Ergonomically designed and highly imaginative, the "ANDRO-SWITCH" thermal ring has been conceived to adapt to your anatomy. It complies with directive 2004/108 of 15/12/2004. High-quality platinum-catalysed silicone, certified biocompatible to ISO 10993-10 Skin Safe, makes it comfortable to use, and its super-stretch functionality ensures a perfect fit every time. It's soft, hygienic, non-porous, odorless, hypoallergenic, durable and easy to clean.
The thermal ring brings the testicles closer to the body to increase their temperature.
Download the Andro-Switch user guide (PDF)
Before going any further in discovering the "ANDRO-SWITCH" thermal ring, please read these instructions carefully.
Description of the Andro-Switch contraceptive device
Important points to know about the testicular uptake method of male thermal contraception (TMC) and the use of the thermal ring:
- Neither CMT nor wearing the thermal ring offers any protection against the transmission of diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs) for which only condoms are effective.
- It is one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception when used correctly.
- CMT is a local, non-hormonal, long-term male contraceptive.
- Be alert and consult your doctor if you notice any pain or signs.
- Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of the product.
- Before using this product, consult your doctor.
- Please read this leaflet carefully and follow the safety instructions below before wearing the thermal ring or starting this method of contraception.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This product is yours alone. Do not give it to other people. It may harm them.
- If you experience any side effects or unwanted effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This also applies to any side effect not mentioned in this leaflet. See section 5.
- The thermal ring is not currently a contraceptive medical device. At present, it is only an innovative product specially designed to temporarily maintain the testicles in a supra-scrotal position for well-being purposes. The practice of testicular raising is not a medical practice (it occurs naturally when you are cold for example), unlike contraception. It is your entire responsibility to use it to practice the CMT protocol by testicular ascent and that of your doctor.
What is in this leaflet?
1. What is the "ANDRO-SWITCH" thermal ring and what is it used for?
2. What do I need to know before wearing the thermal ring?
3. What do I need to know before using male thermal contraception
(CMT) by testicular lift?
4. How do I use the thermal ring?
5. What are the possible side effects?
6. How to store and wear the thermal ring?
7. Additional information and contents of the package
What documents will you need?
THOREME makes the following documents available for free download in PDF format:
-
- ANDRO-SWITCH PACK (including all the above documents)
Keep these documents with you in some way. They will help you grasp all the finer points of CMT, heat ring wear, and will be a wealth of information you will need during your CMT practice.
They are all accessible from the Facebook page dedicated to slow contraception:
https://www.facebook.com/slow.contraception/
What is the thermal ring and when is it used?
Wearing a thermal ring is indicated to bring the testicles closer to the body in a
optimal. It can be used for wellness purposes. The rise in temperature of the testicles to body temperature causes temporary and reversible infertility.
Is it discreet?
The Andro-switch thermal ring is not noticeable under clothing. The discretion is therefore total.
Is it easy?
Once the principle of the application and the protocol of the CMT are understood, this method of contraception is simple.
Can I use it outside of WCL?
Yes of course! Remember that it is above all a sextoy for well-being. Nothing prevents you from using it as such by respecting the instructions for use.
It is essential to wash the thermal ring before and after each use during sexual intercourse with warm water and soap.
How many thermal rings do I need?
CMT is a daily practice. If you forget to wear it for more than 24 hours, it is advisable to use another method of contraception. After one month, repeat a spermogram. Depending on the results and in agreement with your doctor, you can use CMT only.
If you lose your thermal ring, the problem will be the same.
It is therefore recommended to always carry 2 thermal rings.
What do I need to know before wearing the thermal ring?
General remarks:
Before you begin wearing the thermal ring, you will need to give your doctor information about your health and medical history, and that of your family. The doctor will perform a clinical examination and prescribe a spermogram, and other tests and examinations depending on your personal situation.
No biological blood test is required.
The spermogram should be considered normal when the sperm concentration is greater than 15 million/ml, the progressive motility greater than 32%, and the shapes normal according to the technique used1. If this is not the case, your doctor will discuss with you other methods of contraception that may be more appropriate.
This leaflet describes several situations in which you should stop wearing the ring
or describes circumstances where the effectiveness of wearing the thermal ring may be compromised.
decreased. In these cases, you should not have sex or you should use other methods of contraception, such as condoms.
