Nearly 70 million people worldwide face infertility, and about half of these cases are linked to male factors. Male fertility depends on several sperm characteristics: how many there are, how well they move, their shape, speed, and whether they are alive. To evaluate these factors, fertility testing is essential.
Currently, male fertility testing requires expensive, bulky equipment and skilled technicians in a lab. The process can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and often lacks privacy factors that discourage many men from getting tested.
To solve this problem, researchers at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) are developing a simple, private, and cost-effective at-home sperm testing kit. Using microfluidics, a smartphone, and a custom app, the kit will allow men to perform a full semen analysis from the comfort of their own homes. Just as women can take pregnancy tests at home, men may soon be able to easily check their fertility without the stress of a clinical visit.
“There are some home-based semen tests out there, but they only measure a few parameters. That can lead to false results,” said Dr. Waseem Asghar, assistant professor at FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. “Our kit will give a complete picture of male fertility—fast, private, and affordable.”
Dr. Asghar is building on his experience with mobile health technologies, including tests for HIV and Zika. He is working alongside Dr. Imadeldin Mahgoub, a Tecore professor and algorithm expert, to bring this project to life.
The kit, designed to cost under $2 to produce, uses just a small drop of fluid containing about 5 to 10 million sperm. It will be compatible with all smartphones and include a “sperm scope”—a lens that acts like a microscope and attaches to the phone—and a microfluidic chamber for analysis. These components are created using advanced 3D printing technology in FAU’s Micro and Nanotechnology Lab.
The app, included in the kit, will capture and analyze semen data, delivering clear results in under one minute. Users will quickly learn whether they should consult a doctor for further testing.
This new tool could be especially useful for over 33 million men who have had vasectomies. Post-surgery, it’s critical to confirm that sperm count has dropped below 100,000 per milliliter. Unfortunately, follow-up testing rates are low due to the hassle of lab visits. This kit aims to change that.
“We want our kit to offer the same results as a lab,” said Dr. Asghar. “Home testing can be especially helpful for men dealing with infertility or recovering from vasectomy. Many avoid clinical testing because of cost, inconvenience, or stigma. Our kit removes those barriers.”
Dr. Asghar expects a working prototype within a year and hopes the product will be commercially available in about two years.
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