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 Frequently Asked Questions |
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Below are frequently asked questions about our products, including male fertility and infertility, contraception, and sperm identification. If your question does not appear, please feel free to contact us. |
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| General |
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- What are the major causes of male infertility?
Although there are a number of conditions that affect a man’s fertility status, some of which are more permanent than others, they often result in a low sperm count. Many causes of infertility can be treated by a physician and men who are sub fertile or infertile should consult their physician. Read more about male fertility.
- How common is male infertility?
Statistics show that male infertility is increasing and research indicates that male factor infertility contributes to 40% of the reasons why couples are unable to conceive. Read more about male fertility.
- What is considered a normal sperm count?
A sperm count above 20 million sperm per ml is considered normal. Read more about SpermCheck Fertility, the at-home fertility diagnostic test for men.
- What should I do if my sperm count is below normal?
Do treatment options exist? When a male has a low sperm count he should consult his health care provider. A physician will order a comprehensive semen analysis that will shed greater light on the male’s fertility status. The good news is that for both men and their partners most fertility abnormalities can be treated. New treatments are constantly being researched and marketed.
- Is male infertility a red flag for other possible health problems?
Many physicians believe a man’s fertility status can serve as a harbinger for possible future male health problems. A recently published study in the Journal of Urology, found a link between male infertility and testicular cancer and suggests the possibility that male fertility testing could serve as a screening tool for other male related health issues. Read more about SpermCheck Fertility
- Why is it important and advantageous to test sperm count before other more comprehensive tests?
Since sperm count is implicated in the majority of male infertility, an effective, at-home sperm test will rule out sperm count as the cause of male infertility. ContraVac’s SpermCheck Fertility test can eliminate the barriers surrounding comprehensive semen analysis, including cost, time, and the humility factor associated with undergoing doctor visits and lab testing. A man can quickly learn about his sperm count status in the privacy of his own home, without involving physicians, costly tests, insurance claims, and lengthy appointments.
- What is recanalization?
Following a vasectomy, recanalization is the process when the cut ends of the vas deferens spontaneously reconnect.
- Why should I be concerned about recanalization following my vasectomy?
If you are relying on a vasectomy to avoid conceiving children, you will need to know if the process of recanalization has occurred. The only way to determine if your sperm count has fallen below the level of infertility is with a sperm count test. ContraVac’s SpermCheck Vasectomy offers the solution with a low-cost, private home sterility test.
- How can I best prevent the chance of impregnating my partner following my vasectomy?
By knowing your sperm count, you will know whether contraception is still necessary. ContraVac has the solution with SpermCheck Vasectomy, a private, at-home sperm count test.
- How accurate are your sperm fertility products?
ContraVac’s male fertility products prove to be over 97% accurate. Individual accuracy estimates are as follows:
• SpermCheck Fertility – Test results are over 95% accurate.
•SpermCheck Vasectomy – Negative results are almost 100% accurate. Positive results are over 95% accurate.
- How do your sperm fertility products differ than lab testing?
ContraVac’s sperm fertility products are based on ELISA technology, which has been shown to be more accurate than visually counting sperm in a microscopic field. Incorporating this technology (similar to a home pregnancy test) as your first line of defense provides a fast, inexpensive, and easy way to determine a male’s fertility status. Once you have established that your sperm count is not what you expect (too high after a vasectomy or too low if you’re trying to conceive), visiting a physician and undergoing lab testing would be the next step for a more comprehensive diagnosis. Avoid the humility, time, and expenses involved with doctor visits and lab testing. ContraVac is the logical first step in male fertility assessment.
- Where and when can I buy your products?
We expect SpermCheck Vasectomy to be available for purchase in the spring of 2008 and SpermCheck Fertility to be available in the second half of 2008. SpermCheck products will be available for purchase on the internet or at most pharmacies.
- What are the business opportunities for resale, international distribution, or investment?
ContraVac is an emerging, innovative corporation with many business opportunities. We welcome investors, distributors, and international partners. Read more about our business opportunities.
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- What is SpermCheck Fertility?
A simple, point-of-care home use test for assessing a man’s fertility, SpermCheck Fertility samples a male’s semen to determine the number of existing sperm. From this test, fertility or infertility can be discovered.
- Is SpermCheck Fertility right for me?
Checking a male’s fertility status is a private matter. SpermCheck Fertility addresses the needs of those wishing to learn about their fertility status in the convenience of their own home. Read more about SpermCheck Fertility.
- What is SpermCheck Vasectomy?
For recently vasectomized men wishing to confirm their sterility status, SpermCheck Vasectomy is a home sperm test that provides sperm count information.
- Is SpermCheck Vasectomy right for me?
With SpermCheck Vasectomy, in the convenience of your own home, you can learn the effectiveness of your vasectomy procedure for a fraction of the cost of doctor visits and lab tests.
- What are your plans for future products?
ContraVac’s innovative male infertility products include:
• SpermCheck Contraception – A home test to report on the effectiveness of male contraception.
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| Technical |
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- What is a biomarker?
Biomarkers are protein antigens that possess certain characteristics and properties that lend themselves to be used as valuable tools in diagnostic testing. They are only present in male sperm and are very abundant. The biomarkers used in ContraVac products are found exclusively in sperm. Read more about ContraVac’s SP-10 biomarker.
- What is a monoclonal antibody?
Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are antibodies that are identical because they were produced by one type of immune cell which were all clones of a single parent cell. Given most substances, it is possible to create monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to that substance. Because of their binding properties, monoclonal antibodies are extremely useful in detecting specific biomarkers.
- How does a lateral flow immunodiagnostic test work?
Similar to a home pregnancy test, a lateral flow immunodiagnostic test will identify the presence or absence of a particular quantity of sperm and indicate, by single or double-colored lines in the window of a small cassette device, the result.
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| Company |
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- Who is ContraVac?
Specializing in male reproductive health care, ContraVac is an exciting new corporation focusing on advanced sperm tests.
- Where are you headquartered?
ContraVac is based in Charlottesville, Virginia and supports ongoing research at the University of Virginia.
- How do I contact ContraVac?
By Mail: ContraVac, Inc.
P.O. Box 4608
Charlottesville, VA 22905
Fedex/UPS: 1400 West Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22903
By Email: click here to contact us
Tel: (434) 243-9205
Fax: (434) 243-9206
Learn more about ContraVac
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