Have you ever wondered about your sperm count? I know I have, but not enough to go to a doctor's office and subject myself to an awkward and expensive test. But for a $30 at-home test? I'm in.
Close to 50 percent of problems conceiving are the result of male fertility issues, yet men are much less likely to go and get themselves checked. That's not surprising; the idea of self-gratifying in a cold, steely doctor's office and then handing the cup off to a nurse is not most people's idea of a good time. The Spermcheck Fertility Home Sperm Test is over-the-counter, fast, FDA-approved and claims to be 98% accurate.
Here's how it works:
1. Think about Sasha Grey. Into a cup.
2. Like a fine wine, allow your genetic material to breathe for 20 minutes.
3. Fill the "semen transfer device" up to the line, then add it to the solution bottle.
4. Mix the solution and let stand for two minutes. Then add six drops of the mixture to the well.
5. In just 7 minutes you should know whether or not your tight hipster pants have ruined your chance at creating future generations.
Sure, it's funny to talk about, but it could also truly change the way couples (and singles) approach conception. Men have always had the ability to go to the doctor and get this info, but very few of us have. You'd think this is something we'd want to know. For 30 bucks and in an at-home environment, I'd bet a whole lot more of us are going to start finding out soon.
The Spermcheck Fertility Home Sperm Test is available online today at CVS.com and Walgreens.com (on sale for $30 at CVS, and $40 at Walgreens), and they will be in stores nationwide in April. Let's go, gents. Time to test that baby-batter.[SpermCheck via PR Newswire]
UPDATE: My brother, the super-smart med student chimed in with a little more info here.
1. According to the World Health Organisation, infertility is caused by male factors more like 30-percent of the time.
2. This test is only for sperm density, which is important, but it doesn't evaluate sperm shape, health, or motility, which are also important factors. So, it's possible that you pass this test with flying colors, but are still actually infertile. Just something to be aware of.
Thanks, bruddah!
Image credit: Shutterstock/Josh Resnick