Evaluating Semen Parameters for Predictive Correlations Between Fresh and Delayed Analysis Using an At-Home Semen...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Biomarker Analysis

Background:

• Male factor infertility affects nearly half of all cases, yet standard semen analysis is limited by logistical and psychosocial barriers.
• Current recommendations for in-clinic analysis within 1 hour post-ejaculation restrict accessibility.
• At-home semen collection and mail-in testing offer a promising alternative to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Give Legacy At-Home Semen Collection Kit for semen quality preservation over time.
• To determine if delayed semen analyses (up to 48 hours post-ejaculation) can reliably predict baseline semen parameters.
• To assess the clinical utility of predictive modeling for male fertility assessment using delayed samples.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 30 participants and 60 semen samples.
• Semen samples analyzed at five time points: 30 min, 1 hr, 6 hr, 24 hr, and 30 hr post-ejaculation.
• Development and validation of predictive models using delayed analysis data to estimate baseline motility.

Main Results:

• Total and progressive sperm motility declined over time, with significant reductions observed after 6 hours.
• Individuals with high total motile sperm count (TOMO) maintained higher motility across time points.
• Predictive models accurately estimated baseline motility from delayed samples (T1-T4), demonstrating strong performance metrics (e.g., progressive motility ICC = .74).

Conclusions:

• Semen degradation during transit is predictable, and baseline motility can be reconstructed with clinically acceptable accuracy.
• At-home semen collection and mail-in analysis are clinically useful for male fertility assessment.
• Predictive modeling enhances diagnostic insights for delayed testing, expanding access and maintaining diagnostic integrity.