Contraceptives

A remote controlled contraceptive for guys- could this be the ultimate ‘boy’s toy’?

You can stop holding your breath for the male contraceptive pill or putting out for your man to choose a vasectomy (my ex did bless him, or I may have ended up with 4 to bring up alone!) Living in Melbourne, I have to say “Go the Aussies!” for this radio controlled device that, wait for it, controls the flow of sperm from your lover’s testicles to his penis. All design components have been finished and lab tests with pressurized water are the next step. Live pigs and sheep watch out- you’re next.

New Scientist has just released information about a male contraceptive implant that is being developed at Adelaide University, Australia. The device is an open/close micro valve that is placed inside the vas deferens ( tube leading from the testicles that is the sperm ‘highway’ to the penis) When closed, the valve blocks off the sperm and only allows those little swimmers to resume their merry way again when it is opened by a radio controlled switch. Whatever next!?

Vasectomies are usual permanent and often irreversible  ( a physician can use a needle to remove sperm from the testicles and then perform in vitro fertilization) but this little sweetie looks like being much more user friendly, with high hopes of easier and more successful reversal. The valve will only be offered to men who are considering a vasectomy anyway, as there are still fears that over time, proteins could clog the device closed and cause permanent infertility. After initial insertion there will be a ‘cooling off’ period when the procedure can easily be reversed so this will give peace of mind to those who may later decide they want more children after all.

New Scientist states, ‘The silicone-polymer valve can be flipped between open and closed positions with a pulse of radio waves. A set of conducting “fingers” on the valve act as antennae and convert the signal’s energy into sound waves that travel through the polymer and create stresses inside the device.’ Team leader Said Al-Sarawi explains,”Since it is flexible, the polymer either contracts or expands as a result, and this movement allows the valve to be opened or closed as needed”.

“It will be like turning a TV on and off with a remote control,” added team founder Derek Abbott, “except that the remote will probably be locked away in your local doctor’s office to safeguard against accidental pregnancy or potential misuse of the device.” In case you’re wondering if the device can be turned on accidentally- NO because it works in a similar way to a car’s remote key-fob. Each valve responds only to a radio-frequency signal with its own unique code.

How is the male contraceptive implant inserted? No open surgery is needed but the needle squeamish guys out there will have to look away as the hypodermic snugly ‘push fits’ the little micro valve into position. Is another male contraceptive needed as well? You betcha, unless you are with one ‘clean’ partner- use a condom if you wish to avoid catching an STD.

I do hope they give the implant a nice name, if a dog is currently ‘man’s best friend’ he may soon find himself with a rival.