Frequently Asked Questions
About the Test
Is a home semen analysis accurate?
Is a home semen analysis accurate?
Yes. Every Malebox kit is analysed by an HCPC-registered clinician in our accredited partner laboratory, following WHO guidelines - the same standards used in NHS and private fertility clinics. The difference is that you collect your sample in the comfort of your own home.
What does the semen analysis measure?
What does the semen analysis measure?
Your test covers 9 key parameters: sperm count, concentration, total motility, progressive motility, non-progressive motility, immotile sperm, vitality, morphology (sperm shape), and semen volume. Each result is benchmarked against WHO reference ranges.
Who is the Malebox test for?
Who is the Malebox test for?
Any man who wants to understand his reproductive health - whether you're thinking about starting a family, have been trying to conceive, or simply want a baseline measure of your sperm health.
Is the Malebox test clinically validated?
Is the Malebox test clinically validated?
Yes. Our kits are certified IVDs, the analysis of the samples meet the same quality standards as a clinical semen analysis. Every test is carried out in an accredited partner laboratory and reviewed by an HCPC-registered clinician.
What is included in the Semen Analysis + Male Hormone Profile?
What is included in the Semen Analysis + Male Hormone Profile?
This package combines a full semen analysis with a male hormone blood test. Together they provide a comprehensive picture of your reproductive health. Recommended for men who have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more, or who have a known condition that may affect fertility.
Do I need multiple tests?
Do I need multiple tests?
Semen analysis results can vary naturally between samples - this is expected. If your results are borderline or you're tracking improvement over time, repeating the test gives a more reliable baseline.
Note that the sperm life cycle is approximately 3 months, so lifestyle changes won't affect results immediately.
How It Works
How does the Malebox process work, step by step?
How does the Malebox process work, step by step?
- Order online — your kit is delivered next day in discreet packaging.
- Place the preservative in your freezer when your kit arrives.
- Collect your sample at home on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday morning.
- Post it the same day using the pre-paid Royal Mail return label.
- Your sample is analysed by our accredited lab within 24 hours of arrival.
- Book your 30-minute video consultation to receive your results and personalised recommendations.
- Receive your written report, consultation notes, sample images, and video after the consultation.
How long does the whole process take?
How long does the whole process take?
Most customers complete the process within 3-5 days. Your kit arrives next day, you collect and post your sample Monday–Wednesday, and results are typically available within 24 hours of your sample reaching the lab. Your consultation is then booked at a time that suits you.
Ordering & Delivery
How long will it take to receive my kit?
How long will it take to receive my kit?
We use Royal Mail Tracked 24. If you order before 3pm Monday–Friday, your kit will typically arrive the next working day.
Is the packaging discreet?
Is the packaging discreet?
Yes. Your kit arrives in plain, unmarked outer packaging with no Malebox branding visible on the outside.
Do I need to be in to take the delivery?
Do I need to be in to take the delivery?
No. Your kit is delivered as a standard Royal Mail parcel. Once dispatched, you'll receive a tracking email from Royal Mail that lets you set a safe place or arrange redelivery if needed.
What should I do when the kit arrives?
What should I do when the kit arrives?
Place the preservative in your freezer straight away. Keep all packaging intact for the return journey, and read through the included instructions and important information sheet before proceeding.
Can I order on behalf of my partner?
Can I order on behalf of my partner?
Yes. However, the report must be issued in the name of the person taking the test. When activating the kit, you'll be prompted to confirm the test-taker's name — please make sure this is correct.
Collecting Your Sample
When should I take the test?
When should I take the test?
Collect your sample on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday morning, and post it the same day. This ensures your sample reaches the lab on a working day, within the validated transit window.
Do I need to abstain before collecting my sample?
Do I need to abstain before collecting my sample?
Yes — 3 to 7 days of abstinence from ejaculation is recommended before testing. This ensures your sperm count and quality are measured accurately. Too short or too long a gap can affect results.
How do I collect my sample?
How do I collect my sample?
