Mate Health provides clinical-grade at-home semen analysis and post-vasectomy semen analysis. You collect your specimen at home, ship it using our validated transport system, and receive laboratory-based results through a secure portal.

Testing is performed through a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited high-complexity andrology laboratory. Reports are designed to be understandable for patients and useful for physician review

Mate Health may be appropriate for men who are trying to conceive with a partner, starting a fertility evaluation, looking for a more complete view of sperm health, interested in advanced sperm health markers such as DNA fragmentation or vitality, completing post-vasectomy semen analysis, or unable to collect a specimen in a clinic setting.
If you have a known medical condition, are under fertility care, recently had a vasectomy, or have received abnormal semen analysis results in the past, we recommend reviewing testing options with your healthcare provider.

No. A doctor’s referral is not required to order a Mate Health kit.

Many patients are referred by OB/GYNs, urologists, fertility clinics, and men’s health providers, but patients may also order directly. If you would like your results sent to your physician, you can provide your provider’s information when registering your kit.

Yes. During kit registration, you can enter your physician or clinic information. Results can be delivered to both you and your provider.

You can also download a physician-ready PDF from your secure portal and share it directly with your healthcare team.

No. Mate Health provides laboratory results and educational context. It does not diagnose infertility, determine whether you can or cannot conceive, or replace medical evaluation.

Semen analysis is one part of a fertility evaluation. Your doctor may consider your results alongside medical history, physical exam, hormone testing, genetic testing, female partner evaluation, lifestyle factors, medications, and how long you have been trying to conceive.

Most basic at-home sperm tests report a limited set of semen parameters. Mate Health reports 20+ measured and calculated semen health parameters through a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited high-complexity andrology laboratory using WHO 6th Edition methodology.

Specimens are transported using Active Cooling and a proprietary semen preservative, analytically validated across 222 live semen samples. Results are delivered through the secure Mate Health portal with MateIQ and formatted for physician review

Mate Health reports core semen analysis parameters and additional calculated values designed to help patients and physicians better understand sperm health.For a full breakdown of reported parameters, including semen volume, concentration, motility, motility subtypes, morphology, vitality, DNA fragmentation, and functional sperm measures, visit the What We Report page.

The World Health Organization publishes laboratory guidance and reference ranges for human semen analysis. WHO 6th Edition refers to the most recent WHO semen analysis framework, published in 2021.

Mate Health reports are aligned with WHO 6th Edition methodology and reference ranges where applicable. This helps physicians interpret results within a current and standardized reporting framework.

DNA fragmentation testing evaluates the integrity of DNA carried by sperm.

A standard semen analysis looks at sperm quantity, movement, and shape. DNA fragmentation testing looks at whether sperm DNA shows signs of strand damage. This can be relevant for some couples experiencing unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or fertility treatment challenges.

Mate Health’s Advanced Semen Analysis includes DNA fragmentation testing. Results should be reviewed with a physician, because DNA fragmentation is one data point and does not predict pregnancy outcomes by itself.

Sperm vitality measures the percentage of sperm that are alive.

This can be especially useful when motility is very low. A semen analysis may show many immotile sperm, but immotile does not always mean non-viable. Vitality testing helps distinguish sperm that are alive but not moving from sperm that are non-viable.

Mate Health includes vitality testing with the Advanced Semen Analysis and may perform vitality testing with the Comprehensive Semen Analysis when clinically indicated by very low motility.

When available for the test performed, Mate Health may include microscopy images or video links generated during laboratory analysis. These are intended to provide additional visual context for the report and may be useful when results are reviewed with a physician.

Images and videos do not replace the numerical laboratory results. They are provided as supporting documentation that can be shared with your physician.

Mate Health’s at-home collection and transport system was analytically validated using 222 live semen samples evaluated by an independent CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited high-complexity andrology laboratory.

The validation compared baseline semen analysis measurements with delayed transported measurements under controlled cooled conditions. The study demonstrated strong agreement across evaluated semen parameters within the validated transport window.

As with any laboratory test, results depend on proper collection, labeling, shipping, specimen condition, and laboratory analysis. Mate Health results should be interpreted with a healthcare provider.

Motility and other semen parameters can begin to change after collection. Temperature fluctuation, transit time, and handling conditions can affect semen measurements before laboratory analysis.

Mate Health uses Active Cooling and a proprietary semen preservative to maintain controlled cooled conditions during overnight shipment. Our transportation kit was analytically validated across 222 live semen samples, demonstrating strong agreement across evaluated parameters when tested in the lab.

Mate Health’s approach is designed around preserving the specimen before laboratory analysis using Active Cooling and a proprietary semen preservative.

