Sperm Concentration Test Kit

A sperm concentration test kit tells you how many sperm are present per millilitre of semen. ExSeed goes further: unlike basic SP-10 strip tests that give a single pass/fail concentration reading, ExSeed measures sperm concentration, motility, semen volume, and Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC) — the metric fertility specialists use to assess natural conception potential. CE-marked, 95%+ lab-accurate, results in 15 minutes.

Real People, Real Results

  • James Mitchell (UK) - February 2025

    "Used the 5-test kit to track improvements over 3 months. Saw my count go from below normal to healthy range. The app made everything clear. Worth every penny when you're trying for a baby."

  • Sarah Thompson (UK) - June 2025

    "Bought the couples kit after 6 months of trying. Found out my hormones were fine but partner had motility issues. Knowing meant we could fix the actual problem instead of guessing."

  • David Chen (UK) - December 2024

    "NHS wait was 4 months for fertility testing. Got ExSeed instead. Results in 10 minutes at home. Took them to my GP who said they matched what clinic tests would show."

What does a sperm concentration test kit measure?

Most home sperm concentration test kits use a lateral flow strip based on the SP-10 protein. They tell you whether your sperm concentration is above or below a threshold — typically 15 million sperm per mL, the WHO reference value. That is useful as a starting point, but it is incomplete.

Sperm concentration alone does not tell the full story. A sample can have adequate concentration but poor motility, meaning the sperm present cannot swim effectively enough to reach an egg. This is why fertility clinicians use Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC) — the combined measure of how many sperm are present and how many are actively moving in the right direction.

ExSeed measures all four clinically relevant parameters:

Sperm concentration: Sperm per mL of ejaculate (WHO reference: ≥15 million/mL)

Sperm motility : Percentage of sperm showing progressive movement (WHO reference: ≥32%)

Semen volume: Total ejaculate volume (WHO reference: ≥1.5 mL)

Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC): The number that combines all three into a single fertility indicator

Send Away Tests
Sperm concentration Exact count (million/mL) Pass/fail threshold
Sperm motility  Progressive motility % Not measured
Sperm volume Measured Not measured
Total Motile Sperm Count  Full TMSC readout Not calculated
Result format  Numerical score with WHO comparison  Pass / Fail
Technology  Smartphone microscopy  Lateral flow immunoassay 
CE-marked  Yes Varies by brand 

Why Couples Choose ExSeed

Privacy matters when dealing with fertility. You get to test at home without awkward clinic visits or explaining time off work.

Speed changes everything. Get results in 10-15 minutes instead of waiting weeks for NHS appointments. Start fixing problems sooner.

Understanding beats confusion. Our app explains what your results mean in plain language. No medical degree needed.

Cost saving. Clinical fertility testing runs £200-500 per visit. Our kits cost a fraction while delivering the same valuable insights.

Support continues after testing. Free consultations help interpret results. Personalised programmes guide improvements based on your specific situation.

WHO reference values for sperm concentration

The World Health Organisation (WHO) 5th Edition reference values are used by clinics and fertility specialists worldwide to interpret semen analysis results: 

  • Sperm concentration: 15 million sperm per mL or above 
  • Progressive motility: 32% or above 
  • Semen volume: 1.5 mL or above 
  • Total Motile Sperm Count: typically 9–10 million or above as a general clinical guide 

ExSeed reports your results against these WHO values so you understand where you stand without needing a clinic appointment. If your results fall below these thresholds, the app will explain what that means and recommend whether to speak with a GP or fertility specialist. 

How to use a sperm concentration test kit at home

  1. Abstain for 2–5 days before testing — this is standard protocol for semen analysis and ensures results are representative. 
  2. Collect your sample using the sterile container included in the kit. 
  3. Attach the smartphone adapter to your phone camera. 
  4. Follow the app instructions — the ExSeed app walks you through each step. 
  5. View your results — concentration, motility, volume, and TMSC appear within 15 minutes. 
  6. Track over time — sperm quality fluctuates. Testing twice, 3 months apart, gives a more reliable picture. 

When to retest

Sperm production cycles take approximately 72–90 days. A single sperm concentration test kit result is a snapshot, not a definitive diagnosis. Factors such as recent illness, heat exposure, alcohol, and stress can temporarily affect sperm quality. 

ExSeed's 2-test and 5-test kits are designed for this reason. Test once to establish a baseline. Make lifestyle changes. Retest after 3 months to measure the impact. This is the approach fertility specialists recommend before pursuing clinical investigation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sperm concentration test kit? 

A sperm concentration test kit is a home diagnostic device that measures the number of sperm cells per millilitre of semen. Basic kits use SP-10 lateral flow strips that give a pass/fail concentration result. More advanced kits like ExSeed use smartphone microscopy to measure concentration alongside motility and Total Motile Sperm Count

How accurate are home sperm concentration test kits? 

ExSeed is CE-marked and has been validated against clinical laboratory semen analysis, achieving 95%+ accuracy for sperm concentration and motility measurements. Basic SP-10 lateral flow strips have variable accuracy depending on the manufacturer and generally only indicate whether concentration is above or below a fixed threshold. 

What is the difference between sperm concentration and Total Motile Sperm Count? 

Sperm concentration measures how many sperm are present per mL. Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC) multiplies sperm concentration by motility percentage by semen volume to give a single number representing the total pool of actively moving sperm. TMSC is the figure fertility clinicians use to assess natural conception potential. A high concentration with poor motility can still result in a low TMSC. 

What is a normal sperm concentration? 

According to WHO 5th Edition reference values, a sperm concentration of 15 million sperm per mL or above is considered within the normal reference range. ExSeed reports your result against this threshold and explains what it means for your fertility. 

Can I test sperm concentration at home? 

Yes. ExSeed is a CE-marked home sperm concentration test kit cleared for consumer use. It requires a smartphone and takes approximately 15 minutes from sample collection to result. 

How does ExSeed differ from a cheap sperm test from a pharmacy? 

Most pharmacy sperm tests use SP-10 lateral flow strips, which test for a sperm surface protein as a proxy for concentration. They provide a pass/fail result and do not measure motility or calculate TMSC. ExSeed uses smartphone-based microscopy to directly visualise and analyse sperm cells, measuring both concentration and motility to calculate TMSC — giving a more complete assessment of sperm health. 

Do I need a doctor to interpret my results? 

No. The ExSeed app explains your results in plain language and compares them against WHO reference values. All kits include the option of a free 15-minute consultation with a fertility specialist if you want expert guidance on your results. 

Can I use ExSeed if I have had a vasectomy? 

Yes. ExSeed can be used to confirm the absence of sperm following a vasectomy, providing a private at-home alternative to a clinic post-vasectomy sperm check.