'Testicle bath' developed as possible contraceptive method for men

A German industrial design graduate is developing a new contraceptive method for men after realizing the lack of options for male birth control.

Rebecca Weiss, who pursued her master's degree at the Technical University of Munich, designed a mug-sized device that can temporarily suppress the formation of new sperm.

Called Coso, the device is the result of her quest to find an alternative to the pill as a contraceptive method.

"Coso is ultrasound-based approach to male contraception that is hormone-free, reversible, and can be used from home," Weiss said.

"From a biological point of view, ultrasound generates a deep heat in the testicular tissue, which temporarily alters spermatogenesis," she added.

Weiss and her partner began looking at other birth control methods after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer precursor and hormonal contraception became out of the question.

With only use of condoms and vasectomy as the known contraceptive methods for men, Weiss was inspired to develop her own innovation.

Coso works by giving a "testicle bath"—testicles are placed in the water-filled device, which administers ultrasound treatment for a few minutes.

Its effect only lasts for six months, as the formation of sperm returns to normal by then.

Coso won the prestigious James Dyson Award last year and a functional prototype is now undergoing technical feasibility. The next step is to build a high-fidelity and full-scale prototype that can be used in clinical trials.

—MGP, GMA News