Frequently Asked Questions

A post-vasectomy sperm test (also called post-vasectomy semen analysis or PVSA) checks whether sperm are still present in your semen after vasectomy. It’s the only way to confirm your vasectomy was successful.

Most urologists recommend testing 12-16 weeks after your vasectomy and after at least 20-24 ejaculations, whichever comes later—or based on your doctor’s specific recommendation. Your doctor may have different timing based on your procedure or individual circumstances.

Wait at least 12 weeks and complete at least 20-24 ejaculations before testing, or follow your doctor’s recommendation. Testing too early may show sperm that will clear with more time. Sperm can remain in the reproductive tract for several weeks to months after the procedure.

For more than 95% of men, one test is sufficient. In PVSA’s analysis of over 5,400 tests, only 4.4% showed counts above 100,000/mL requiring a second test.

Current guidelines recommend only one test if the sperm count is below 100,000/mL—or based on your doctor’s recommendation. Historically, two or three tests were recommended, and some men and their surgeons still prefer two tests for additional assurance.

Your PVSA test report serves as proof of vasectomy success. The report clearly states whether sperm were detected or not detected. Results are sent to both you and your doctor and can be provided to anyone who needs confirmation (such as insurance companies or partners).

Each specimen is individually analyzed and archived for two years by our CLIA-certified laboratory.

PVSA detects sperm down to 3,300/mL—30 times more sensitive than standard tests that only detect sperm above 100,000/mL. This means we identify sperm that other tests would report as “none detected.”

Our patented process has been refined over 30 years and is published in peer-reviewed andrology journals. Each specimen is analyzed by trained technicians in our CLIA-certified laboratory.

PVSA is 75 times more sensitive than SpermCheck. We detect sperm down to 3,300/mL with professional laboratory analysis, while SpermCheck detects concentrations above 250,000/mL.

SpermCheck is an at-home device where you examine your own sample and interpret visual results. PVSA provides home collection convenience with professional laboratory accuracy—you collect at home, but trained technicians perform the analysis.

Compare the Post Vasectomy Testing Options

PVSA combines home collection with laboratory analysis. You collect your sample privately at home and mail it to our CLIA-certified lab where professionals analyze it.

PVSA catches sperm other tests miss. With our 3,300/mL threshold, we detect sperm at levels that standard tests (100,000/mL threshold) would report as “none detected.”

Finding even low numbers of sperm may indicate your vasectomy needs more time to clear, or in rare cases, may require follow-up with your doctor. Clinical studies show men with counts above 100,000/mL typically need repeat vasectomy. Catching lower counts helps you and your doctor make informed decisions.

The CDC estimates 11 pregnancies per 1,000 vasectomies, mainly due to men not completing follow-up testing. Only 36% of men complete post-vasectomy testing.

Testing is the only way to confirm your vasectomy worked. While rare, late failures can happen—a British study of over 30,000 vasectomies found 9 pregnancies despite initially negative tests. This is why testing is essential, and why some doctors recommend periodic follow-up testing or retesting if circumstances change.

References and Publications

Finding rare non-motile (dead) sperm is common—occurring in about 37% of men—and usually clears over time with additional ejaculations.

However, any sperm presence—motile or non-motile—requires repeat follow-up testing. Your urologist will advise whether to wait and retest, or if additional steps are needed based on your specific results.

Testing is the only way to confirm your vasectomy worked. Without it, you cannot know for certain that sperm are absent.

The primary cause of unexpected pregnancies after vasectomy is men not completing semen analysis. Studies show only 36-58% of men complete testing (reference). PVSA was designed to eliminate common barriers: no lab appointments, no “rush to the lab” requirement, complete privacy, and affordable pricing.

The PVSA mail-in test kit steps:

Step 1: Collect your sample at home—complete privacy and convenience.

Step 2: Deposit into the collection bottle. PVSA uses a patented fixative that preserves your specimen.

Step 3: Drop the specimen box in any US mailbox. Our fixative eliminates time sensitivity.

Step 4: Professional analysis is performed within 24 hours of arrival at our lab.

Step 5: Results are sent to you and your doctor.

PVSA uses a patented fixative that stabilizes sperm in transit—our research has shown fixed specimens remain stable in heat and cold during shipping.

PVSA was the first to develop a mail-in kit, breaking from traditional semen analysis which requires delivery to a lab within one hour because sperm die quickly. This eliminates the “rush to the lab” problem and makes home collection with laboratory-quality results possible.

Yes.

Analysis is usually performed within 24 hours of our lab receiving your kit. Results are immediately sent to your doctor and mailed to you, according to your doctor’s preference.

PVSA reports are simple and straightforward: “No sperm detected” or “Sperm detected”.

Your report serves as proof of vasectomy and can be shared with anyone who needs confirmation.

Your urologist will advise next steps based on your specific results. If sperm are detected, your report will indicate the count.

Your doctor may recommend:

• Retest after additional time and ejaculations
• Consider repeat vasectomy in cases of persistent sperm

Each specimen is individually analyzed and archived for two years by our CLIA-certified laboratory.

Each PVSA kit costs $50, which includes everything: collection kit with patented fixative, prepaid return shipping via USPS, CLIA-certified laboratory analysis, results reported to you and your doctor, and a portion of profits donated to support ongoing men’s health research.

This is less than typical in-office semen analysis ($60-$400) while providing superior convenience and sensitivity.

Kits are shipped within 1-2 business days of the order. Shipping can take 7-10 business days (usually much shorter). You will receive USPS tracking information for your kit once it is shipped. Kits are shipped in plain brown envelopes.

The semen analysis done by PVSA is covered by some health insurance, but the PVSA team can do no third party billing.  To claim reimbursement from your insurance company, use:

CPT Code:  89321
CLIA Number  22D0991667

A PVSA kit can be ordered without a doctor. However, as a Massachusetts-based laboratory, all tests, including those ordered through mail-in kits, require a requisition from an authorized prescriber (such as a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant).

A test requisition is a form that the doctor fills out to authorize the laboratory to perform the test. The form will be included in your kit, there is no additional cost for this form. There are no additional fees other than the initial cost of the kit.

You can check the status of your PVSA test processing by emailing support@pvsa.org.  Results cannot be given by email or phone, but lab staff can report if the kit has been received, and if results were reported to the doctor.

Contact support@pvsa.org with your order info and a description of the issue. Email is the best and fastest way to contact us so we can send you a replacement.

PVSA is operated by Anderson Biotest, an independent research company with over 30 years of expertise in semen analysis and post-vasectomy testing. Our CLIA-certified laboratory publishes in peer-reviewed journals.

Our mission: deliver top-quality tests at affordable prices.

• Unmatched sensitivity: 3,300 sperm/mL detection—30-75x more sensitive than other options
• Sample stability: Patented fixative eliminates “rush to lab” requirement
• 30+ years of expertise: Originally developed for NIH-funded research
• Published methodology: Documented in peer-reviewed andrology journals
• Mission-driven: Affordable pricing, research reinvestment