Atlantic Fertility Now Offers Mail-in Semen Analysis Through Fellow

As a reproductive urologist, I see firsthand how often male fertility is overlooked in the early stages of a couple’s journey. The truth is, male factors contribute to over one half of infertility cases, either alone or in combination with female factors.

A semen analysis is the most important first test to evaluate male fertility, and one of the simplest. That’s why a semen analysis is one of the most important first steps in understanding fertility.

At Atlantic Fertility, we are committed to evaluating both partners early and comprehensively. I’m pleased to share that in addition to offering semen analyses performed by our full-service, on-site andrology lab, we now also offer a mail-in semen analysis option through our partnership with Fellow.  

This gives patients more flexibility, without sacrificing medical oversight or coordinated care.

What Is a Semen Analysis?

A semen analysis evaluates sperm quality and the ability to deliver sperm effectively.

The test measures:

• Sperm count and concentration (how many sperm are present)

• Motility (how well sperm swim)

• Morphology (sperm shape and structure)

• Semen volume (sexual function and sperm delivery)

• White blood cell count (indication of possible infection) 

Many men are surprised to learn that fertility challenges are not always obvious. An abnormal semen analysis is often asymptomatic. The semen analysis provides objective data – and data allows us to avoid unnecessary delays or treatments and make informed, strategic decisions.

Who Should Consider a Semen Analysis?

You may benefit from a semen analysis if:

• You and your partner have been trying to conceive without success

• You’ve experienced pregnancy loss

• You’re considering fertility treatment such as IUI or IVF

• You want to understand your fertility before trying to conceive

• You are considering fertility preservation due to a new medical condition

• You previously had abnormal results

• You have a symptom of a sexual or urological issue, such as erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction or a history of testicular surgery. 

Sometimes male fertility issues can be addressed directly. Other times, identifying male factors helps guide the most effective treatment approach from the start.

Two Ways to Complete Your Semen Analysis

To make testing more accessible, we offer two options:

On-site Semen Analysis (Atlantic Fertility’s Andrology Laboratory)

Testing is performed in our on-site andrology lab. For on-site semen analysis, the sample collection may be completed at our clinic or collected at home and transported into the office.

On-site testing may be best if you:

• Have a prior abnormal semen analysis

• Have a medical history suggesting higher risk for male infertility

• Live within approximately 60 minutes of our Raleigh clinic if planning to collect at home

• Prefer to use insurance for diagnostic testing

• Anticipate repeat or confirmatory testing

• May need sperm cryopreservation

• Want coordinated same-day male and female evaluations

• Do not experience anxiety around in-office collection*

*Note that the semen collection for on-site testing may be collected at home and transported to our office within 60 minutes.

Because we house both male and female specialists under one roof, we can move efficiently from testing to next steps when needed.

For patients who may require more complex evaluation or immediate coordination of care, on-site testing remains the preferred option.

Mail-in Semen Analysis Through Fellow

For patients seeking additional convenience or fewer logistical barriers, our partnership with Fellow offers a clinically validated, mail-in semen analysis.

The mail-in option provides a home collection kit that is shipped directly to you. After collection, the sample is mailed back to Fellow’s CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis. Results are securely shared with both you and the Atlantic Fertility team. Our team reviews the results and collaborates with our physicians to determine appropriate next steps.

Mail-in testing through Fellow may be best if you:

• Are completing a first-time semen analysis 

• Have not received a referral for a semen analysis from a medical provider

• Have no known risk factors for male infertility

• Live farther away from our Raleigh clinic

• Prefer privacy or have scheduling constraints

• Experience anxiety about in-office collection

• Are self-pay or using Progyny insurance

• Want flexibility with timing

This option removes logistical barriers, while still keeping your care connected to a physician-led fertility practice with an integrated reproductive urologist and dedicated male fertility team.

Importantly, this does not replace on-site testing. Instead, it provides a flexible entry point for appropriate patients.

What Happens After Testing?

If your semen analysis occurs at Atlantic Fertility, we will contact you with the results. If you use Fellow mail-in testing, the results will be securely shared with you and our team.

Once your results are available:

• We review them carefully

• We explain findings in clear, straightforward language

• We recommend personalized next steps

If the result is normal, we may recommend that your female partner have an evaluation. If the result is abnormal, a repeat, on-site semen analysis analyzed by the Atlantic Fertility andrology laboratory will likely be recommended along with a consultation with our reproductive urologist.

Treatment for a mildly abnormal semen analysis may include lifestyle modifications or further evaluation for some men. For others, it may involve advanced testing, medical, or surgical treatment. And if fertility treatments like IUI or IVF are needed, our coordinated team can guide both partners seamlessly.

When patients start at Atlantic Fertility, they don’t need to switch clinics if the journey becomes more complex. Everything, including male fertility care, is already here.

Next Steps

If you’re ready for clarity about your fertility, you have options.

Order an at-home Fellow kit for convenient, private testing.

or

Schedule an in-office consultation