Wearing the thermal ring or male thermal contraception does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Never wear the heat ring:
You should not use the Thermal Ring if you are in any of the situations listed below, as well as anyone with a mental and/or physical disability. If this is the case, you should inform your doctor. Your doctor will discuss with you other methods of contraception that would be more suitable or possible alternatives to using the Thermal Ring depending on your situation.
On questioning, you have the following history:
- Testicular descent anomalies (cryptorchidism, ectopia) treated or not;
- Treated or untreated inguinal hernia;
- Testicular cancer;
- Altered sensitivity of the pubic area, groin, penis or scrotum;
- Decreased hand strength;
On clinical examination:
- Presence of severe obesity: body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 ;
- Presence of a grade 3 varicocele;
- Intra scrotal lump;
- Large Hydrocele;
- Cutaneous filariasis, elephantiasis;
- Local skin infections of the penis, scrotum, groin and pubic area;
- Contact dermatitis of the penis, scrotum, groin and pubic area;
- Edema of the penis;
What information should I know before using male thermal contraception and wearing Andro-switch?
Always wear the heat ring exactly as described in the CMT protocol below and as directed by your physician. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Protocol
The most widely used method is to raise the temperature of the testicles by about 2°C.
This elevation is achieved by moving the testicles from the scrotum into the superficial inguinal pouch. The testicles are then held in this position using a technique known as testicular elevation. Raising the temperature of the testicles to body temperature results in temporary and reversible infertility.
Principle: each testicle is "pulled up" manually from the scrotum to the root of the penis, near the external orifice of the inguinal canal. The testicles must be maintained in this position every day during the hours of wakefulness (15 hours per day).
Realization: testicular resurfacing is possible without any risk in any man meeting the defined inclusion criteria.
The warm-up phase must be practiced every day for a consecutive period of 15 hours. At least and exceptionally 12 hours, and at most 16 hours per day. If this minimum daily duration is not respected, or if the thermal ring is not worn for a day, the inhibitory effect on spermatogenesis, and therefore the contraceptive effect, is no longer guaranteed. It is not recommended to wear the thermal ring for more than 16 hours a day, or only in exceptional cases and in agreement with your doctor.
Contraceptive status: from the moment when the sperm concentration is less than 1 million/ml on two successive semen tests three weeks apart. This concentration is obtained between two and four months of wearing the thermal ring. The threshold of 1 million/ml was defined in 2007 for thermal, chemical and hormonal methods of contraception34 . Below this threshold, you are considered to be contracepted.
Therefore, it is necessary to use another method of contraception as long as the
concentration of spermatozoa is greater than 1 million/ml.
Medical follow-up: no biological blood test is required. However, the spermogram should be considered normal: sperm concentration greater than 15 million/ml, progressive motility greater than 32%, normal shape depending on the technique used. If this is not the case, your doctor will discuss with you other methods of contraception that would be more suitable.
It is advisable to perform a monthly spermogram until the sixth month and then every three months thereafter, if the man follows the protocol correctly. This simple and quick examination allows to check that the thermal ring is correctly used and that the desired effect lasts. It is advisable to observe a period of abstinence of 3 days before performing a spermogram.
No annual medical check-up is required during a CMT.
Duration of male thermal contraception: the maximum duration is four years since reversibility, in terms of sperm parameters and fertility, has been noted for such a duration. Beyond that, please consult your doctor.
Reversibility: when the thermal ring is no longer worn, sperm production resumes. The sperm concentration returns to the standard values defined by the WHO within six to nine months. All couples who subsequently wished to become pregnant achieved it, and no abnormalities were found. No spontaneous miscarriages occurred. It should be noted that one unwanted pregnancy occurred three months after the undergarment was discontinued in a couple who were no longer using any method of contraception; this indicates that sperm fertilization capacity may occur before sperm parameters have fully returned to normal.
Therefore, upon discontinuation of the CMT method or the thermal ring, another method of contraception is immediately required to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
Forgetfulness: if you forget for more than one day or if you are unsure, it is recommended to check the
sperm concentration by a spermogram. It is recommended to use other methods of contraception until the result of the examination shows a sperm concentration below 1 million/ml.
