How to Understand SpermQT Fertility Test Results

In this article, we will walk you through the process of understanding fertility test results using SpermQT. Our goal is to empower you with answers so that you can make informed decisions and move forward on your fertility journey with optimism. We’ll shed light on the meaning of these fertility test results and offer guidance on what steps you can take next.

What is SpermQT?

SpermQT, or Sperm Quality Test, looks inside the sperm at its genes to measure the sperm quality. Understanding sperm quality can help determine if the sperm are able to do their job during IUI or Timed Intercourse (TI).

In short, SpermQT is a predictor of IUI and TI pregnancy success.

How does SpermQT Measure Sperm Quality?

The male human body produces a new crop of sperm every three months. During that phase, sperm quality can be impacted by a variety of factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol, smoking, and more.

These external factors can help or harm the genes inside the sperm. Negative factors can cause the genes to become dysregulated, or unbalanced. The higher the number of dysregulated genes, the lower the quality of sperm.

SpermQT measures the number of dysregulated genes – and from that number – the sperm quality is measured as Normal or Abnormal.

What do SpermQT Fertility Test Results Mean?

Normal Sperm Quality

A Normal result means the genes analyzed with SpermQT are functioning properly — your methylation profile falls within the Expected Sperm Gene Profile range. Your report includes your personalized estimated chance of pregnancy per cycle with IUI or timed intercourse, shown as a point estimate with a range (e.g., 16% (12–21%) in a sample report).

Abnormal Sperm Quality

Abnormal Sperm Quality — An Abnormal result means the genes analyzed with SpermQT are functioning below average — your methylation profile shows increased sperm gene dysregulation above the Clinical Threshold. Your report includes your personalized estimated chance of pregnancy per cycle with IUI or timed intercourse (e.g., 5% (4–7%) in a sample report).

*per-cycle pregnancy probability estimates when female patient age is under 37 (no known female factors).

What if my SpermQT Result is Abnormal?

Patients with an Abnormal SpermQT result have a lower success rate with IUI. However, there is no significant difference in success rates for Normal or Abnormal results when doing IVF with ICSI. In other words, an Abnormal SpermQT result does not impact the likelihood of success when doing IVF with ICSI.

This suggests that IVF with ICSI can overcome issues associated with an Abnormal SpermQT results, by essentially doing the job for the sperm.

Why Fertility Test Results are Critical

Path Fertility is bringing more answers and insights to the male side of the fertility equation, guiding couples to make more informed decisions on their fertility journey.

Knowing what procedures will and will not work can empower couples to have more sense of control over how to move forward in their fertility journey and ultimately, to achieve their goal of bringing home a baby.

Learn More

For the full clinical evidence and methodology behind SpermQT, see the science behind SpermQT, including the 2026 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. Curious how SpermQT compares to standard semen analysis and DNA fragmentation testing? See our full test comparison. Physicians can find ordering information on our provider page.

Kristin Brogaard, PhD

Kristin Brogaard, PhD is Co-founder and CSO of Inherent Biosciences, a molecular diagnostics company at the intersection of epigenetics and AI. Dr. Brogaard is an experienced molecular biologist, study director, and operations manager for early stage biotech startups. She received her PhD in Molecular Biology from Northwestern University developing novel epigenetic technologies. She subsequently worked with Dr. Leroy Hood, a pioneer in personalized medicine technologies, first as a post-doc and then as a colleague launching a novel scientific wellness start-up, Arivale. Dr. Brogaard has broad business experience that includes launching and scaling the health startup, Arivale. Additionally, Dr. Brogaard was the Director of Program Management at Arivale managing all strategic projects with a highly qualified team of program and project managers.