The Bottom Line
Our review across the Legacy Fertility gives it 9.8/10 stars.
Are Legacy fertility kits the solution for you? The answer depends on where you are in your fertility journey.
Along with our own positive experience, we found overwhelmingly positive customer experiences, from the product’s user-friendliness to the convenience of collecting samples within the comfort of their homes.
Legacy provides comprehensive at-home sperm testing and preservation services. Their sperm kit analysis evaluates five critical fertility indicators: semen volume, sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology. The depth and precision of Legacy’s findings are on par with those presented by specialized fertility clinics. You can even pair it with the Legacy sperm storage kit, so you can make sure what you are storing is the good stuff. Legacy is one of the best options out there, and we explain why.
If you would like to receive the most comprehensive, holistic assessment of the quality of your semen combined with the privacy of your home and the benefit of customized lifestyle recommendations, Legacy is the product for you.
Legacy Fertility Basics
Legacy Fertility is a startup that’s changing how people access cutting-edge fertility science. Legacy is an at-home sperm testing, meaning you can do everything without leaving your house.
For some couples, conceiving naturally and immediately is possible and the right call, but for others, it takes time and little science to start a family.
Many men are now choosing to store sperm, so they can have the freedom and opportunity to choose when they would like to start a family. If you choose to store your sperm, you are in good company. Sperm storage is becoming increasingly popular. Legacy Sperm storage offers men an opportunity to preserve their fertility, plan for their future, and navigate various personal and medical circumstances.
Taking this step is recommended if you are considering a vasectomy or will be undergoing medical treatment that may affect fertility, such as chemotherapy or gender-affirming hormone therapy.
Legacy Sperm Storage
The different plans
Legacy Sperm has three packages, here’s our advice
If you want to check the health of your sperm as part of trying to conceive, a simple semen analysis kit measuring the five key metrics of sperm health may be all you need.
If you have a medical history, a more thorough evaluation of sperm health may be important. Perhaps you have been trying to conceive for a while, or your partner has experienced miscarriages? That is when it makes sense to combine a semen analysis and a sperm DNA fragmentation analysis for a more complete picture of your fertility. This combination is also recommended for older clients, those with a history of medical treatments or lifestyle habits that may impact fertility or anyone who simply wants to gain a better understanding of their sperm health.
The amount of analysis provided
Legacy distinguishes itself in the field of male fertility testing by thoroughly assessing five key sperm health parameters:
Sperm Motility: This test evaluates the proportion of swimming sperm in your sample. Sperm motility is crucial for fertility as sperm need to be able to swim to reach and fertilize an egg.
Sperm Volume: This measures the total volume of semen in your sample. Semen volume can vary significantly depending on the time since your last ejaculation.
Sperm Concentration: This refers to the number of sperm cells per milliliter (mL) of semen in your sample.
Total Motile Sperm Count: This is often considered the most critical parameter by medical professionals. To calculate it, Legacy multiplies the sperm volume, concentration, and motility in your sample.
Sperm Morphology: This parameter assesses the shape of your sperm. Surprisingly, in most samples, only 4% to 20% of sperm cells have a normal shape.
In addition to these key parameters, Legacy offers two specialized tests:
- Post-Thaw Analysis: With each Legacy kit, you have the option to freeze your sperm for later use. Legacy divides your sample between two separate CLIA-registered labs for secure storage.
- DNA Fragmentation Analysis: This advanced test sets Legacy apart from its competitors. It measures the percentage of sperm cells with abnormal or damaged DNA. High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation can contribute to infertility, recurring miscarriages, and even poor health outcomes in children. Legacy’s labs use the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) technique, a well-established method for identifying sperm DNA damage. This level of advanced analysis is typically available only in specialty labs, making Legacy’s offering particularly unique and valuable.
Length of Storage
Legacy Sperm storage is designed for four specific situations People choose to store their sperm for various reasons, primarily related to preserving their fertility and expanding their family planning options, whether that’s now or in 2024.
Legacy Sperm Storage
How it works
When you provide a semen sample, typically through masturbation, it undergoes a detailed laboratory analysis before it is frozen. This analysis assesses several key aspects of your sperm, such as:
- Sperm Count: This measures the number of sperm present in your semen.
- Motility: This refers to the percentage of sperm that are actively moving or “swimming.” Active movement is crucial for fertility.
- Morphology: This evaluates the percentage of sperm that have the proper size and shape. Abnormal sperm morphology can impact fertility.