Pregnancy
Do not use the thermal ring if you and your partner are planning a very short-term pregnancy.
Any possibility of pregnancy must be ruled out before beginning the CMT protocol with the thermal ring. If you become pregnant while using CMT, consult your physician immediately.
Can CMT or heat ring wear affect my sexuality?
While wearing the thermal ring and practicing CMT, you will always have erections and orgasms.
Vous éjaculez à peu près la même quantité de sperme mais il ne contient plus de sperme (Seuil contraceptif : concentration de spermatozoïdes < 1 million/ml).
Your hormones and masculinity do not change.
Your sexual desire and ability to have sex do not change.
The only change is that you cannot father a child during a given time period. If you consider your decision carefully and don't feel pressured to do so, you probably won't regret your choice.
Do I need to have someone's consent?
It is recommended that you discuss CMT and heat ring wear with your partner.
Both of you are affected by this decision.
However, your partner is not required to give consent.
You can choose to practice CMT and thermal ring if you do not have a partner or if you do not have children.
Consult your doctor before performing CMT and wearing the thermal ring.
Why should I choose WCL?
It is the practice of a local, non-hormonal, long-term male contraception.
If you don't want to have children, or no longer want to have children, temporarily and reversibly.
Whatever the reason, the CMT and heat ring wear are very easy to use.
Driving vehicles and operating machinery
If you are known to operate vehicles or machinery that may cause testicular trauma, consult your physician before wearing the device.
Otherwise, no special precautions are necessary.
Sports and leisure activities
For all sports that could lead to testicular trauma, a direct contusion of the testicles, either by a blow such as a knee or kick (contact sports, combat sports), or by receiving a ball (team sports), consult your doctor before wearing the device.
For all sports requiring a medical certificate, consult your doctor before wearing the device:
- Sports disciplines that are practiced in a specific environment:
- Mountaineering;
- Underwater diving;
- Caving;
- The sports disciplines practiced in competition for which the fight can end, in particular or exclusively, when following a blow, one of the adversaries is
is in a state where he or she is unable to defend himself or herself and may even become unconscious;
- Sporting disciplines involving the use of firearms or compressed air;
- Sports disciplines, practiced in competition, involving the use of vehicles
motorized land vehicles with the exception of radio-controlled model cars;
- Sports involving the use of an aircraft with the exception of
aeromodelling ;
- XV rugby, XIII rugby and VII rugby.
- Disciplines or any activity requiring the use of a harness or a lap belt.
If you have any further questions about using the thermal ring, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Additional information on special populations
Use in children and young adults.
The thermal ring is not intended for use in young boys. Your doctor will discuss with you other methods of contraception that may be more appropriate.
Keep the heat ring out of the reach of children.
How to wear the thermal ring?
Which size to choose?
To choose the right size for you, follow the instructions below:
Setting up
Wash your hands. Clean the heat ring with mild soap and warm water, then rinse before gently patting it with a clean towel or soft cloth. Insert the penis into the heat ring. Then gently slide the skin of the scrotum all the way inside the heat ring until the heat ring is in contact with the pubis (the area above your penis) and the perineum (the area between your anus and the scrotum). Due to lack of space, the testicles will then naturally move up into the inguinal pouch at the root of the penis where they will enter the warming phase.
It is essential to check that the testicles are in the inguinal pouch by light palpation. That is, they are above the heat ring.
The qualities of the platinum catalyzed silicone, certified biocompatible ISO 10993-10 Skin Safe, the shape of the thermal ring and the structure of its internal face cause a push-up effect, keeping them in a so-called high position, so that they cannot return to their place in the bursa. The thermal ring can be covered with a classic undergarment.
Wash your hands.
The device is correctly placed if the testicles are in the upper position as shown in the diagram.
Withdrawal
Wash your hands.
Gently slide the heat 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.
Remark:
The heat ring has an inner and outer face. The inner side has a specially designed relief in the form of bosses. They provide an anti-slip effect to prevent the device from slipping, and are breathable to evacuate moisture.
There is no need to touch the testicles directly to insert and remove the thermal ring. During insertion, the testicles migrate naturally due to lack of space. When removed, they naturally slide from the inguinal pouch to the scrotum. It can be installed and removed in any position.
