Added: 02/24/2006 |
Intra Vas Device Description - Batteries not IncludedThe intra vas device is a hollow flexible silicone (sometimes two of them) plug. These plugs are implanted into the vas deferens of the penis and they prevent flow of sperm. The procedure itself takes up to 20 minutes. The device itself can be removed when a man decides to start a family. The device has been developed (and is being developed and upgraded now) in the Shepherd Medical Company by Dr. Neil Pollock, who is although considered a co-founder.
The first human trials took place and were approved for safety in 2001 in Ottawa. Previous tests and implantations of intra vas devices proved as effective as vasectomy. However, the process of evaluation of this device effectiveness as a contraceptive is going on at the moment, thus an intra vas device description is not fully constituted.
Intra vas device mechanism of actions looks as follows: the tubes that conduct sperm from testicles are capped with silicone plugs. It is as safe as vasectomy, but can be carried out in a doctor's office during some seven-ten minutes, while vasectomy takes several hours of serious surgery. To have the intra vas device implanted a pinpoint opening is made in each tube, then plugs are inserted. I can think of worse things to insert in my testicles or my penis, but I guess in the name of science and fertility it could be worse.
As mentioned above in intra vas device description, the device is being tested at the moment. Ninety men have been picked up in two centers in Seattle. These men will be followed for another eighteen months. The efficacy of the device will be evaluated. Side-effects of vasectomy and possible aggravations of intra vas device usage will be compared.
For the times being, Seattle trials are the enormous step forwards, as Dr. Pollock claims. Canadian Health society has already approved first trials. These trials could change the choice of contraceptives for males. It is possible for men to have intra vas device implanted, then when he decides to start a family he can have it removed, after successful pregnancy he can still have this device implanted. And there are no reasons why intra vas device can't be repeatedly implanted and then removed, says intra vas device description at Dr. Pollock's official web-site.
However, these are safety tests, but no effectiveness ones. Intra vas device effectiveness has been already proven. Preliminary tests in the US and Brazil have proven that intra vas device successfully blocks sperm in human. Trials with monkeys have given the same results.
Intra vas device usage provides couples with a safe, minimally invasive and reversible contraceptive option. Around 10% of men who have undergone vasectomy, then look for reverse of procedure, which often fails. Intra vas device gives an excellent opportunity to have a reverse procedure.
According to intra vas device description, published at Dr. Pollock's web-site, the advantage of intra vas device usage is that it is 100% reversible, while vasectomy and sterilization are not. Sociological studies have shown that 24% of American women have their male partners sterilized. This figure drops to 1% with unmarried women. So, single men do not usually undergo vasectomy, and this device will probably make feel them secure about reverse procedure, so once they decide to have children they remove intra vas device and have a 100% guarantee of their reproduction functions.
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