It’s vital to examine these factors before considering semen freezing, as you’d want to ensure your sperm is healthy.
In high-quality labs, a “post-thaw analysis” is also conducted prior to freezing your sperm. This process involves freezing a small sample of your sperm, thawing it, and then reassessing its quality. This step is crucial as it helps determine if your sperm can withstand the freezing and thawing process and gives an estimate of how many sperm are likely to survive.
Additionally, the lab will process your sperm to remove semen proteins and other contaminants, concentrating the sperm. This “washing” procedure enhances the quality of the sample.
Before the actual freezing, a cryoprotectant is added to your sperm. This substance is vital as it prevents the formation of damaging ice crystals inside the sperm cells during freezing, without affecting the sperm’s quality.
Finally, the prepared sperm is stored in vials and submerged in liquid nitrogen, which cools them down to -196ºC. At this ultra-low temperature, all biological activity is effectively paused.
Once frozen, your sperm’s health and quality are preserved. Sperm can be stored for an indefinite period without any significant impact on their fertility potential. This long-term preservation means your sperm remains viable for future use in creating a pregnancy.
The different plans
Legacy Sperm has three packages, here’s our advice
If you want to check the health of your sperm as part of trying to conceive, a simple semen analysis kit measuring the five key metrics of sperm health may be all you need.
If you have a medical history, a more thorough evaluation of sperm health may be important. Perhaps you have been trying to conceive for a while, or your partner has experienced miscarriages? That is when it makes sense to combine a semen analysis and a sperm DNA fragmentation analysis for a more complete picture of your fertility. This combination is also recommended for older clients, those with a history of medical treatments or lifestyle habits that may impact fertility or anyone who simply wants to gain a better understanding of their sperm health.
How it works
When you provide a semen sample, typically through masturbation, it undergoes a detailed laboratory analysis before it is frozen. This analysis assesses several key aspects of your sperm, such as:
- Sperm Count: This measures the number of sperm present in your semen.
- Motility: This refers to the percentage of sperm that are actively moving or “swimming.” Active movement is crucial for fertility.
- Morphology: This evaluates the percentage of sperm that have the proper size and shape. Abnormal sperm morphology can impact fertility.
It’s vital to examine these factors before considering semen freezing, as you’d want to ensure your sperm is healthy.
In high-quality labs, a “post-thaw analysis” is also conducted prior to freezing your sperm. This process involves freezing a small sample of your sperm, thawing it, and then reassessing its quality. This step is crucial as it helps determine if your sperm can withstand the freezing and thawing process and gives an estimate of how many sperm are likely to survive.
Additionally, the lab will process your sperm to remove semen proteins and other contaminants, concentrating the sperm. This “washing” procedure enhances the quality of the sample.
Before the actual freezing, a cryoprotectant is added to your sperm. This substance is vital as it prevents the formation of damaging ice crystals inside the sperm cells during freezing, without affecting the sperm’s quality.
Finally, the prepared sperm is stored in vials and submerged in liquid nitrogen, which cools them down to -196ºC. At this ultra-low temperature, all biological activity is effectively paused.
Once frozen, your sperm’s health and quality are preserved. Sperm can be stored for an indefinite period without any significant impact on their fertility potential. This long-term preservation means your sperm remains viable for future use in creating a pregnancy.
Length of storage
After sperm freezing, your sample can be stored indefinitely with no significant impact on quality or chance of pregnancy. One study found that pregnancy rates for IUI using sperm frozen for up to 5 years (23%) were comparable to the pregnancy rates that used sperm frozen for 5–15 years (22%).
Competition
Legacy vs RoSperm vs Fellow
We’ve created a table that breaks down the differences between the most popular online sperm testing kids and providers. The best option for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.
