Contraception with Andro-Switch: 10 questions to ask yourself before you start
Is the Andro-Switch effective?
Yes, to 99.5%. Andro-switch provides one of the safest forms of male contraception, provided you follow the thermal contraception protocol and perform regular follow-up spermograms. Want to find out more? Go to FAQ
How does it work?
Thesilicone ring keeps the testicles close to the body. Body heat puts sperm production to sleep, following the protocol of thermal male contraception. Want to find out more? Go to FAQ
How do I get this famous ring?
Andro-switch is in the process of being certified to be accessible to all, in the meantime you can support the cause by decorating your interior space with a
Does it hurt?
No, male contraception with Andro-switch is not painful if you have no contraindications. After fitting the ring, you may need a few hours to adjust to it before the sensation of discomfort subsides. Need more information? Read our FAQ
Is it reversible?
Yes, 100%. Studies have shown total reversibility within 6 to 9 months of stopping wearing the Andro-switch. Want to find out more? Read our FAQ
Are there any risks?
No, but there are a few side effects. Wearing Andro-switch may cause temporary irritation or discomfort, as well as a 1-gram reduction in testicular volume. Ongoing scientific research into male thermal contraception will identify other, as yet unknown, possible effects. Want to find out more? Go to FAQ
What if I have a specific condition or a low sperm count?
Yes, any abnormalities, pathologies or pathological history of the groin, pubis, penis or testicles are considered contraindications and should be discussed with your doctor. In addition, the spermogram taken before wearing thethermal ring must show fertility values within WHO standards. Want to find out more? Go to FAQ
Does it change the texture of my sperm?
No. Spermatozoa represent less than 1% of the total volume of semen. Consistency, colour and smell do not change when using the Andro-Switch ring.
Is it possible to have sex while wearing the Andro-switch?
Yes, if you wish, but only a condom will protect against sexually transmitted infections. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the Andro-Switch is based on daily use and not on wearing it only during sex.
How do I put it on?
The gesture is simple and the lift is natural. Slide theAndro-switch around the penis to its base. Under the penis, gently pull the skin of the bursa over to the other side of thering. For lack of space, the testicles will settle against your body, at pubic level, nice and warm. Want to find out more? Go to FAQ
Where to start?
Read the following documents carefully:
- doctor-patient mutual consent form
Give the form to your doctor, who will carry out the necessary tests and prescribe a semen analysis to establish whether the Andro-Switch and thermal male contraception are appropriate for your situation.
Effective, comfortable, environmentally-friendly, groundbreaking
The Andro-Switch is designed to hold the testes comfortably in a raised position, making it the most convenient form of male thermal contraception.
By contracepting with the Andro-Switch, you're exercising your human right to have control over your own body, and taking responsibility as an individual when it comes to your relationships.
Patented
Handcrafted in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the Andro-Switch is 100% made in France.
Eco-friendly
Low waste and free from hormones, latex and toxic colourants, the Andro-Switch has minimal impact on the environment.
Comfort
Made of 100% biocompatible silicone, the Andro-Switch is comfortable and easy to clean. You’ll forget you’re wearing it.
Transformative
Using the Andro-Switch as a method of contraception gives you the freedom to control your own body and to take responsibility as an individual.
How to choose your ring size
- Take a ruler or a measuring tape.
- 1. Stand up, uncover your penis and place the ruler at the base. Measure the width of your penis, at rest, and write it down.
- 2. After achieving an erection, place the ruler back at the base of your penis and record the width.
- 3. Enter your measurements in the Andro-Switch Lab, which will suggest the right model for you.
- 4. Find the right model manually using your measurements and the size chart below.
- 5. Steps 3 and 4 should result in the same model size. If they don't, you can ask the team for a third opinion by sending an email.
Welcome to the Androswitch Lab!
Using the AndroSwitch
Putting on the Andro-Switch
Putting on the Andro-Switch in place
Wash your hands. Clean the ring with mild soap and warm water, then rinse it before gently patting it dry with a clean towel or soft cloth.
Slide the ring onto the penis. Then gently pull the skin of the scrotum all the way through the ring until the ring touches your pubis (the area above your penis) and perineum (the area between your anus and your scrotum). This action will push both testes into their respective canals either side of the base of the penis. Once there, they will be in the warmer environment that is required for male thermal contraception.
Gently pat to check that the testes are in their respective inguinal canals above the thermal ring.
Wash your hands.
