Frequently Asked Provider Questions

What is ProteX?

ProteX is the first and only scientifically designed semen sample collection container that optimizes sperm quality by limiting damage caused by drastic temperature fluctuations, ROS generation, and uncontrolled pH shifts. The result gives patients a healthier sperm sample than they typically would have if collected in a generic specimen cup, which is not designed to protect collected sperm samples.

Can ProteX be used for semen analysis?

Yes. Since ProteX limits damage to sperm, patients get an accurate analysis of sperm count, motility rate, and other semen parameters as key components in the male fertility evaluation.

Can ProteX be used for assisted reproductive technology procedures: IUI, IVF, and ICSI?

Yes. If the procedure requires fresh collection of the male sample, ProteX may be used. This includes procedures where the sperm is utilized to fertilize an oocyte and then the embryo is frozen for future use.

Can ProteX be used to collect for the purposes of cryopreservation?

Yes. ProteX is an excellent choice for collection and transport to cryobanks.

Note: If a sample is collected in ProteX, processed, frozen, and then thawed, the sample may have different semen parameters than if it were simply collected fresh.

Can ProteX be used to collect samples historically found to be oligospermic (low concentration/sperm count)?

Yes. Since ProteX is the first and only collection method that protects sperm at the moment of collection, even male patients previously diagnosed as subfertile due to low count or low motility are very likely to see an improvement in their sample quality.

Is a prescription required for ProteX?

No, a prescription is not required for patients to purchase or use ProteX.

How does a patient use ProteX?

Using ProteX is simple and easy. Prep, Collect, Return. Please have patients refer to the General ProteX Instructions. Patients are also encouraged to follow any additional instructions provided by you and your fertility staff.

What kind of media should be used in ProteX?

ProteX may be used with any pH-buffered media, commonly referred to as third generation sperm washing media. If your preferred media requires refrigeration, allow media to come to ambient room temperature prior to adding into ProteX. It is not recommended to use a yolk-based media with ProteX.

Can ProteX be used dry, without sperm media?

Yes. Our research shows that ProteX dry is superior to the specimen cup. Samples collected in a dry ProteX should be processed within 3-5 hours of collection. For maximum sample quality and long-term viability, the preferred method is to collect in ProteX using media.

Is incubation of the ProteX necessary prior to collection?

No. ProteX may remain at room temperature for best results.

Should ProteX samples be incubated or refrigerated after collection?

No, this is not necessary. ProteX samples should always be kept at room temperature and should not be artificially warmed or cooled before processing.

Are there published studies comparing ProteX to traditional collection methods?

Yes. There are many published and peer-reviewed scientific studies, including clinical trials, comparing semen parameters, temperature, and ART outcomes, such as IUI and IVF. Read the Published Abstracts or dive deeper into the data and read the Scientific Studies.

Will ProteX improve my patient's chances of a successful outcome?

The healthier the sperm are during fertility treatments, the better the chances will be of a successful outcome. Results using ProteX will vary by each patient and are affected by a number of uncontrolled factors, including and not limited to the patient’s age, diagnosis, lifestyle, diet, and genetics.

Clinical Trials suggest promising results for IUI and IVF outcomes. Reproductive Solutions makes no guarantee of pregnancy outcomes when using ProteX. 

Can I request samples to evaluate ProteX?

Yes. We welcome your evaluation and encourage you to share your results with us. Go to the Request Samples page to submit an order for a standard 2-unit sample kit with protocol instructions.

If you have a custom sample request or would like to perform a study, please contact us.

Does ProteX have MEA (mouse embryo assay) certification?

No. Instead, we perform a sperm survivability assay, and every lot comes with a certificate confirming biocompatibility. If sperm survive, and they are the first biological contact to the ProteX environment, then logically the embryo survives as well. If you are still interested in MEA testing, we do have the ability to culture embryos upon request.

Can patients purchase ProteX directly from you?

Yes, our online partner IVF Store handles all direct orders. Patients can place their order directly here. As an alternative, providers may order ProteX by case quantity and distribute directly from their practice locations.

Is ProteX covered by insurance?

This varies by state. ProteX is considered one part of an infertility treatment, such as IVF. 15 states have laws that require insurance companies to cover infertility treatment 100%: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia. Two states have laws that require insurance companies to offer coverage for infertility treatment: California, Texas.

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