How It Works
How post-vasectomy semen analysis works — from collection to lab results.
Step 1
Collect a semen specimen at home
Step 2
Deposit into collection bottle
Step 3
Drop specimen box in any US mailbox
Step 4
Analysis performed on arrival
PVSA is a post-vasectomy semen analysis test kit that allows patients to collect a specimen at home and mail it for laboratory analysis.
Better Quality Results
The PVSA kit’s patented fixative stabilizes the semen specimen and eliminates the time sensitivity between sample collection and analysis.
In 2022, we published an analyses of 5,408 post-vasectomy semen specimens that revealed that there is no need for at least 95% of men undergoing vasectomy to return a fresh semen specimen to a laboratory or the doctor’s office. (A new approach to postvasectomy semen analyses eliminates the need to evaluate a fresh specimen)
Each PVSA specimen is individually examined with a standard hemacytometer by a trained laboratory technician and archived for two years.
Over 30 years of expertise in semen analysis and post-vasectomy testing.
Independent
Our focus is on serving our doctors and patients, not private investors.
Online Portal
Providers can access their results online through our secure, HIPAA compliant portal.
CLIA Certified
Our laboratory is a trusted leader in the field, and our research is regularly published in peer-reviewed journals.
Impact
We dedicate a portion of our profits to advancing basic science.
Our mission is simple: Deliver top-quality tests at affordable prices and support independent, basic research.
Why Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis Is Done This Way
When should semen analysis be done after a vasectomy?
Vasectomy guidelines recommend that patients submit a semen specimen between 16 to 20 weeks after surgery for sperm detection, and a second specimen two to four weeks later (British Andrology Society). But studies show that up to 46% of vasectomy patients do not submit a specimen and up to 79% do not submit the recommended second specimen (The British Journal of Urology).
These poor rates are attributed to the inconvenience and discomfort of having to hand-deliver and/or produce a sample for analysis in a doctor’s office or a laboratory (“Postvasectomy Semen Analysis: Are Men Following Up?”, Christensen and Maples).
A PVSA™ kit allows you to collect a semen sample (via masturbation or intercourse) in your home and mail it to the laboratory for a sperm count using the included mailing label. You’ll receive the PVSA kit(s) in a discreet package at home.
96% of patients surveyed agree PVSA is easy and convenient to use!
When to Test After Vasectomy
The British Andrology Society reviewed the vasectomy literature and published their recommended guidelines:
- Patients should use alternate methods of birth control for at least 16 weeks post vasectomy.
- Men should ejaculate at least 24 times in that 16 week period, then submit a semen specimen for sperm detection.
- They should submit a second specimen two weeks later.
IF NO SPERM ARE DETECTED IN EITHER SPECIMEN, THE VASECTOMY WAS SUCCESSFUL
- If sperm are detected, repeat semen analyses should be performed until no sperm are present. If semen specimens contain 100,000 sperm/ml, either moving or not moving, a repeat vasectomy may be indicated.
- A repeat analysis at one year post vasectomy will help ensure re-canalization did not occur.
Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis Test Kit
$90 for 2 kits (recommended)
Additional inquiries: pvsa@bedfordresearch.org; Ph 617-623-7447; Fx 617-209-7861.
The Bedford Research Foundation laboratory performs tests. Kits are manufactured and sold by Anderson Biotest, LLC.