Understanding Your PS Detect Results

The PS Score is a measure of the percentage of sperm cells that are capable of fertilization. While standard semen analyses look at sperm count, shape and movement, the PS Score measures sperm’s ability to actually fertilize an egg.

A varicocele is an enlargement of veins within the scrotum that impacts up to 40% of males with infertility—yet many men do not realize they have a varicocele. In one study, even small varicoceles that may be difficult to detect were linked to lower PS Scores.

Research shows that a minimally invasive procedure called varicocele repair, performed by a reproductive urologist specialist, has the possibility to substantially improve male PS Scores.

In one study, men with low PS Scores saw their results improve to PS Scores associated with pregnancy within 3–4 months after the procedure—the time it typically takes for new sperm to develop. Over 25% of the couples in the study achieved pregnancy naturally following a varicocele repair.

Currently, there are no known treatment options other than a varicocele repair to improve PS Score.  Further research is ongoing.  

Your reproductive urologist or reproductive endocrinologist will consider your PS Score alongside standard semen analysis parameters (sperm motility, concentration and morphology) as well as your medical history when recommending the most appropriate fertility treatment.  

While PS Score has not been directly studied as a predictor of IUI outcomes, a low PS Score reflects underlying male factor infertility. Because IUI success depends on adequate sperm function, a low PS Score may reduce the likelihood of success. A study is underway to examine the correlation of PS Scores with pregnancy outcomes in IUI.