Should Young Men Be Testing Their Sperm at Home?
It's a question that’s starting to gain traction.
A recent Daily Mail article sparked discussion around whether all young men should be routinely testing their sperm.
Leading reproductive experts Mr Tet Yap and Professor Allan Pacey shared their perspectives, highlighting both the potential of early testing and the realities men need to be aware of.
At NeXYs Fertility, we believe that understanding male fertility early is key to empowering men to make informed choices about their future. So what role do home sperm test kits play — and are they worth it?
The Case for Early Testing
Mr Tet Yap, consultant andrological surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and the Princess Grace Hospital, argues that all young men should have their sperm tested by the age of 18 — and again in their early 20s — to identify any hidden fertility issues before they become a barrier to parenthood later in life.
"Some kind of screening starting at 18 is not a bad idea, as semen analysis could help us to pick [varicoceles] up and treat it."
Yap identifies varicoceles — pooling of blood in the veins of the scrotum — as a major but often silent cause of low sperm count. This condition affects up to 20% of men and is typically only discovered after fertility problems emerge. Detecting it early, through sperm testing, could lead to timely intervention and better outcomes.
He also raises awareness about other hidden risks to young men's sperm health, such as mumps-related inflammation and environmental factors. In some cases, he suggests men may even consider freezing sperm if problems are detected early: "If a problem is identified that may continue or get worse, it might be an idea to freeze some of their sperm as soon as they can, just in case."
Yap supports the use of home sperm test kits as an accessible and practical way for men to begin this journey: "It's a big health issue in young men, yet most are not told to look out for it."
Professor Allan Pacey: A Balanced Perspective
In the Daily Mail article, Professor Allan Pacey offers a measured view. While recognising the value of awareness, he cautions against the risks of unnecessary stress and anxiety caused by over-testing: "I know guys who test themselves as often as once a fortnight because they are so worried about their sperm count."
He also reiterates the impact of age on male fertility: “Men in their 40s are half as fertile as men under 25. They need to try for a family much earlier than they probably think they should."
We previously spoke to Prof. Pacey on The Male Fertility Podcast (Series 2, Episode 9) - specifically on the topic of at home test kits. He acknowledged the exciting potential of home sperm testing: "I think one of the big revolutions has been in home sperm testing, actually, in the last few years. Who would have thought that you could, for example, test your own semen, in the privacy of your own home, using a mobile phone and an app? I mean, it’s only going to get bigger and better from there."
He also highlights how the testing environment can affect results: “If you're going into a clinic, you're nervous, you can hear people outside the door, the magazines are rubbish, and you're trying to do it quickly... The quality of the sample might not be great. But if you're relaxed at home, you're more likely to get a better sample. That's one reason why I think home testing can be really useful."
And crucially, he underlines the importance of follow-up support: "What we need to get right is making sure there's proper support available at 11 o'clock at night when you decide to do it and you need someone to talk to... Because if the result isn’t what you hoped, you want to know there's someone there to help you understand what it means."
Where NeXYs Stands
At NeXYs Fertility, we’re not here to give clinical advice. That’s the role of specialists and clinics. What we are here for is everything else that matters — the emotional, mental, and social side of fertility.
Whether a man decides to test his sperm at home, in a clinic, or not at all, one thing is clear: support is essential. Fertility can raise complex questions about identity, relationships, and future plans — and no one should have to face those questions alone.
We provide judgement-free peer connection, professional guidance, and a safe space to talk about it all. Because the result is just one part of the journey. Knowing what to do next — and having someone by your side — is just as important.
Listen to the Full Conversation Professor Allan Pacey shares more insights on home testing, sperm quality, and how men can take control of their reproductive health in Series 2, Episode 9 of The Male Fertility Podcast. Available now wherever you get your podcasts.
Read the full Daily Mail article here.