Vasectomies are supposed to deliver sexual freedom. You have your sperm-carrying tubes closed and don’t have to worry about pregnancy again, right? Not so fast.
While a vasectomy is the only form of permanent birth control available to men, .01% of men’s sperm could still get through. While those are incredibly low odds, you don’t want that to be you if you’re unprepared. PLUS, even if your vasectomy is effective, it will take around three months (or up to 20 ejaculations) to completely eliminate all semen that contains sperm from your body.
This is where post-vasectomy test kits or semen analysis come in, but instead of heading into a lab for… I mean, let’s face it… the most awkward sample produced in your life – why not do it from home?
But what’s the difference, and what’s the best brand? We want to help answer those questions for you.
Tl;dr - What’s the best at-home vasectomy test kit?
Most premium, best experience
Legacy offers the most thoughtful and thorough service in testing post-vasectomy success. While it’s offered at the highest cost, you’ll have access to the most sperm health metrics, a post-thaw analysis, a personalized client dashboard with more data context, and on-call fertility experts for any questions you might have throughout the process. Legacy is also the only platform to take (some) insurance.
Most scientifically accurate
Fellow gives you more options in testing by offering individual tests for a semen analysis or post-vasectomy test, giving you more freedom in cost and semen data.
Their vasectomy test has the most straightforward and accurate results because it goes through a lab, while their semen analysis comes at the lowest price while also testing for motility and morphology (not available in home-only tests).
Alternative post-vasectomy tests to consider
Best bang for your buck: Ro Sperm Kit
Includes 1 year of free cryogenic storage, giving you ‘sperm insurance’ to increase your fertility options later on (even if you don’t think you need them right now).
Fastest results: LabCorp OnDemand
Instead of sending your sample to a lab and waiting 1-2 days, you can test and get your results from home. You won’t have as many metrics tested, but you’ll get your results in less than an hour.
Bargain, easiest to order: SpermCheck
Offers the cheapest and quickest access to results, albeit the most basic data (only tests for sperm count), but can even be ordered on Amazon.
Best at-home post vasectomy sperm test: Legacy vs Fellow vs Labcorp vs SpermCheck
Selecting a vasectomy home test kit is a personal journey, especially considering each assesses different things.
- Specific ‘vasectomy tests‘ give you the most basic information of whether there are any sperm in your sample to confirm that you can’t conceive a child (right now).
- Semen analysis or men’s fertility tests should be considered if you’re looking for more information, say, to plan a family, improve your fertility, or are considering freezing your sperm for a later date. It’s never too early to know where you’re at.
Here’s an overview of the leading online vasectomy and semen analysis tests. All of these tests are CLIA-certified, FDA-approved, and can be done from the comfort of your home (couch, bed, bathroom, whatever floats your boat).
Best Post Vasectomy Test Kit Online | ||||
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| Test type | Semen analysis | Vasectomy test OR Semen analysis | Fertility test | Vasectomy test |
| Price | $295 | Vasectomy: $139 Semen analysis: $189 | $199 | $64.99 |
| Time to view results | 2 days | 1.5 days | 45 minutes | 7 minutes |
| Sample evaluation location | Laboratory | Laboratory | At home | At home |
| What does the kit include? | -Sample cup -Transportation assistors -Return shipping items -Downloadable semen analysis -Client dashboard with context and personalized recommendations | -Container -Transportation assistants -Return shipping items -Custom report | -Sample analyzer -Containers -Droppers to measure your sample at home | -SpermCheck & semen transfer device -Collection cup -Solution bottle + instructions for at-home evaluation |
| Assesses sperm for? | - Semen volume - Concentration - Motility & motile count - Morphology - Post thaw analysis | Vasectomy: -Count Semen analysis: -Count -Volume -Concentration -Motility & motile count -Morphology | -Concentration -Volume | -Count |
| Add-ons available? | ✅ Sperm Freezing (+$145/year) | ✅ Cryopreservation (+$140/year) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Accepts HSA/FSA? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Accepts insurance? | ✅ Limited states and providers | ❌ | ❌ Not for at-home collection kits | ❌ |
| Available in all US states? | ✅ | ❌ all except NY + RI | ✅ | ✅ |
| Website |
Do I need to confirm my vasectomy?
So, you’ve done the hard part, you’ve had the surgery, but now you have to… double-check? Think of it this way – a post-vasectomy test is the final exam of “how not to make babies 101”. Especially before abandoning other forms of birth control, it’s important to ensure the procedure was successful.
It can take 3-4 months for most men to eliminate all sperm from their semen, which is why there are some cases of conception right after a vasectomy. There are also very rare cases of pregnancy occurring from recanalization (in this case, your vas deferens healing itself), but this is why we have tests.
Allllllll of this to say, yes, we HIGHLY recommend a post-vasectomy test or semen analysis to confirm that your little swimmers are truly on a permanent vacation. And now that there are easy, at-home tests to accomplish this with, what do you have to lose?
Can at-home sperm test kits be used to verify vasectomy?
For many years, vasectomies could only be confirmed through routine post-procedure check-ups with your urologist. This required going back into the office to be tested for the presence of sperm (read: masturbating into a cup).
With the combined inconvenience of going back into the clinic + the uncomfortability of the test itself, it’s no wonder that up to 25% of men failed to show up to provide follow-up samples, with only 21% providing the full two tests.
A recent study showed that, despite post-procedure counseling and recommendations, only 53% of men were compliant with PVSA (postvasectomy semen analysis) because of distance, scheduling, and forgetfulness (relatable). BUT, of those men, 92% said they’d be more likely to complete the semen testing if at-home tests were an option.
