Testicle slings for the win!

Now this is interesting.

The results of these studies [in dogs] led to conclude that polyester fabrics have a depressive effect on the spermatogenesis and that this effect was reversible on removal of the pants. It further appeared that this effect is related to the electrostatic charges generated by the polyester fabrics and creating an electrostatic field across the testicle and/or the epididymis. It was therefore surmised to use polyester-containing textiles as a contraceptive tool for men. The contraceptive effect of a polyester sling applied to the scrotum was studied in 14 men who wore a polyester suspensor for 12 months.

The suspensory sling consisted of polyester fabric and was fashioned for the scrotum to lie within it (Figure 1 [nsfw]). Variable sizes of the sling were made to suit the scrotum and slung to the waist of the subject by a belt attached to the suspensor. The belt was tied so that the suspensor elevated the testicles towards the abdomen. The suspensor was used day and night and was changed when soiled. Follow-up investigations comprised periodic check of semen character, testicular size, rectal-testicular temperature difference, serum reproductive hormones, and testicular biopsy. The electrostatic potentials generated by friction between the polyester suspensor and the scrotal skin were determined. Female partners used contraceptives until the men became azoospermic. After 12 months, the suspensor was abandoned and the aforementioned investigations were performed again.

The main mode of action is increasing the testicular temperature, but polyester seems to have an added effect.

Friction between the scrotal skin and the polyester sling creates a negative charge on the inner surface of the sling and a positive one on the scrotal skin facing the sling (Figure 2). An equal but opposite charge to the one on the inner sling aspect occurs on the outer sling surface. The result is that the outer surface of the scrotal sac facing the sling will have a number of positive charges. The latter produces induced charges with negative sign on the other surface of the scrotal sac. Eventually, equal but opposite charges are created on the two aspects of the scrotal sac: the one in contact with the sling and the other away from it (Figure 2). These opposite charges will produce an 'electrostatic field' extending from one aspect of the scrotum toward the other through the scrotal sac. The electrostatic field traversing the scrotal contents would disturb the testicles and/or epididymis leading to diminished spermatogenesis.

The results?

In the suspensor-wearing period, all men became azoospermic after (139.6±20.8) days, with decreases in both testicular volume (P<0.05) and rectal-testicular temperature difference (P<0.001). Serum reproductive hormones showed no significant change (P>0.05). Seminiferous tubules revealed degenerative changes. No pregnancy occurred during this period. The polyester suspensor generated electric potentials ([366.4±30.5] V/cm² by day and [158.3±13.6] V/cm² by night].

In the period after the suspensor was abandoned, the sperm concentration returned to the pre-test level in a mean period of (156.6±14.8) days. Likewise, the testicular volume and rectal-testicular temperature difference were normalized. In 5 couples the women conceived as they had planned.

Via Neatorama.