Medical Electronic Systems Submits IPO Filing for YO, the First At-Home Smartphone-Based Male Fertility Testing Device

Mobile applications for fertility assistance and preconception care are often targeted at female users, but in reality, the reproductive process also involves men. Recently, a semen testing kit designed to assess male fertility, along with its companion app, is set to hit the market. It is being launched by Medical Electronic Systems, a medical device manufacturer specializing in automated semen analysis.

Adequate sperm count is fundamental to fertility. If men assess their sperm health before marriage or prior to planning for parenthood, they can avoid six months to several years of futile attempts. Both men and women have optimal reproductive ages; delaying conception beyond this window can adversely affect the health of offspring.

The mobile semen analysis device launched by MES is named YO. The main component is the YO Clip, a microscope with a streamlined design. The kit also includes a sample collection cup, Slide test strips, a plastic pipette, and a special liquefaction powder. To use the device, users attach it to the top of an iPhone or Android smartphone. They then mix the sample with the liquefaction powder in the collection cup, rotate it for 10 to 15 seconds, and let it stand for 10 minutes. During this waiting period, users can play sperm-related mini-games on the app. Once the semen has liquefied, the analysis can proceed. The app captures a 30-second video of the semen through the microscope and analyzes sperm density and motility from the footage.

“If a man produces 100 million sperm, it is possible that all of them are dead or non-motile. Simply knowing the sperm concentration is not useful; the key is to assess sperm motility,” said Marcia Deutsch, CEO of MES. “YO has pioneered a new approach, providing users with valuable and reliable information.”

Why launch such a product? Deutsch stated, “This app and device are dedicated to optimizing people’s pregnancy journeys and identifying opportunities for conception. While individuals are eager to monitor their fertility status, existing new technologies and tools have largely met women’s needs, yet there remains a lack of products addressing male reproductive health testing. In fact, it is often embarrassing for men to visit a doctor’s office to assess their fertility, particularly due to the semen collection process. This product enables men to conduct preliminary tests at home and then share the results with their physicians.”

The YO Semen Testing Kit is primarily designed for men who may be concerned about their fertility status (as male factors contribute to approximately 40–50% of infertility cases), as well as users seeking greater insight into their reproductive health. It also caters to those who are simply curious and wish to observe their sperm up close.

Currently, the pre-sale price for this device (YO Clip and two YO Slides) is $49.95, with shipments scheduled to begin in January 2017.