The good news for you? There are now plenty of at-home, mail-in sperm test options. Why leave the comfort of your home for a check-up when you can just give it the ol’ at-home squeeze test? Save yourself the drive, time, and awkwardness; just make sure to follow the instructions carefully!
What do at-home post-vasectomy tests assess?
The availability of post-vasectomy home test kits is great news, but are they really as effective? Assuming you’re using one of the leading home vasectomy test kits, they have been shown to be as accurate as a standard lab test.
A sperm count of 100,000 (or less) non-motile sperm per ml is considered successful and associated with a “low to no risk of pregnancy.” So, whether you take a post-vasectomy sperm test at home or go to your urologist for sperm testing, that is what you’re aiming to achieve.
The most basic post-vasectomy tests only assess sperm for this information – the sperm count. Fellow’s Vasectomy Test and SpermCheck Vasectomy fall into this category, which is also why they are the cheapest options.
However, as we learned in sex-ed, it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg. That’s why many at-home kits like Ro Sperm Kit’s semen analysis or LabCorp OnDemand’s fertility tests also consider other factors when determining the success of a vasectomy, including:
- Semen volume: How much semen you’re producing (ml)
- Sperm concentration: How many sperm are present in your semen
- Sperm motility: How many of your sperm are moving or “swimming” (indicator of sperm health and quality)
- Motile sperm count: Taking into account all of the above to determine male fertility
- Morphology: How many of your sperm are “normal” shaped.
Both Legacy and Fellow offer these premium metrics, and Legacy even goes above and beyond to offer a post-thaw analysis, which assesses if your sperm is a good candidate for cryopreservation (sperm freezing).
How Accurate are At-Home Sperm Tests for Post Vasectomy?
In 2008, the FDA approved the first at-home vasectomy test kit. A study then challenged the SpermCheck vasectomy test and found it safe and highly accurate. In fact, the test was 100% accurate when determining if sperm counts were greater or less than 384,000 sperm per milliliter.
But how does that accuracy rate compare to post-vasectomy sperm tests from your doctor’s office? The study showed that the accuracy rate was 100% when compared to the results of those laboratory tests.
That makes a great case for SpermCheck Vasectomy, but what about the others? Well, SpermCheck is the MOST basic of the tests and is evaluated from home (and looks identical to a COVID test). The other at-home brands mentioned in this article all either (A) test for more in-depth metrics or (B) are sent to an actual lab to be evaluated. You can rest assured that they are all as accurate (if not more) than your in-person test.
The Verdict: What’s the Best Post Vasectomy Sperm Test Kit for You?
We’ve really hammered home the benefits of testing your vasectomy from home, but which kit is the best for you? That depends on what matters most – they all vary by cost, what they test for, premium features, add-ons available, and how fast you need your results.
LegacyMost premium experience & thorough data |
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Legacy offers the MOST comprehensive data with a clinic-grade semen analysis from home. All key metrics of sperm health are tested, including motility and morphology, and they’re the only option that includes a post-thaw analysis – but that comes with a higher price point.
Legacy’s semen analysis is great for men testing their vasectomy but also provides enough data for those planning a family, hoping to improve their fertility, or freeze their sperm. Their premium service offers fertility experts on-call to review results and guide you on the next steps, and they are the only at-home test that accepts insurance.
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FellowMost accurate with multiple options |
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Fellow is one of the few platforms with BOTH a Semen Analysis test and a Vasectomy Test with fast, accurate results.
Because the vasectomy test is sent through their lab, you can have peace of mind knowing that the results are analyzed by a professional rather than your own abilities. Their Semen Analysis is also the most cost-effective choice that still tests for motility and morphology, both important parameters for sperm health. |
Ro Sperm KitBest additional features |
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The Ro Sperm Kit provides affordable semen analysis, but doesn’t test for as many sperm metrics as competitors. However, they offer free cryopreservation for one year (a $145+ value!), which lets you store your sperm. You might not be ready for kids yet, but this gives you options for when you are.
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LabCorp OnDemandFastest results |
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LabCorp OnDemand gives you access to fast results from a leading name in the medical lab testing field, now offering a select number of at-home tests that deliver rapid results without processing in the lab. |
SpermCheckLeast expensive, most convenient to order |
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SpermCheck was the first at-home post-vas test to receive FDA approval, and you can now order it on Amazon for fast, convenient shipping. While it’s small, it’s also one of the most accurate home tests available.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much does a post-vasectomy sperm test kit cost?
Strictly ‘vasectomy at-home test kits’ are the most cost-effective options. They are offered by:
For more comprehensive results, a semen analysis or fertility test might be a smart decision, depending on what you’re hoping to learn. They are offered by:
When should you check for the success of your vasectomy?
You should test your vasectomy at least two times before abandoning other forms of birth control. Wait until you have ejaculated 15-20 times to complete the first test. That is often within three to four months of surgery, but can vary by person.
One general recommendation is to test at 3 and 9 months post-op. If you’re worried about the rare case of fertility restoring with time, you may test every year or two to verify that your operation is still effective.
How should you prepare to provide the sample for vasectomy verification?
All tests are different, so be sure to read the directions thoroughly before proceeding. Most offer assistance if you mess up your first sample, but you don’t want to run the risk and/or wait even more time! The general instructions to prepare for a post-vasectomy test are:
- Wait at least 12 weeks (3 months) + 20-30 ejaculations following your vasectomy (but use other forms of birth control!!!)
- After ordering, use your kit within 7 days of delivery
- Avoid ejaculating for a few days (recommended 2-7) before collecting a sample
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