Radio-Controlled Contraceptive to Control Sperm Flow
Scientists developed a male contraceptive that may act as a tap to semen, restricting its flow from the testicles to the penis. This method can become an alternative to male vasectomy, being non-invasive and fully reversible.
What is radio-controlled male contraceptive?
Radio-controlled device is a small valve inserted into the sperm duct, blocking sperm flow, which can be returned via radio-control. The silicone-polymer valve has conducting 'fingers" that transfer signals through polymer and create stresses inside the device, opening or closing the valve.
Unlike vasectomy procedure, the device can be inserted through hypodermic needle and open surgery is not necessary.
Derek Abbott, a researcher from the University of Adelaide, Australia, where the study was conducted said that this method resembles common remote control used to turn on and off TV. In order to ensure the valve from unnecessary activation, its was safeguarded by unique code to which the device will respond.
Experts plan to test the effectiveness of the device in the lab on sheep and pigs first. The potential danger of the remote control valve is that with the time it can become blocked by protein which will cause permanent infertility.
The microvalve would be recommended to men who decided to have a have vasectomy as less invasive and reversible method of birth control.
Why to choose Radio-controlled contraceptive?
Just like vasectomy, this device doesn't protect you against sexually transmitted diseases, you might consider to use radio-controlled contraceptive for several reasons:
- You do not want to have children in the future and want to have sex without your partner getting pregnant.
- You agreed with your partner about this method.
- Other methods of contraception are unsuitable for you and your partner.
- Your partner's health can be undermined by future pregnancy.
- You or your partner have a hereditary illness and you fear to pass this to your children.
- You want to avoid female sterilization if pregnancy is not desirable for your partner.
- You want to have a more reversible method of contraception than vasectomy.