Frequently asked questions

Does Legacy’s test kit include all of the STI screening tests required for IUI and IVF?

STI testing

In 49 of 50 states, the STI screening required by most fertility clinics is identical to the panel we offer: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, HIV 1 & 2, and syphilis.

In California, fertility clinics may also require screening for HTLV (human T-lymphotropic virus). Unfortunately, there is currently no at-home testing option for this virus. If you might store or use your sperm sample in California, we recommend talking to your doctor about in-person HTLV testing.

What are the contents of Legacy's STI test kit?

STI testing

Contents of Legacy’s STI Test Kit include: For urine collection A collapsible urine collection cup A pipette A urine collection tube (preservative liquid included) A large specimen bag For blood collection A blood collection device Two alcohol pads A sterile gauze pad Single use lancets Two adhesive bandages A small specimen bag with desiccant pack

Can I meet with a Legacy provider to review my STI testing results?

STI testing

No, we don't currently offer a results review call for STI Test Kits.

These results are for your review only and should not be considered a diagnosis. If you have questions about your results, please speak to your doctor.

Does Legacy’s STI test kit require a prescription?

STI testing

No. You can order an STI Test Kit or any sperm testing/freezing service from Legacy without a prescription from a doctor.

If I test positive for an STI, can Legacy offer me treatment?

STI testing

No. Because we’re a digital clinic, we can’t diagnose you with an illness or prescribe treatment. However, we will offer guidance on next steps with your results.

If I test positive for one or more STIs, can it affect the quality of my sperm, or the health of any embryos I create?

STI testing

It’s possible. Any infection may impact sperm quality. Learn more about how STIs can affect sperm health and fertility here.

Which STIs are tested in Legacy’s STI test kit?

STI testing

This test kit can detect the pathogens or antibodies associated with chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV 1 and 2, and syphilis.

How do I collect my STI sample?

STI testing

Legacy's at-home STI test is performed on blood and urine samples.

Your STI Test Kit will come with a urine container, and a blood card or container for you to collect your samples. The urine is used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, while the blood sample is used to test for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis. If you choose not to produce a blood sample, your results will say "Inconclusive" for the tests associated with blood. If you choose not to produce the urine sample, your results will say "Inconclusive" for tests associated with urine. Get step-by-step instructions on how to use your at-home Legacy STI Test Kit.

How long does it take to receive my STI kit?

STI testing

If you purchase an STI Test Kit, it will be mailed to you via USPS expedited shipping. Although 2 days is the average shipping time, this can be longer for rural communities and is dependent on USPS.

Does the STI test kit expire? How long do I have to use it?

STI testing

Please use your STI Test Kit within 30 days of receiving it. This ensures that the preservative liquid that keeps your sample stable remains effective.

I was possibly or definitely exposed to a sexually transmitted infection. How long should I wait before STI testing for the most accurate results?

STI testing

We can’t provide specific medical advice, and highly recommend you speak to your doctor if you know or believe you’ve been exposed to an STI. Patients may test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis within 5–14 days of infection, while HIV may take 3 months to be detectable with an STI test.

If I test positive for one or more STIs, should I test again in the future?

STI testing

You may want to retest after treating your infection. Talk to your doctor about the best next steps for you.

How long will it take to receive my STI results?

STI testing

You'll receive your STI Test Kit results 5–7 business days after your sample is received by the lab. These results can be viewed on your client dashboard. If you don't get your results within that timeframe, please contact clientservices@givelegacy.com.

If I have abnormal semen analysis results, can Legacy offer me treatment?

Sperm testing

No. Because we’re a digital clinic, we can’t diagnose you with a medical condition or prescribe treatment. However, we will offer guidance on next steps with your results.

If you'd like to get more information about your results, you can schedule a virtual appointment with one of our fertility specialists on your client dashboard, under the "Consultations" tab. Depending on what you have purchased, this appointment may require a small fee.

What is sperm DNA fragmentation analysis?

Sperm testing

A sperm DNA fragmentation test analyzes what percentage of your sperm have damaged DNA. This damage can contribute to infertility, pregnancy loss, and poor health outcomes for your future children.

Together with a semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation testing provides a more complete picture of your reproductive health and your chances of conception. To learn more, check out our guide to sperm DNA fragmentation.

