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Testicular zap 'may stop sperm' | Testicular zap 'may stop sperm' |
(about 11 hours later) | |
A dose of ultrasound to the testicles can stop the production of sperm, according to researchers investigating a new form of contraception. | A dose of ultrasound to the testicles can stop the production of sperm, according to researchers investigating a new form of contraception. |
A study on rats published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology showed that sound waves could be used to reduce sperm counts to levels that would cause infertility in humans. | A study on rats published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology showed that sound waves could be used to reduce sperm counts to levels that would cause infertility in humans. |
Researchers described ultrasound as a "promising candidate" in contraception. | Researchers described ultrasound as a "promising candidate" in contraception. |
However, far more tests are required before it could be used. | However, far more tests are required before it could be used. |
The concept was first proposed in the 1970s, but is now being pursued by researchers at the University of North Carolina who won a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. | The concept was first proposed in the 1970s, but is now being pursued by researchers at the University of North Carolina who won a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. |
They found that two, 15-minute doses "significantly reduced" the number of sperm-producing cells and sperm levels. | They found that two, 15-minute doses "significantly reduced" the number of sperm-producing cells and sperm levels. |
It was most effective when delivered two days apart and through warm salt water. | It was most effective when delivered two days apart and through warm salt water. |
In humans, the researchers said men were considered to be "sub-fertile" when sperm counts dropped below 15 million sperm per millilitre. | In humans, the researchers said men were considered to be "sub-fertile" when sperm counts dropped below 15 million sperm per millilitre. |
The sperm count in rats dropped to below 10 million sperm per millilitre. | The sperm count in rats dropped to below 10 million sperm per millilitre. |
Lead researcher Dr James Tsuruta said: "Further studies are required to determine how long the contraceptive effect lasts and if it is safe to use multiple times." | Lead researcher Dr James Tsuruta said: "Further studies are required to determine how long the contraceptive effect lasts and if it is safe to use multiple times." |
The team needs to ensure that the ultrasound produces a reversible effect, contraception not sterilisation, as well as investigate whether there would be cumulative damage from repeated doses. | |
Dr Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield, said: "It's a nice idea, but a lot more work is needed." | Dr Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield, said: "It's a nice idea, but a lot more work is needed." |
He said that it was likely that there would be recovery of sperm production, but the "sperm might be damaged and any baby might be damaged" when sperm production resumed. | He said that it was likely that there would be recovery of sperm production, but the "sperm might be damaged and any baby might be damaged" when sperm production resumed. |
"The last thing we want is a lingering damage to sperm," he said. | "The last thing we want is a lingering damage to sperm," he said. |
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