If you have accidentally placed a testicle in the thermal ring, remove the product
gently, then repeat the pose.
You don't need to wax to wear the ring. Its non-stick inner surface and the qualities of the silicone used are specially designed to fit you.
To learn more about the testicular lifting protocol with the thermal ring, please refer to the document " Instructions for use : ANDRO-SWITCH INSTALLATION & REMOVAL " available for download at https://www.fichier-pdf.fr/2018/09/25/mode-demploi-pose-et-retrait-dandro-switch/
First use
If this is your first time, it is recommended to start wearing the thermal ring as follows:
Days 1 and 2 : 2 hours / 24H port
Days 3 and 4: 4 hour port / 24H
Days 5 and 6 : 10 hours port / 24H
Days 7 and following: 15 hours / 24H
Note: correct use of the thermal ring, following the WCL protocol, does not guarantee contraception from the first day of wear.
Warnings and precautions
Please do not use the heat ring:
- Under the influence of alcohol, narcotics and psychoactive substances
because it may impair your judgment.
- In case of local skin irritation or infection. Thank you for treating irritation and
skin infections before wearing the thermal ring. Indeed, the prolonged contact of
the thermal ring with the skin could accentuate local irritations or infections of the
the skin of the penis, scrotum, groin and pubic areas.
- If you have altered sensitivity in the pubic area, groin, penis or
scrotum, because you won't feel the pain in case of a problem.
- If you have decreased hand strength, as this will make it difficult to place and remove the heat ring.
The use of other methods of contraception is not contraindicated while wearing the thermal ring.
If the thermal ring is installed correctly and if its size is adapted to your anatomy, it should not move during the wearing time.
If you feel that a testicle has dropped or that the thermal ring has moved: check its position and those of your testicles.
You can urinate, have sexual intercourse, have erections, or perform the actions of daily life and work as usual.
If you have worn the thermal ring for more than 16 hours a day: it is not recommended to wear the thermal ring for more than 16 hours a day on a regular basis. However, this can happen in exceptional cases and in agreement with your doctor.
If you have forgotten to wear the thermal ring one day in a 30-day period: the thermal ring must be worn daily to ensure contraceptive effectiveness. Resume the
after the WCL protocol as usual.
If you have forgotten to wear the thermal ring for more than one day in a 30-day period:
ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. It is advisable to use another method of contraception while you check if you are below the contraceptive threshold according to the protocol explained in section 3.
If you experience pain while wearing the thermal ring: Stop wearing it immediately.
Try again in a few hours. If the pain persists, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
If you have further questions about the use of this device, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all methods of contraception or prolonged contact with the skin, these can cause side effects, but they do not always occur in everyone. If you experience any side effects, especially if they are severe and persistent, or if you notice any change in your health that you think may be due to this method of contraception, inform your doctor. Male thermal contraception & side effects
Reversible alteration of chromatin integrity & reversible alteration of chromosome number reversible within 2 to 3 cycles of spermatogenesis upon discontinuation of the protocol.
Male thermal contraception & Frequent side effects
Reduction of testicular volume of the order of a few percent, reversible in 2 to 3 cycles of spermatogenesis when the protocol is stopped.
Thermal ring & side effect
No adverse effects occurred while wearing the thermal ring.
Thermal ring & side effects
There may be a risk of infection from prolonged contact of the heat ring and the skin, but no infection has been found.
There may be a risk of itching, especially when the thermal ring is removed.
Do not use the heat ring on swollen or inflamed areas or if you have small lesions on the penis, scrotum, groin and pubic areas.
Stop using it, if you feel any pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
There was no evidence of an increased risk of testicular torsion or testicular cancer.
However, it has been shown that the chromatin integrity of sperm produced during the 15h/day warm-up phase was altered by exposure to body heat.
Chromatin is the structure in which DNA is packed and compacted
in the limited volume of the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
Heat alters the nuclear quality of the sperm produced during the
heating of 15h/day. It is therefore necessary that you use another method of
contraception when you start CMT and until you reach the threshold
contraceptive of 1 million/ml sperm, which takes a few weeks, but also when you stop CMT until your sperm count is back within the 2010 WHO standard values, which takes a few months.
Reporting of side effects
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
This also applies to any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet.
How to keep the thermal ring?
Keep this device out of sight and reach of children.