Tips :
-Trim the hair on your scrotum to less than 1cm to improve adhesion and avoid the discomfort of pulled hairs during application.
-Read the invitation to "auto-andrology & reclaiming your body" below...and take your time.
Too big, too small?
Ring too big?
If the ring doesn't stay in place or a testicle falls back through it, it's too big. As long as the testicles are above or at the same level as the ring, they are exposed to body heat.
If you have to put your ring back on more than 5 times a day, it's probably too big.
Use these test postures to check your ring isn't too big (it should hold your testicles in a raised position during both):
Ring too small?
3 tests to check:
- Put it on, get an erection. Does it go flaccid straight away, or is it painful?
- Drink half a litre of water to fill your bladder, put on the ring and urinate. Is it as normal, or are you experiencing discomfort?
- Wear it for 2 hours, then take it off. Do you notice marks on your skin like those made on your calf by a sock that's too small?
Positioning
To ensure comfort and effectiveness, the contraceptive ring should be placed as close to the pubic bone as possible. It is important to insert the entire penis and the scrotal skin (without the testes) through the thermal ring – this will push the testicles into their respective inguinal canals.
When in the correct position, the thermal ring should be in contact with the pubis (the area above your penis) and the perineum (the area between your anus and the scrotum).
If you feel that your testicles are lacking room or tend to want to go back down, your pubic pouch may be a bit small inside. If so, massage the area and gently pull on the skin, imagining you're freeing up space inside. Lodging the testicles will become easier after practising this gesture over a few days.
Tip:
- The pubic pouch where the testicles go may be a little stuck, or taut. Massage the area and gently pull on the skin, imagining you're freeing up space inside. Lodging the testicles will become easier with the practice of this gesture over a few days.
Removing the AndroSwitch
Wash your hands.
Gently slide the ring off.
Clean the heat ring with mild soap and warm water, then rinse before gently patting it with a clean towel or soft cloth.
Wash your hands.
The document "ANDRO-SWITCH installation and removal instructions", that is included in the Andro-switch pack, provides a step-by-step guide to ensure optimal positioning and removal of the thermal ring.
Tips :
- Hydrate and soothe the area with baby oil.
- Limit irritation with good daily hygiene and regular cleaning.
Watch the explanatory videos :
Self-andrology & reclaiming your body
An active community of users and professionals to answer your questions.
QUESTIONS?
Consult our FAQ
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Thoreme team
more questions?
Call the Spermline and get answers straight from Maxime Labrit, inventor of the Andro-Switch!
Every Tuesday, 7pm to 8.30pm CET, by video call.
still have QUESTIONS?
If you're in France, get in touch with the sex education hotline run by Planning Familial
Find a professional in France
still some doubts ?
Ask the 4,500+ members of an independently-run
4,500+ members
one last doubt?
Connect with the activist movement on social media
21,000+ members
Consult the slowcontraception library for courses, theses, flyers, comics, tutorials and more
COME TOGETHER
Join a friendly, helpful network of other ring users
1,500+ members
To join, write to us with proof of purchase
FURTHER INFORMATION
The Andro-Switch pack
The pack includes the instructions for use you need to read as well as all the information you'll need during your use of male thermal contraception with the ring. For technical data on other toolsplease contactARDECOM.
WITH THE HELP OF ENTRELAC.COOP
Certification for the ring is pending
Here's some key information about the situation and how you can support us.
Current situation
On 10 December 2022, the ANSM suspended sales of the Andro-Switch ring. It has enabled thousands of users to use contraception over the past few years, promoting contraceptive equity and nourishing a rich and active community. The company Thoreme, which was responsible for its distribution, has become an information-only site.
What we stand for
We need more than ever to defend contraceptive equity and the right for everyone to take their fertility into their own hands. We feel that our personal, sexual and gender practices and preferences are being discriminated against and that, by gaining official recognition of the value of thermal testicular contraceptive devices like the Andro-Switch, we can reverse this trend.
Certification for the ring is pending
To be able to distribute the Andro-Switch ring as well as other thermal contraception devices, we've started a European Certification process. This requires colossal means (nearly one million euros!) as well as clinical trials with very strict frameworks. The cooperative Entrelac has raised 300,000 dollars to begin the certification process, but we'll need your support on this long road.
A cooperative for male contraception
The Entrelac cooperative is helping Andro-Switch with regulations and marketing. For more information and to become a member, contact them.
Click to find out more and
let's choose together what we want!
Press
recent articles and reports on male contraception and on the Andro-Switch ring
