morphology is the shape of the sperm (head, midsection and tail). The WHO says that at least 4% should be normal. A normal sperm shape makes it easier to do its job reaching and fertilising an egg.

Our doctors are here to support you, no matter what your results. They will explain what your results mean and what your options for next steps are to help improve your chance of conceiving. You can also speak to your GP or other health professionals for further advice.

If your sperm motility, concentration or morphology is low, you might initially make lifestyle changes in order to improve them. If these measures are unsuccessful, you should speak to our doctors, or your GP or health professional for further advice.

You may also want to have your partner check their fertility levels too. You can order an anti-mullerian hormone test which is used to check female fertility levels.

If you are still having issues conceiving, you might be directed to try fertility treatments including intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or testicular extractions.

➤ See our testosterone levels service for details on treatments we can offer.

What can be done to improve your sperm health?

There are some lifestyle changes that can be made in order to improve sperm health, but if your partner is not pregnant after a year of unprotected, regular sex, you should speak to a health professional about further steps you might like to take.

If you have very low levels of the hormones that stimulate the production of sperm (gonadotropic hormones,) your GP might prescribe gonadotropin medicine. Some health professionals may prescribe Clomid, low-dose naltrexone (LDN), or human growth hormone off-label to treat male infertility.

If your epididymis (the structure that stores and transports sperm) is blocked, your doctor may suggest surgery to correct the blockage. Alternatively, sperm can be removed under local anaesthetic.

How can I improve my sperm quality?

Simple steps to improve sperm quality and concentration include:

• maintaining a healthy body weight
• stopping smoking
• avoiding soy products
• avoiding trans fats; fats produced by animals and those found in processed foods
• eating a diet rich in antioxidants; choose fruits and vegetables
• avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea by using condoms for sex
• managing your stress levels
• getting sufficient sleep
• keeping moving, since physical activity can increase your levels of protective antioxidant enzymes
• avoiding chemicals at work that can include glues, solvents and silicones
• getting enough vitamin D
• washing all fruits and vegetables to remove pesticides
• avoiding BPA, a chemical found in plastics that include food packaging, cans and water bottles
• avoiding using non-stick cookware
• speaking to your GP if you are taking any medication
• stopping any recreational drug use

How to increase sperm motility

Your health professional may prescribe medication to improve sperm motility, including:

• clomiphene citrate
• gonadotropin medication
• anastrozole
• follicle-stimulating hormone

You can also follow the lifestyle changes recommended in the ‘How to increase sperm motility naturally’ section.

How to increase sperm motility naturally

There are lifestyle changes you can try before or alongside medication. As well as following the advice for improving sperm quality, natural options for improving motility include:

• cutting out or lowering your alcohol consumption
• keeping cool; wear loose, cotton boxer shorts, stay away from saunas, hot tubs and use warm laptops on a table.
• washing all fruits and vegetables to remove pesticides
• avoiding BPA, a chemical found in plastics that include food packaging, cans and water bottles.
• avoiding using non-stick cookware

How to improve sperm morphology?

To improve sperm morphology, you can follow the same advice as for improving sperm motility. You can also take the same medications for improving motility as well, if a doctor approves treatment for you.

Sperm are very small (0.05mm), tadpole-shaped cells produced to fertilise an egg and make an embryo, which will grow into a baby. They start to be made during puberty, which usually starts between the ages of 9 and 15. Sperm are made and stored in the testicles, or testes. The Sperm mix with a whitish liquid called seminal fluid to form semen. Semen is ejaculated from the penis into during sex, and each ejaculation can contain up to 500 million sperm.

What do sperm do?

A sperm has one function; to ‘swim’ up the vagina through the cervix, to meet and fertilise an egg to produce a baby. They achieve this through their shape, ability to move (motility) and number released during ejaculation.

Once they reach the egg they bind to the outside of the egg and release an enzyme which digests the outer layer, allowing them to enter.

How long do sperm live for?

Sperm live different amounts of time depending on whether they are:

• inside the testes they live for a few weeks before being reabsorbed
• sperm can live inside the female reproductive system for up to 5 days after ejaculation
• outside of the body, they usually only live around 30 minutes

Where are sperm produced?

Sperm are produced in the testicles (balls). More specifically, sperm cells are created in the seminiferous tubules, which are a cluster of tubes inside the testes. A man starts to produce sperm when he reaches puberty (usually between 9 and 15 years). The semen the sperm are mixed with is created in the prostate gland and the seminal vesicle, 2 glands located near the bladder.

If you’re looking to have a baby or freeze or donate sperm, an at-home test kit can be a convenient way to do this. Mojo tests from Asda Online Doctor are:

• discreet – all packaging is anonymous
• easy – ordering is simple, a courier will come to your door, and all packaging materials are provided
• comfortable – you will take your sample at home
• speedy – tests will arrive within 72 hours and results will be online within 48 hours
• accurate – Mojo’s AI technology adheres to WHO standards and is 97% accurate and the analysis is Karolinska Institute validated and meets world-class fertility lab standards