You can dispose of the thermal ring in the household waste. This will help protect the environment.
Hygiene of the thermal ring
Follow and complete the following steps before using this product:
- By taking care of your ring, you increase its life span.
- Clean the product thoroughly before and after each use: rub the ring
with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water, then rinse well with water.
clean water to prevent residue from causing irritation, before tapping
gently with a clean towel or soft cloth.
Reminder: When cleaning, do not use cleaners containing alcohol, petroleum, or
acetone. Avoid leaving the product in direct sunlight or exposing it to high temperatures. The product should be stored in a clean and dry place avoiding contact with plastic products.
On a monthly basis, sterilize the product with one of the following methods:
Sterilization with boiling water
This is the oldest system, used by our grandmothers but still in use today:
- Take a pressure cooker or a large saucepan,
- Fill it three-quarters full of water and boil it for at least 15 minutes,
- Immerse the product in it (5 minutes - beyond that, it may become deformed),
- Remove it from the water with pliers.
Hot sterilizers
There are two processes.
- The microwaveable one: composed of a base, the product and a lid, it has the merit of
to be quick and easy. Just put a little water inside, close the lid
and place it in the microwave at maximum power. The duration (from 5 to 20 minutes) depends on
of the maximum temperature of your device, but be aware that these sterilizers are increasingly fast. The principle is the same as in an oven, the sterilization is done at the
steam. In general, a clamp is provided to extract the ring and as long as the lid is
closed, the sterilization remains valid for 24 hours. Please note: do not mix the product
with others.
- The electric sterilizer: more cumbersome than the microwave one, it relies on the
same principle (steam sterilization). Sterilization takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the model.
Cold sterilization
This is the easiest method: just place the product in a clean container filled with cold water and slip in a chemical tablet designed for sterilizing childcare equipment (the best way is to follow what is written on the instructions for use). These tablets, without danger for health, are composed of sodium hypochlorite. Make sure that the product is completely covered with water. Normally, sterilization takes about 30 minutes. Do not forget to rinse it before use.
Conservation of the thermal ring
Store at a temperature not exceeding 100°C.
At the end of your use, clean and dry your heat ring thoroughly and store it in a clean, dry place away from light.
Do not expose directly to flames.
Do not store your heat ring in a plastic bag or in an airtight box.
If you follow the cleaning and storage instructions, you will be able to use your heat ring for many years.
If you notice a change in the appearance of the material or a deformation of your ring
or if your heat ring tears or becomes sticky, you will need to replace it.
replace.
Over time, stains may appear. This does not mean that your thermal ring is no longer hygienic or that its function is impaired.
If you wish to remove these stains, soak the heat ring in a sterilizing solution (used to sterilize baby equipment and available in pharmacies). Soak for the minimum recommended time and follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Your heat ring is ready for its next use.
Lubricants and the thermal ring
No lubricant is required to insert, wear or remove the device.
If during your use you wish to use a lubricant, it must be water-based, as using a silicone-based lubricant could produce an organic surface.
Do not use massage oil or hand cream as a lubricant, as this may damage the product.
Is it normal for my thermal ring to have a smell?
Normally, your heat ring should not smell strong. The heat ring may have an odor if:
- You keep it much longer than the recommended 15 hours;
- You don't wash it daily;
- You boil it in a pan that has food residue on the surface.
If not, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
To eliminate odor:
1. Soak your heat ring in the same type of sterilizing solution used to sterilize baby bottle nipples, diluted according to the
manufacturer, for the minimum recommended time (usually 7-10 minutes).
2. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Additional information
Material & Quality
The ring device is made of 100% platinum-catalyzed silicone, certified biocompatible to ISO 10993-10 Skin Safe. It is flexible and clinically tested for prolonged skin contact.
Latex-free and hypoallergenic, it contains no dyes, no BPA, no phthalates, no plastics, no bleaches, no toxins.
It is for personal use.
All technical information about the product can be found in the pdf file :
DRAGON_SKIN : technical data & certifications
and in the pdf file :
ANDRO-SWITCH Pack
Package contents and other information
The package contains your "ANDRO-SWITCH" heat ring. To reduce the impact
You will receive an environmental report of the packaging, the instructions for use as well as all additional information by email.