Full step-by-step instructions are included in your kit. You produce your sample by masturbation into the sterile collection cup provided. The process takes only a few minutes.
What is the purpose of the cool pack?
What is the purpose of the cool pack?
The cool pack regulates the temperature inside the packaging during transit to the lab, protecting your sample from temperature spikes. Do not refreeze it — once at room temperature, leave it in the base of the kit as it stabilises the internal environment.
The kit also contains temperature indicators so our lab can verify your sample remained within the validated range.
The preservative and cool pack thawed in transit - will the kit still work?
The preservative and cool pack thawed in transit - will the kit still work?
Yes. The preservative has been validated to function correctly after thawing twice — once en route to you, and once before use. This is expected and does not affect your results.
How quickly do I need to return my sample after collection?
How quickly do I need to return my sample after collection?
Post your sample the same day you collect it, before the last Royal Mail collection at your local post office. Your Malebox kit is valid for up to 30 days from arrival, but always test and post on the same day once you're ready.
What if my sample is delayed in transit?
What if my sample is delayed in transit?
Contact us as soon as possible at support@maleboxhealth.com. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to arrange a replacement kit. We use Royal Mail Tracked 24 to minimise delays, and the temperature-controlled packaging is designed to maintain sample integrity throughout the normal transit window.
Your Results & Consultation
How long does it take to get my results?
How long does it take to get my results?
Within 24 hours of your sample being analysed, you'll receive an email to book your consultation. Results are shared during that call — not before — to ensure you have a clinician on hand to answer questions and avoid any misunderstanding.
How are my results delivered?
How are my results delivered?
Via a 30-minute video consultation with a qualified fertility expert. Your clinician will walk you through every parameter, explain what the results mean, and provide personalised next steps.
How long is the consultation?
How long is the consultation?
30 minutes — enough time to go through all your results in full and answer any questions you have.
Who will I speak to?
Who will I speak to?
A qualified fertility specialist. All our clinical team are HCPC-registered and experienced in male reproductive health.
Can my partner join the consultation?
Can my partner join the consultation?
Yes. When booking your consultation, you can add a partner to the call.
What happens if my results are outside the normal range?
What happens if my results are outside the normal range?
Your fertility expert will explain exactly what this means, whether further investigation is recommended, and what steps you can take. You will never receive an abnormal result without personal clinical support.
What happens after the consultation?
What happens after the consultation?
You'll receive a written report, consultation notes, sample images, and a video of your sample by email. Where relevant, your clinician may recommend next steps or refer you to additional services not provided by Malebox.
Can I share my results directly with my fertility clinic?
Can I share my results directly with my fertility clinic?
Yes. Email us at support@maleboxhealth.com with your clinic's contact details and we'll liaise directly with them to share your results.
Privacy & Data Protection
Is my personal information kept private?
Is my personal information kept private?
Yes. Malebox Health is fully GDPR compliant. Your personal and health data is stored securely and never shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
Will my employer or GP be notified of my results?
Will my employer or GP be notified of my results?
No. Your results are entirely confidential and will not be shared with your employer, GP, or any other party without your explicit consent.
What if someone else ordered the kit on my behalf?
What if someone else ordered the kit on my behalf?
Results can only be released to the person who took the test. If someone else placed the order, the test-taker will need to verify their identity before results are shared. This is a UK GDPR requirement.
Support & Returns
Can I return my kit if I change my mind?
Can I return my kit if I change my mind?
Kits cannot be returned once dispatched, as they contain temperature-sensitive materials. If you need to cancel before dispatch, contact us immediately at support@maleboxhealth.com and we'll issue a full refund.
What if my kit arrives damaged or incomplete?
What if my kit arrives damaged or incomplete?
Contact us within 48 hours with photos of the packaging and contents. We'll arrange a replacement at no charge.
How do I contact support?
How do I contact support?
Via the contact form at maleboxhealth.com. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day.
Have any more questions?
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our support team: support@maleboxhealth.com