UNC researchers have targeted an unusual method of eradicating unwanted pregnancies worldwide: halting male sperm production.
A study by UNC researchers published at the end of January outlines ultrasound treatment for men as a new form of reversible, non-surgical and painless male contraception.
The study tested the treatment on rats. A therapeutic ultrasound machine heated the testicles to stop the production of sperm.
“It’s quite amazing that we could turn off this process that’s always going on,” said James Tsuruta, an assistant professor of pediatrics at UNC head of the research team.
Throughout the 1970s, some studies indicated that ultrasound waves could be a safe contraceptive.
“But nobody paid any attention to it,” said Elaine Lissner, director of the Male Contraception Information Project. “It sounded too strange to be true.”
Dr. David Sokal, scientist at FHI360 and research team member, said there was once hope for a male pill, but that the hormonal approach wasn’t going anywhere.
Researchers hope the ultrasound procedure would be effective for about six months.
“We would love to have men be able to go to the clinic two or three times a year for continuous contraception and not have to worry about forgetting anything,” Tsuruta said.