Male factor plays a role in nearly half of the couples who struggle to conceive, yet male fertility remains one of the most underdiagnosed pieces of the family-building puzzle. Many men never test at all. PS Fertility is working to change that with PS Detect, a non-invasive at-home test that measures whether sperm can actually fertilize an egg, not simply how many are present.
“For too long, the conversation about fertility has centered almost entirely on women,” says Kevin Combs, CEO at PS Fertility. “When half of these cases involve men, leaving them out of the evaluation isn’t just incomplete. It slows down the answers couples are searching for. PS Detect gives men a starting point that feels approachable instead of intimidating.”
By the Numbers
- • 1 in 6 couples are affected by infertility, with male factors often overlooked and difficult to detect.
- • Nearly 50% of infertility cases involve a male factor, yet male testing is still treated as secondary in most evaluations.
- • $3.5 million in Series A funding backed the launch of PS Detect.
- • $1.7 million NIH grant supports the diagnostic technology behind the test.
- • 2019 is the year PS Fertility was founded, building on research from the University of Virginia. (sources below)
Several barriers keep men from getting evaluated, and most have little to do with whether they want a family. Understanding those barriers is the first step toward closing the gap.
Why Men Skip Fertility Testing
Stigma remains the biggest obstacle. While perceptions of female infertility have shifted over the past few decades, male fertility still carries a sense of taboo, leaving many men silent even when symptoms are present. Misconceptions compound the problem. Some assume fertility only declines with age, unaware that everyday lifestyle factors play a role, while others still view infertility as solely a woman’s issue.
Fear of the results matters too. The prospect of a difficult diagnosis can feel life-altering, so avoidance becomes the easier choice. And many men simply don’t know that accessible, non-invasive testing exists.
How Clinicians Can Close the Gap
Clinicians are positioned to break down these barriers in four practical ways. They can create a non-judgmental space by raising fertility during routine check-ups rather than only when challenges surface, signaling that seeking help is a sign of strength. They can educate male patients by debunking myths about age and explaining how diet, stress, and lifestyle affect sperm quality. They can show the path forward by framing testing as a proactive step and reminding patients that many fertility issues are treatable. And they can share expanded options, introducing convenient tools like PS Detect that make the process more accessible and far less intimidating.
“When a clinician treats advanced male testing as a normal, expected part of the process, it changes everything for the patient,” says Kevin Combs. “Men are far more willing to take that step when it’s framed as taking control of their future rather than confronting a verdict.”
A Closer Look at PS Detect
Designed to be accessible, non-invasive, and easy to use, PS Detect gives men actionable information whether they are facing unexplained infertility or preparing for assisted reproductive treatment. By measuring sperm competency rather than count alone, it offers a deeper understanding of fertility potential, and gives clinicians a clear way to give male patients a path forward with confidence.
About PS Fertility
PS Fertility develops advanced diagnostic tools that bring male fertility into focus as an essential part of the family-building journey. Through products like PS Detect, the company helps clinicians and patients move toward parenthood with greater clarity and confidence.
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Media Contact
Sydney Cheek
TwoTone Creative Marketing Agency
[email protected] 515.864.6657
Sources:
- The National Infertility Association — https://resolve.org/learn/infertility-101/underlying-causes/male-factor/
- Male Infertility, PubMed / StatPearls — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32965929/
- Fundz funding announcement — https://app.fundz.net/fundings/ps-fertility-funding-round-series-a-7fcaf6
- CB Insights company profile — https://www.cbinsights.com/company/ps-fertility
Disclaimer: This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals concerned about fertility should consult a qualified healthcare professional. The information presented is not intended to replace professional medical evaluation or individualized clinical guidance. Product availability and regulatory status may vary by jurisdiction.
