The FDA has approved SpermCheck Vasectomy (ContraVac, Inc., Charlottesville, VA), a diagnostic product that confirms men’s post-vasectomy sterility. The device will enable men to test their post-vasectomy fertility status at home, rather than returning to the physician’s office or a laboratory for confirmation.

Similar to a home pregnancy test for women, the test has the sensitivity and specificity required to detect low numbers of sperm, according to ContraVac. The test will be available in mid-2008. Physicians will be able to provide the product to their patients who undergo vasectomy, or men can order the product directly from the vendor.