Contraceptive efficacy of polyester-induced azoospermia in normal men

The contraceptive effect of a polyester sling applied to the scrotum was studied in 14 men. The suspensor was worn for 12 months. 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. In the suspensor-wearing period, all men became azoospermic after a mean of 139.6 +/- 20.8 sd days, with decrease in both testicular volume (P less than 0.05) and rectal-testicular temperature difference (P less than 0.001). Serum reproductive hormones showed no significant change (P greater than 0.05). Seminiferous tubules revealed degenerative changes. No pregnancy occurred during this period. The polyester suspensor generated electrostatic potentials (mean 366.4 +/- 30.5 sd volt/cm2 by day and 158.3 +/- 13.6 sd volt/cm2 by night). In the suspensor-release period, the sperm concentration returned to the pre-test level in a mean period of 156.6 +/- 14.8 sd days. Likewise, the testicular volume and rectal-testicular temperature difference were normalized. The 5 couples, who had planned to become pregnant, conceived. The azoospermic effect of the polyester sling seems to be due to two mechanisms: 1) the creation of an electrostatic field across the intrascrotal structures, and 2) disordered thermoregulation. To conclude, fertile men can be rendered azoospermic by wearing the polyester sling. It is a safe, reversible, acceptable and inexpensive method of contraception in men.