The goal is to reduce pre-analytical changes during transport so the laboratory can analyze a specimen transported under validated conditions, rather than relying only on mathematical correction after shipment.

Yes, when the specimen is collected, packaged, and shipped according to validated instructions.

Mate Health’s transport system is designed for overnight shipment using Active Cooling and specimen preservation. The kit must be dropped off on the same day you collect the specimen and should only be shipped Monday through Thursday, unless otherwise instructed.

Specimens collected or shipped outside the approved schedule may be rejected if they arrive outside the validated window.

Sperm are living cells, and semen parameters can be affected by time, temperature, and handling after collection. Motility and progressive motility are especially sensitive to pre-analytical conditions.

Mate Health’s transport system is designed to maintain controlled cooled conditions during shipment so the laboratory can analyze the specimen under validated transport conditions.

Testing is performed by a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited high-complexity andrology laboratory.

Mate Health reports are designed to provide clinically meaningful results that can be reviewed by patients and physicians.

Results are typically available within 24 hours of laboratory receipt.

You will receive an email when your results are ready in the secure Mate Health portal. If you entered your provider’s information during registration, your provider can receive the report as well.

Your Mate Health kit includes the materials needed to collect and return your specimen, including the specimen collection container, semen preservative, Active Cooling components, insulated return packaging, specimen label, instructions, and prepaid return shipping label.

Do not discard the shipping box. It is used to return your specimen to the laboratory.

Yes. Mate Health kits are shipped in discreet packaging.

Tracking information is sent to the email address used during ordering or registration.

No. You do not need to be home when the kit is delivered.

When the kit arrives, open it, review the instructions, check the semen preservative expiration date, and place the gel packs in the freezer for at least 8 hours before collection.

Yes. The semen preservative in the 5 mL vial has an expiration date.

Check the expiration date before collecting your specimen. If the semen preservative is expired or close to expiration, contact Mate Health before using the kit.

No. Do not refrigerate the semen preservative.

Store the kit according to the instructions provided. The gel packs must be frozen for at least 8 hours before you collect and ship your specimen.

You should collect and ship your specimen on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

Do not collect or ship on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday unless Mate Health specifically instructs you to do so. Weekend shipping may cause the specimen to arrive outside the validated window, which can result in rejection.

Early afternoon collection is usually recommended so you have enough time to package the specimen and drop it off at FedEx before the final pickup time.

Always check the final pickup time at your FedEx location before collecting. A drop box may not be appropriate if the final pickup has already occurred.

Drop off the kit at an approved FedEx location on the same day you collect your specimen.

Scan the QR code on the instructions in your kit to identify the correct drop-off location and final pickup time. Do not place the kit in a drop box after the last pickup time.

For fertility semen analysis, abstain from ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before collection, unless your physician gives different instructions.

This includes ejaculation through intercourse, masturbation, or any other method.

For post-vasectomy semen analysis, follow your physician’s timing instructions after your procedure.

If you are repeating a semen analysis for fertility evaluation, your physician may recommend waiting several weeks or longer, depending on the reason for repeat testing.

If your specimen was rejected for a collection, labeling, shipping, or transport issue, you usually do not need to wait several weeks to recollect. You should follow the same abstinence window used for semen analysis, typically 2 to 5 days, unless Mate Health or your physician provides different instructions.

If you are monitoring changes over time after illness, lifestyle changes, medication changes, surgery, or fertility treatment, ask your physician when repeat testing is most appropriate.

Follow the instructions included with your kit.

In general, the specimen should be collected by masturbation directly into the provided specimen container. Avoid lubricants, saliva, condoms, spermicides, soaps, lotions, or other substances that could contaminate the specimen or interfere with laboratory analysis.

No. Do not use lubricant unless it was specifically provided or approved by Mate Health for the test.

Common lubricants, saliva, condoms, and spermicides can interfere with semen analysis and may cause the specimen to be rejected.

If part of the specimen is missed, your results may be affected, especially semen volume and total sperm count.

Do not guess or try to correct the specimen. Note the issue during registration if prompted and contact Mate Health for guidance.

Contact Mate Health at contact@mate.health.

Depending on the issue, the specimen may still be acceptable, or a replacement kit may be needed. Common issues include missed collection, incorrect labeling, leaking container, expired semen preservative, forgotten gel packs, or delayed drop-off.

Illness and fever can affect sperm production and semen analysis results.

If you are currently sick, recently had a fever, or recently started or changed medication, consider discussing timing with your healthcare provider before collecting. In some cases, waiting until you have recovered may provide a more representative result.

A specimen may be rejected if the laboratory cannot confidently perform testing under validated conditions.

