A leading UK specialist is calling for routine sperm testing in young men from their late teens to help detect hidden fertility issues early—and potentially avoid heartache later in life.
Currently, most men only consider checking their sperm quality after struggling to conceive with a partner. However, Tet Yap, a consultant andrological surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and the Princess Grace Hospital in London, argues that regular sperm analysis starting at age 18 could uncover thousands of otherwise undiagnosed cases of male infertility.
Male infertility plays a role in around half of all cases where couples are unable to conceive. According to the World Health Organization, a sperm count below 15 million per millilitre of semen significantly reduces the likelihood of successful fertilisation. Healthy samples can reach counts of up to 200 million, with at least one-third of sperm needing to swim effectively to reach the egg.
Traditionally, sperm analysis required a semen sample to be sent via a GP or fertility clinic to a lab, with results taking weeks. But the rise of home sperm test kits—available for as little as £29.99 from high-street pharmacies like Boots and Superdrug—has made initial testing quicker and more accessible. These tests claim high accuracy rates and provide results in minutes.
Meanwhile, private services are expanding access to fast testing. Cryos International, a Danish sperm bank, launched what it claims to be the UK’s first clinic offering free, same-day sperm analysis, located near Manchester city centre.
The tests typically assess three key factors: sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). These indicators can reveal conditions such as varicoceles—enlarged veins in the scrotum that can impair sperm production by raising testicular temperature. Affecting up to 20% of men, varicoceles often go unnoticed until fertility issues arise.
Mr Yap advocates for semen screening at 18 and again in a man’s early to mid-20s to catch such conditions early. “Some kind of screening starting at 18 is not a bad idea, as semen analysis could help us to pick it up and treat it,” he told.
Varicoceles are typically treated with a procedure called embolisation, where tiny coils or foam are inserted to block blood flow to the affected veins. A 2014 Japanese study reported that treated men saw their sperm count rise from 2.4 million to nearly 12 million per millilitre—still below the ideal threshold, but a meaningful improvement.
Other threats to sperm health in young men include illnesses such as mumps, which can cause testicular inflammation and damage sperm-producing tubes. In such cases, Mr Yap suggests men might even consider freezing their sperm early if future fertility is at risk.
Low sperm count may also serve as a broader health indicator. A 2018 Italian study of over 5,000 men found those with low counts were 20% more likely to exhibit high body fat, elevated blood pressure, and increased levels of harmful LDL cholesterol. They also had lower testosterone levels, affecting libido, muscle mass, and bone density.
Although poor sperm health doesn’t directly cause these conditions, researchers suggest it may reflect underlying issues like metabolic disorders or impaired DNA repair—both of which could raise the risk of diseases including heart conditions and certain cancers. Some studies even link low sperm count to a doubled risk of developing prostate cancer later in life.
However, not all experts support widespread sperm testing for young men. Allan Pacey, professor of andrology at the University of Manchester, warns that since up to 40% of male infertility cases have no identifiable cause, testing could create anxiety without offering solutions.
“This is a big consideration because, apart from living a healthy lifestyle, often there is little you can do about it, and it will just be an added worry for these men,” he said. “I know guys who test themselves as often as once a fortnight because they are so worried about their sperm count.”
Professor Pacey also stresses the role of ageing in male fertility decline. While men in their 30s or 40s may still produce high sperm counts, the genetic quality of their sperm diminishes with age.
“Men in their 40s are half as fertile as men under 25,” he said. “They need to try for a family much earlier than they probably think they should.”
As the discussion continues, experts agree on one point: awareness of male reproductive health is essential. Whether through screening, education, or lifestyle changes, helping men understand their fertility earlier could have lasting benefits—for their health and future families.
Related topic:
What Does Infertility Mean For A Man?