| Best male sperm test kits | Legacy | Ro Sperm | Felow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Results available in? | 48 hours (2 days) | ???? | ???? |
| Cryostorage available? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sperm metrics tested | 5 key metrics | ???? | 6 key metrics |
| Multi-geography/tank sperm storage? | ✅ | ???? | ❌ |
| Price | From $295 | ???? | From $189 |
| Freezing time and price | Unlimited. Prices start at $145 per year. Discounts are available for 5-year and 10-year storage. | Unlimited time. Storage is charged at $140 per year | |
| What’s included? | Semen test only. Cryopreservation available at an additinal cost | Semen testing and cryopreservation. | Semen test only. Cryopreservation available at an additinal cost |
| DNA fragmentation analysis available? | ✅ | ???? | ❌ |
| CLIA Certified Labs? | ✅, but not owned | ???? | ✅, owned |
| Accepts insurance? | ✅, if eligible | ???? | ❌ |
| Lifestyle recommendations? | ✅ | ???? | ❌ |
| On-call fertility advisor available? | ✅ | ???? | ???? |
| Where do they ship to? | USA-wide, with two exceptions: STI kits will not be shipped to NY state, and semen testing and cryopreservation kits will not be shipped to Puerto Rico | ???? | USA-wide, except New York state and Rhode Island |
| Website | http://fertilefacts.wpengine.com/recommends/legacy-sperm-kit/ | http://fertilefacts.wpengine.com/recommends/ro-sperm-kit/ | http://fertilefacts.wpengine.com/recommends/fellow-sperm-kit/ |
Reviews
What other customers say
We like to balance our review with other reviews around the web. Our experience isn’t everyone’s experience. Here are a few more data points to help you decide to take the next step. With an average of 4.9/5 star reviews on Google, and hundreds of 4/4 and 5/5 star reviews on Reddit Legacy’s own website from hundreds of customers, Legacy is a great option.
Our experience
Legacy at-home sperm test kits are best for men who want a comprehensive knowledge of their fertility status.
Legacy kits allow you to have your semen analyzed according to five key metrics. In addition, the company also offers advanced analyses, including DNA fragmentation, and they can store your sperm to preserve it for later.
If you would like to receive the most comprehensive, holistic assessment of the quality of your semen combined with the privacy of your home and the benefit of customized lifestyle recommendations, Legacy is the product for you. With hundreds of five-star reviews around the web, it’s a compelling option.
What other customers say
We like to balance our review with other reviews around the web. Our experience isn’t everyone’s experience. Here are a few more data points to help you decide to take the next step. With an average of 4.9/5 star reviews on Google, and hundreds of 4/4 and 5/5 star reviews on Reddit Legacy’s own website from hundreds of customers, Legacy is a great option.
FAQs
Who should consider freezing their sperm with Legacy?
If you’re not ready to have kids right now but may want them in the future, consider freezing your sperm. This is especially if you are planning to start gender-affirming hormone therapy as part of your transition or need to start medical treatment that may affect fertility, such as chemotherapy Members of the military or other occupations involving increased risk to your fertility should also consider sperm freezing.
In addition, you may want to preserve frozen sperm if you are trying to conceive with fertility treatments like IUI or IVF or are thinking about a vasectomy. Legacy offers sperm freezing as an add-on to its basic plans for $145 per year. More comprehensive plans already include freezing and storage.
Does Legacy accept insurance?
Depending on your circumstances and your insurance, you may qualify for coverage.
Does Legacy offer a discount?
Yes! You can use code: FERTILFACTS10 for a 10% Discount.
How does Legacy Sperm Testing work?
After ordering, you schedule your kit delivery and collect a sample within 7 days of receiving the kit. With the sample collected, you need to register your kit for same-day pick-up, allowing our labs to analyze your sample within 48 hours. All Legacy kits have been designed to preserve the quality of your sperm for that time to ensure we provide accurate results. You receive a secure and comprehensive report directly on your dashboard, helping you to understand your fertility better.
What are healthy sperm parameters?
The health of your sperm is determined by a combination of factors. The volume of semen you produce and your sperm count matter. But a high sperm count does not predict fertility on its own, especially if sperm cells are misshapen or struggle to swim. DNA fragmentation can also lower the quality of your sperm. As you age, sperm motility tends to drop, and morphology declines. Over 20 years, sperm morphology can decrease by anything between 4 and 18%, for example. Only a thorough analysis of all relevant parameters will give you all the information you need.
What should you look for in a sperm testing kit?
Before choosing a sperm test kit for you, check that the option you select covers all the criteria you would like to test for. There are cheaper test kits than Legacy, but they generally exclude DNA fragmentation tests, for example.
How often should you test your sperm?
How often should you test your sperm count at home?
Are at-home sperm test kits as effective as lab-based tests?
At-home sperm test kits can be as effective as lab-based tests if you follow the instructions and choose a test kit that is processed in a CLIA-approved facility.
Do you need a prescription for Legacy sperm test kits?
No prescription is necessary. You can simply order your kit online.
Does Legacy accept insurance? Title
Depending on your circumstances and your insurance, you may qualify for coverage.
