In 2017, out of 208 million pregnancies worldwide, 41% were unwanted, resulting in 41 million abortions, 11 million miscarriages and 70,000 deaths.... That's one death every 7min30s... In France, contraception for couples currently relies solely on women in 2/3 of cases (Le Guen et al 2017). Some women find their contraceptive methods hard to bear, while others cite the mental burden of not choosing contraception for women. It's time for a change...
The state of male contraception in France in 2020
In 2020, it is still not officially possible for boys to use the testicular thermal contraception method, despite the fact that it is natural, safe, effective and reversible. And yet, both internationally and in France, the majority of men are prepared to use a male contraceptive method (Heinemann et al. 2005).
These methods exist and are reliable, but their distribution is limited, mainly for two reasons:
- A general lack of knowledge
- Lack of training for the medical population involved in contraceptive prescribing (Amouroux et al. 2018).
At present, men have a choice of four contraceptive methods:
- The male condom,
- Withdrawal or coitus interruptus,
- Vasectomy,
- The hormonal method.
However, a thermal method has been available since the 1990s.
It is based on the age-old knowledge of the thermo-dependence of spermatogenesis. Thermal contraception has been clinically proven to meet the criteria for official contraceptive methods: efficacy, reversibility, absence of side effects and acceptability. Environmental, social and economic criteria are also important in the choice of contraceptive modalities.
Raising awareness of male thermal contraception: associations and groups have been active for over 20 years
The Association pour la Recherche et le Développement de la Contraception Masculine(ARDECOM) and the THOMAS BOULOU collective are campaigning, among other things, to make this method accessible. They do this by setting up local support groups and making testicular lift underwear. They are based on the same principle as the Remonte Couilles Toulousain (RCT) heated underwear, which is only available from Toulouse University Hospital, and is supplied by Andrologist R. Mieusset.
For some twenty years, boys have been medically monitored for male thermal contraception at the Toulouse University Hospital or by their GP.
Male thermal contraception is one of the alternatives available, so that boys can assume their share of contraceptive responsibility through sharing and pooling. This approach makes it possible to address issues of sexuality, fatherhood and fertility.
Thoreme promotes testicular contraception
THOREME has created a new testicular enhancement tool, other than an undergarment, that combines high technology, durability and minimalist design. The thermal ring is made of soft silicone and validated for prolonged skin contact. Discreet and easy to use, it is ideal for bringing the testicles closer to the body, thereby increasing their temperature, and enabling the medical protocol of so-called male thermal contraception (MTC) to be put into practice.