Common reasons include specimen leakage, transport time beyond the validated window, collection or shipping on an unapproved day, missing or incomplete labeling, missing collection time, expired semen preservative, missing or unfrozen gel packs, possible contamination, or packaging that does not follow the kit instructions.

If your specimen is rejected, Mate Health will notify you and explain the next steps.

If shipment delay causes the specimen to arrive outside the validated window, the laboratory may reject the specimen.

Mate Health monitors specimen receipt and will contact you if recollection is needed.

If the specimen cup leaks, the laboratory may be unable to perform testing or may determine that results are not reliable.

Make sure the lid is fully tightened before placing the specimen container into the biohazard bag and return packaging.

Your report summarizes the semen parameters measured by the laboratory and indicates whether certain results are below, within, or above reference ranges where reference ranges apply.

A semen analysis does not determine fertility by itself. Results should be interpreted as part of the broader clinical picture, including your medical history, partner evaluation, how long you have been trying to conceive, and any prior fertility treatme

An abnormal semen analysis does not mean you cannot conceive.

Semen parameters can vary from sample to sample. Your physician may recommend repeating the test, reviewing lifestyle or medication factors, ordering hormone testing, evaluating for varicocele or other conditions, or referring you to a reproductive urologist.

Yes. Semen analysis results can vary.

Sperm production occurs over time and may be influenced by illness, fever, heat exposure, medications, hormones, smoking, alcohol use, sleep, weight, stress, and other health factors. A physician may recommend repeat testing when results are abnormal or inconsistent with the clinical picture.

No. Mate Health does not diagnose fertility or infertility.

Mate Health provides laboratory results and educational context to help you and your physician understand sperm health. Fertility depends on many male and female factors, and semen analysis is only one part of the evaluation.

Yes. MateIQ helps you review your semen analysis by organizing the key findings, highlighting values outside reference ranges, and identifying questions you may want to discuss with your physician.

MateIQ does not diagnose fertility or infertility, does not provide medical advice, and does not replace review by a licensed healthcare provider.

A vasectomy does not immediately clear sperm from semen. Post-vasectomy semen analysis determines whether residual sperm are still present and helps your physician decide whether additional contraception is needed.

Do not stop using contraception until your physician confirms clearance.

Follow your physician’s instructions. Physicians generally recommend testing after a specified amount of time and number of ejaculations following the procedure. The appropriate timing may vary based on your procedure and your physician’s clinical guidance.

Mate Health reports whether sperm are detected and, when applicable, the quantitative residual sperm concentration. Testing has a detection sensitivity down to 0.01 M/mL, and results are provided in a physician-ready format.

Mate Health provides laboratory results to support physician interpretation. Your physician makes the final clearance decision.

Because Mate Health specimens are evaluated more than two hours after collection, current AUA guidance requires azoospermia, meaning no sperm detected, for contraceptive clearance.

Continue using another form of contraception until your physician reviews your result and confirms that it is safe to stop.

No. A result showing no sperm detected can support your physician’s clearance decision, but it should not be interpreted independently as proof of sterility.

Your physician should make the final clearance decision. Continue using contraception until your physician tells you it is safe to stop.

If sperm are detected, continue using another form of contraception and review the result with your physician. Your physician may recommend repeat testing based on the residual sperm concentration, the time since your vasectomy, prior results, and applicable clinical guidance.

Yes. Mate Health takes privacy seriously.

Results are delivered through a secure portal. Mate Health uses safeguards intended to protect personal health information, and kits are shipped discreetly. We do not sell your personal health information.

Mate Health kits may be eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement, depending on your plan.

You may be able to pay with an HSA/FSA card at checkout or submit an itemized receipt for reimbursement. Plan rules vary, so we recommend confirming eligibility with your plan administrator.

Some HSA/FSA cards decline purchases based on merchant category rules or plan-specific restrictions. If your card is declined, you may pay with another card and submit your itemized receipt to your plan for reimbursement.

Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your plan.

Mate Health is currently a cash-pay service.

Some patients may be able to use HSA/FSA funds or submit documentation to their insurance plan for possible reimbursement. Coverage depends on your specific plan and is not guaranteed.

Mate Health currently ships to 47 U.S. states.

At this time, Mate Health does not service New York, Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico. Availability may change as licensing and operational requirements evolve.

For questions about your kit, collection, shipping, registration, or results access, contact Mate Health at contact@mate.health.

For medical interpretation of your results, treatment decisions, or questions about fertility care, review your report with your physician.

Results are typically available within 24 hours of laboratory receipt.

If you have not received your results within 48 hours of laboratory receipt, or if you are having trouble accessing the secure portal, contact Mate Health at contact@mate.health.