The Sound of Sterility
The Sound of Sterility
A different take on an age-old issue...now a possible male contraceptive that uses sound.
A different take on an age-old issue...now a possible male contraceptive that uses sound.
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This blog is intended to be a discussion of topics and issues in science. The comments, discussions, essays, and links are those of their individual authors and not necessarily those of any particular institution or any other individual.
This article presented a new experimental trial that examines ultrasound as a male contraceptive. I’ll start off by saying that researchers think of some of the weirdest things. The article stated that this experiment was tested on monkeys, dogs, and mice. Although these findings were a little weird it was a very interesting article. So basically, these researchers conducted trials on three different animals that consisted of ultrasound and heat being applied to the scrotum. It was shocking to find out that this type of ultrasound is the same type used in sports medicine to put on aching joints. The large gap that this ultrasound can be used on both aching joints and reduction of sperm is really crazy. However, my question boils down to what type of person would be willing to use this new type of contraceptive if it was to become more develop. Would the trials be the same on humans where they have thirty minute sessions every two days? I just don’t believe that many men would have the patients to sit there for a contraceptive that is not really efficient. The article stated that “a man would find it difficult to be certain exactly when his temporary sterility has worn off”. This indicates that there is no certainty to this being used as a contraceptive compared to condoms and birth control. This would definitely be an interesting selection of a male contraceptive if there is final approval and research done.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that sound could be used to safely sterilize males. This brilliant new technology has many repercussions in various areas of health, culture, and even public safety. There is a huge amount of money devoted to female contraceptives that taxpayers pay every year. In a recent study, they go into detail how much money it really costs the public. Plus, most female contraceptives have a long list of scary side effects like increased risk for high blood pressure, hemorrhaging, and stroke. For a nation whose number one cause of death is heart disease, ultrasound male sterilization could be a great alternative, since it will take the burden off women.
ReplyDeleteAlso in the realm of veterinary science, the quick and easy 3-5 treatments of ultrasound is an incredibly fast and easy alternative to the usual neutering surgery. In urban areas this technology would be most ideal to implement. There has been a growing trend of loose feral dogs in urban areas, so this would definitely benefit public safety.
Yet there are some ethical precautions that should be considered. Should there be a waiting period for male sterilization, like they do for females? After all, it is a permanent procedure. What are the effects of the procedure further down the road in life? Will this increase a male's risk for testicular cancer? Will the government begin advocating sterilization as a population control or use it on inmates?
The first thing that stands out to me in reading this article is the fact that three different groups of scientists approached this idea in different parts of the world and on different animals. The Carolina team worked on rats, while the Italian team stepped things up a notch with their work on dogs, and then the California team were icing the cake with their work on monkeys which are a lot closer to the human species. When I think about making discoveries in science, I envision a slightly adapted version of the gladiator games where scientists are fighting a battle of the minds to see who can make the best discoveries first or invent the most, and instead of swords and maces, I see books and lab equipment. But the scientists in this article paint a different picture.They are working together to create something novel, and it's their collaborative efforts that make their idea more plausible. Truly, two heads, or in this case, three sets of heads are better than one.
ReplyDeleteNow concerning the idea of using ultrasound to sterilize males, I must say that I find it rather intriguing. I mean to halt or possibly terminate someone's ability to reproduce by using a bowl of hot water and a sound machine? It sounds ludicrous, but then again science doesn't always make sense.
My biggest worries about this project are its possible ramifications.Reproduction was divinely given to us as a means to fill the earth and subdue it, and it's safe to say that whenever humans tamper with divine orders something almost always goes wrong. I think that there could be really adverse effects associated with this technique, maybe even cancer. Also in a society where spontaneity, freedom, and promiscuity are the sought after norms, it seems unlikely that men would take out time to attend these 30 minute sessions indefinitely. Why not stick with an easily accessible, tried and true condom?
While i'm still a little iffy about the success of this new sterilization technique, I would definitely be interested to find out where these scientists are going with their idea and how they plan to make it a more appealing option to their target audience.
This article presents a valid, and very useful form of contraception. After testing mice and apes, the researchers seemed to be successful in their trial. The fact that the procedure is irreversible and/or temporary makes it of extreme benefit. Couples who chose to remain childless for x amount of time can safely undergo this process that is essentially painless and non-invasive. My only concern is whether or not the procedure induces risks for the man’s sterility anytime after the procedure is done. Also, I would like to know why the experimenters decided to try the hot salt water method after or instead of the direct contact method. Who would have known that international collaboration of scientists would result as contraception from sound?
ReplyDeleteThis study provides a new tool for contraception. But, there are some further questions about the repercussions it might have on male's fertility. How would this procedure affect men's fertility in the long run? It was proven in this study that it also can be reversible. My question would be how long would it last and what is the actual mechanism in sperm cells. I think if they are capable of understanding the relationship between the ultrasound treatment and its effect in sperm cells it could lead to different possible treatments and methods. I also wonder how many men would be willing to actually go through the treatment even though it is not invasive, the method can be seen as unappealing or it could also be seen as an amiable procedure. I am looking forward to see where this leads to, but it sounds as an interesting contraception method.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading this article, I envisioned this technique being used on human males, and I immediately wanted to change my thoughts to something else. Although this treatment method seems promising, it is still a rather cumbersome process that the patient must undergo. Still, people will go to great length to have pleasure with out the consequences (not to say that children are a form of punishment). Also, this does not seem like it is a long term fix. This would be good for the physician administering the treatment because it would establish a steady patient base, but it would annoying for the patient to continually have this treatment. Thus, like the old adage goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." For the time being, it seems that males will have to stick with vasectomies and condoms as a means of birth control.
ReplyDelete