Hi,

Some of that data had become out of date: the new data, and new links,
can be found at MCIP's site in the heat methods section of the new
(2006) version of the paper:

http://www.newmalecontraception.org/heat.htm

Also note that there is a link within the heat section for a pop-up
box about different devices that can be used.

At the bottom of this message I'll post the old information, just for
reference; please be aware that it is from 2001 and 1993, and the most
current information is at MCIP's website and MaleContraceptives.org.

Elaine L.
Director, MCIP

--- In malecontraceptives@yahoogroups.com, "Jack Tripper"
<site_beyond_site@...> wrote:
>
> There was a link commonly referenced in these posts, whereby the "do
> it yourselfers" can elicit more information on various means,
> cautions, possible repercussions, etc., of male contraception if they
> so desire. The link was:
>
> http://www.gumption.org/mcip/paper.html
>
> I attempted to connect to the link, but it simply sends me to the new
> mcip (male contraception information project) site with limited
> information on the cautions and hazards of attempting at home methods
> of male contraception. It would be most appreciated if someone could
> either 1) post the new link to that page, or 2) post the information
> on that page on this message board. This would be a tremendous help
> to me in particular because I am on my 19th day of 116 degree hot
> baths, and I would like to know the possible repercussions. I've
> found some new data from Harvard that both affirm and negate the
> efficacy of hot baths, yet I would appreciate the old data from the
> other page as well. Here's the link to that paper for those of you
> whom are curious:
>
> http://www.andrologyjournal.org/cgi/reprint/20/2/189.pdf

===================================================
[OLD "HELPFUL HINTS" PAGE ON HEAT METHODS]

Helpful Hints


Heat Method Hints

Wet heat and artificial cryptorchidism.

Wet heat and artificial cryptorchidism have received a lot of
interest, as they appear to be the only new methods which are ready to
use without waiting for the scientific establishment. If you want to
use them, though, you should be aware that although they can be good
longer-term methods, at this point they are pretty expensive and
inconvenient as short-term methods. Much of the time committment and
expense is in the first year, so if you think you want to use the
methods for more than a year, it may make sense.

To use the methods, you must first read up to make sure that you're
making a fully informed choice. This is absolutely crucial. Don't
make yourself a guinea pig without knowing exactly what you're getting
into and what chances you're taking!

Second, it would then help to have a supportive doctor if you don't
already. Third, for wet heat you'll have to decide whether you want an
expensive gadget that maintains the water temperature for you .
Fourth, you will need monthly sperm checks for the first year (which
at $40-60 a month are about twice as expensive as the Pill). You'll
also need to use backup contraception for the first six month cycle,
which may make the whole enterprise not seem worth doing! Heat methods
have been very successful in the small studies which have been done,
but the above precautions must be taken to make sure that you don't
become the unhappy exception to the rule. Click here if you would
like details on these steps.

As (through all of our efforts) heat methods become better studied and
publicized, some of these things will become simpler. Until then,
however, if you decide to try heat methods, know what you are getting
into! If you were looking for a simple method of contraception right
away, turn your energy towards political action and encouraging research.

Ultrasound
Until it has been studied further, please do not attempt to use the
ultrasound method yourself. It is too easy to mess yourself up with it
if you don't know all the details. If you're interested in this method
or any of the methods other than no-scalpel vasectomy, wet heat or
artificial cryptorchidism, see the following section on political
action and how to encourage research.

If you want to create political action:

* The SMA / Risug method in particular is very close to development,
but it won't be available outside of India anytime soon unless there
is public pressure.

* Talk about the methods. Tell a friend. Tell friends about this site
and www.malecontraceptives.org.

* Tell your doctor and other health care providers. Depending on how
much you feel comfortable doing, ask them to spread the word at their
clinics or to other health care providers they know.

* Use your imagination! Spread the word in any way you can think of.

* Most of all, go to www.malecontraceptives.org. Sign up and get
involved!

=================================================

Additional resources/reading: Nonhormonal Male Contraception
Heat methods
© Elaine A. L - s.s.n.e.r, July 1991

Heat methods: Papers published 1923-1959

Fukui, N. On a hitherto unknown action of heat ray on testicles. Japan
Med World 1923:3 p.27.
Fukui, N. Action of body temperature on the testicle. Japan Med World
1923:3 p.160.
Moore, Carl R. Properties of the gonads as controllers of somatic and
psychical characteristics. Series of articles. AmJAnatomy 1924:34:2 p.269.
Macleod, John and Robert S. Hotchkiss. The effect of hyperprexia upon
spermatazoa counts in men. Journal unknown. May 1941 vol.28 p.780.
Moore, Carl R. Experimental studies on the male reproductive system.
JUrology 1951:65:4 p.497.
Watanabe, Akira. The effect of heat on the human spermatogenesis.
KyushuJMedSci 1959:10 p.101.