Do I need an additional kit to test for DNA fragmentation?

Sperm testing

No, we can assess sperm DNA fragmentation as part of the same kit that tests for the five basic parameters of sperm health (count, concentration, motility, morphology, and volume).

Please note: DNA fragmentation analysis can only be done in conjunction with a standard semen analysis.

I want to talk to a specialist about my results. How can I schedule an appointment?

Sperm testing

You can schedule a virtual appointment with one of our fertility specialists on your client dashboard, under the "Consultations" tab. Depending on what you have purchased, this appointment may require a small fee.

How important is sperm motility to my overall fertility?

Sperm testing

Experts recommend focusing on your total motile sperm count (TMSC) as the primary indicator of your ability to conceive. TMSC is based on your total sperm count and your motility. It’s possible to have a normal TMSC even if your results are below the normal range for a sub-factor like progressive motility.

If you have any questions about your results, you can schedule a consultation with one of our fertility specialists by logging into your client dashboard, emailing clientservices@givelegacy.com, or calling 617-514-0901.

Who should consider sperm testing?

Sperm testing

You should consider at-home sperm analysis if:

You’re trying to grow your family
You’re planning fertility treatment
You’re taking a medication that may affect fertility
You want to understand your health
You want to keep your family-building options open

Read more about why at-home sperm testing could be right for you.

I have tested multiple samples. Which one should I store?

Sperm freezing

If you're unsure which sample(s) to freeze, we recommend booking a call with one of our fertility specialists for a consultation. You can do this in your client dashboard, under the "Consultations" tab. If you need assistance, please email clientservices@givelegacy.com or call us at 617-514-0901.

If I'm freezing more than one sample, do I need to do STI testing again?

Sperm freezing

Not necessarily. Your STI results are valid for 12 months. If you’re freezing a sample and it’s been more than a year since you got your STI results, you should consider doing an updated STI test.

What kind of report do I get?

Sperm freezing

Your Legacy semen analysis report is delivered to your personalized client dashboard. It includes more than just the numbers — it’ll tell you what those numbers really mean for you and your family-building plans.

Your dashboard includes:

Evidence-based recommendations for improving your fertility health, based on your results and lifestyle
Exclusive access to book a virtual appointment with one of our male fertility specialist medical providers, to discuss your results and possible next steps
A downloadable semen analysis summary to share with your doctor
Information about your frozen sperm, including their location and next steps to withdraw and transfer your sample

How does Legacy protect my frozen sperm sample?

Sperm freezing

Your sample is stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at -196ºC in long-term cryostorage facilities that specialize in storing frozen human tissue and genetic material. These cryostorage facilities are monitored 24 hours a day, are highly secure, and have multiple redundancy plans in place to prevent breaches of security or scientific integrity.

Legacy is the only sperm freezing service that uses multi-site storage to mitigate any risk. We will divide your vials into two batches and ship them to separate storage facilities using a cryogenic shipper that has been in business since the 1980s with a 100% success rate. This redundancy ensures your sperm will be safe and ready to use whenever you need.

Can you ship my frozen sperm sample internationally?

Sperm freezing

Yes, our cryo-shipping service can ship samples internationally. Please note that pricing varies and can range between $3,000–$4,000. To get an exact quote for your shipment, the clinic address is required. This process can take 3–4 weeks, depending on location and regulations.

What is the process like to transfer or withdraw my sample from storage?

Sperm freezing

It’s easy to withdraw a vial of your frozen sperm with Legacy. Once you’ve coordinated with your doctor or fertility clinic, request a vial withdrawal from your client dashboard, and we’ll coordinate with your healthcare provider or clinic lab to arrange shipping.

Please note:

Sperm can only be delivered to a medical practice, provider, or lab, not to a residential address.
The process of vial withdrawal takes about 2 weeks for domestic transfers and 3–4 weeks for international transfers. Please allow for the necessary time when planning your IUI or IVF procedure.
Frozen sperm is shipped using cryo-shippers (portable liquid nitrogen semen storage tanks) that maintain a temperature of -196ºC for the period necessary for transport.
The cost of shipping your frozen sperm sample within the US starts at $500 and depends on your location. International shipping fees are based on location and can cost $3,000 or more. If you’re a Forever client, one frozen sperm transfer within the US is included in your bundle.

Frequently asked questions

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