http://health.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=379198
At present the options for men who decide they don't want any more children are limited. There's really only abstinence or vasectomy, neither of which seem instantly appealing.
However, thanks to researchers at the University of Adelaide who have developed a remote-controlled contraceptive device for men, it may become as easy as pushing a button.
The device, consisting of a radio controlled valve, would be placed inside the vas deferens, where, when closed, it would halt the flow of sperm from the testicles to the penis. This could be re-opened with the push of a button, allowing sperm to flow freely again.
This could potentially mean a completely reversible male contraceptive device, saving millions of men from going under the knife.
"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."
The device could be inserted using a hypodermic needle, requiring a brief visit to a specialised clinic as opposed to a stay in hospital and a week's recovery.
There's still a way to go before this option becomes mainstream, though. Researchers need to complete the design work to ensure that the valve is working effectively — any malfunction resulting in the device becoming clogged could render a man permanently infertile.
At present the options for men who decide they don't want any more children are limited. There's really only abstinence or vasectomy, neither of which seem instantly appealing.
However, thanks to researchers at the University of Adelaide who have developed a remote-controlled contraceptive device for men, it may become as easy as pushing a button.
The device, consisting of a radio controlled valve, would be placed inside the vas deferens, where, when closed, it would halt the flow of sperm from the testicles to the penis. This could be re-opened with the push of a button, allowing sperm to flow freely again.
This could potentially mean a completely reversible male contraceptive device, saving millions of men from going under the knife.
"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."
The device could be inserted using a hypodermic needle, requiring a brief visit to a specialised clinic as opposed to a stay in hospital and a week's recovery.
There's still a way to go before this option becomes mainstream, though. Researchers need to complete the design work to ensure that the valve is working effectively — any malfunction resulting in the device becoming clogged could render a man permanently infertile.