Heat methods: papers published 1960 and later

Brindley, G. S. Deep scrotal temperature and the effect on it of
clothing air temperature, activity, posture and papraplegia.
BritJUrology 1982:54 p.49.
McConnell, Timothy R. and Wayne E. Sinning. Exercise and temperature
effects on human sperm production and testosterone levels. Med&Science
in Sports&Exercise 1984:16:1 p. 51.
Procope, Berndt-Johan. Effect of repeated increase of body temperature
on human sperm cells. IntJFertil 1965:10:4 p.333.
Zorgniotti, Adrian W. Elevated intrascrotal temperature. I: a
hypothesis for poor semen in infertile men. BullNYAcadMed 1982:58:6 p.
535.
Lazarus, Barry A. and Adrian W. Zorgniotti. Thermoregulation of the
human testis. FertSteril 1975:26:8 p. 757.
VanZyl, J. A. A review of the male factor in 231 infertile couples.
SAfricanJObstetGynaecol 1972:10 p.17.
Zorgniotti, A. W. and A. I. Sealfon. Measurement of intrascrotal
temperature in normal and subfertile men.. JReprodFert 198:82 p.563.
Poland, Marilyn L. et al. Variation of semen measures within normal
men. FertSteril 1985:44:3 p.396.
Editors. Ultrasound exposure decreases sperm production in men,
animals. JAMA 1976:235:22 p.2375. This article includes a photo.
Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts
01063. Write for their list of Martha Voegli's papers.
Abadir, R. et al. Comparative effect of x-ray and ultrasound...
ArchivesAndrol 1980:4 p.363.

These papers are extra reading. Between the papers listed in the
references section of my paper, these papers, and the references in
these papers, one could know just about all that has been published
about heat methods. [NOTE: AS OF 1991; FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES]

===============================
EXCERPTS OF LETTER FROM 1993

Dear ------,

The name of the company which makes the hot water baths is Grimm
Scientific Industries. You can write (or call- 1-800-223-5395) Joe
Grimm and ask for their information booklet on ParaTherm, their
portable paraffin baths. If you want, you can tell him that you were
referred by the woman who called a year or so ago about male
contraception and that you are interested in the bath that can be set
at 116 degrees at the factory. Ask him if it's the personal or
clinical model- I'm not sure. It would be good to know, because
there's a price difference ($139 versus $179). (Paraffin baths can be
used with water instead of paraffin- in fact they use water to
calibrate them at the factory. You wouldn't want to use paraffin
because the increased temperature [125-135 degrees instead of 116
degrees] could possibly interfere with testosterone production). It's
good that you've tried baths at home to make sure the temperature is
comfortable first before considering shelling out this kind of money.

Here's a checklist of other things to do before using the method:

• Look up the Fertility and Sterility article by Kandeel and
Swerdloff. Xerox it so that either you or any doctor you choose (or
both) can read it.

• Write to Curator, Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College,
Northampton MA 01063 and ask for the Voegeli article by name. They
seem to be pretty prompt about sending stuff. This article details
Dr. Voegeli's experience with the method.

• Read as many of the other articles as necessary to feel like you
know what you're getting into. Examples: Robinson, Rock, Watanabe, Corea.

• Reread the precautions in the recent information sheet that I sent
and the first one from back in February.

• Talk about and agree upon what you would do in the case of an
unintended pregnancy.

• It would also be good to get a sperm count check before you start
so you know whether you're starting out with an especially high sperm
count. If you are, this might not be the best method for you, since
it might take extra baths to acheive infertility. Since you didn't
know about this, my basic advice is to be extra-scrupulous about
getting and paying attention to sperm counts the first two six-month
cycles. In the category of continued advice, I suggest taking nothing
for granted, since you are being pioneers. Although the method has
been successful in the past, please don't trust anything you don't see
with your own eyes! That is why I recommend backup contraception for
at least the first six-month cycle and monthly sperm counts for at
least the first two six-month cycles. This can't be emphasized
enough. Heat has a great track record from all the studies. However,
I do know of a guy who used it without backup contraception and
frequent enough sperm checks and ended up with a pregnancy after three
or four months. This cautionary story is to illustrate the importance
of sperm counts (especially since you weren't able to get one before
starting), backup contraception, and a strong and clear agreement on
what you would do in the case of an unintended pregnancy after
stopping backup contraception.

Regarding sperm count checks: I wanted to get an idea of prices
recently and so did some calling to listings under "Clinics" in the
Yellow Pages. Prices vary quite a bit, and not all centers do the
tests. It's important to go to a place that will tell you motility
and percentage of abnormal forms in addition to the actual count. To
say that the method is working, I would say that your figures should
be less than 10 million/ml count, under 40% motility, and a high
percentage of abnormal forms every test. Translated, that means you
won't have many sperm, most of them won't be going anywhere, and most
of the ones that are will be going in circles. You might also see
what figures your doctor is comfortable with.

So, does that sound like a drag yet?! I think it can be a good
long-term method when it works out for people, but it definitely takes
a large investment of time, energy and caution up front. It sounds
like you're pretty dedicated and that you will do what it takes to
find out if the method is right for you. If you continue with the
method, or even if you don't, I would love to hear an update on what
turns out. Best wishes for a careful and satisfying experience.

[END OF 1993 INFORMATION]