Testicle bathing as a contraception
What is testicle bathing?
Testicle bathing or thermal contraception is a natural method of contraception for men. The scrotum is bathed in hot water. The heat prevents sperm production.
The testicles are naturally located outside the body in the scrotum, where the temperature is kept constant about 2-4 degrees below body temperature. Even at body temperature, sperm production is reduced or the sperm lose their mobility.
The effectiveness of this method is scientifically controversial.
Why should you do that?
Like all other methods of contraception, testicle bathing has its advantages and disadvantages.
The positive thing about this method is that it is a natural method of contraception. This means that neither man nor woman have to take hormones (hormonal contraception) or implant foreign bodies (mechanical contraception).
Learn more about the hormone-free contraception.
Besides the condom, testicle bathing is one of the few contraceptive methods that men can use. So it may be possible to achieve relief for the partner. In addition, the man is able to control the contraception himself and does not have to rely on his partner.
How does that go?
For the testicle bath, there are special chair constructions that have a basin with water instead of the seat. They also include an immersion heater and heat regulator.
Before the testicles are immersed in the 45 degree warm water, small weights must be attached to the testicles. This ensures that the testicles are really under water and not just swim on the surface.
How long should you bathe the testicles?
For a sufficient effect it is recommended to do the testicular bath for three weeks, 45 minutes a day.
However, there is disagreement among experts as to how long this effect will last. In some studies it is 6 months, in others only 4-6 weeks. Another theory even states that the heat only reduces sperm production by 30-60% and therefore does not necessarily lead to infertility.
If you are considering this method of contraception, you should consult your doctor.
Is This Method Safe?
First of all, you should be aware that no contraceptive is 100% safe. Every body reacts differently and the contraception is highly dependent on external influences. For example, when using the pill, it is important to take it regularly or when using the condom it is important to attach it correctly.
Read our articles about this:
- Forgot the pill - what should be considered?
- putting on a condom
Testicle bathing is also highly dependent on external influences. So
- the testicles must be completely submerged,
- the temperature should not fluctuate, but ideally be 45 degrees and
- the man must regularly perform the procedure as described above.
In addition, this method has not been adequately researched. Opinions differ as to the actual duration of the effect and this effect certainly varies from man to man.
Since the man really has to be conscientious about this method of contraception, a certain level of trust is required and testicle bathing is therefore more suitable for couples.
Of course, this contraceptive does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases either, that is reserved solely for the condom!
Is Testicle Bathing Painful?
There is no general answer to this question. In the literature it is described that this method is at the limit of the bearable, but the pain sensation differs like hardly any other perception.
Apart from the weights, which are clamped to the testicles and which are certainly not particularly comfortable, the temperature plays a decisive role.
A whirlpool is used for comparison. The water temperature there is usually 37 degrees, i.e. body temperature. For the testicular bath, this temperature has to be increased again by 8 degrees.
So it is strongly advised to test the whole thing once for the full 45 minutes before deciding on this type of contraception.
What are the risks / side effects?
The greatest possible risk of this method of contraception is an unwanted pregnancy. The effectiveness of this method of contraception is scientifically controversial and highly dependent on external influences.
Side effects can include burns to the skin on the thighs and penis. It may therefore be advisable to wear special underwear.
