Considered on technical and practical merits alone, ultrasound is one of the most promising forms of male contraception. It is technically simple and extremely convenient in that ten minutes of ultrasound results in six months of sterility, and it requires less dedication than methods such as artificial cryptorchidism and wet heat. In contrast, the task of addressing users' (and policymakers') concerns has been more difficult than for other methods (Wilmore, 1988).

For ultrasound contraception, ultrasound waves (very short, inaudible sound waves) are used to heat the testes. The ultrasound waves are of the same type and intensity as those used by physical therapists to treat injuries.

To use the method, a man first sits in a special chair with his scrotum in a cup of water. In the bottom of the cup is an ultrasound element, which heats the water about as hot as a hot tub. It has also been hypothesized that the ultrasound creates an ion exchange between the fluid in the seminiferous tubules and the rete testis, making the environment in the testes inhospitable for sperm formation (Fahim et al., 1977). The method is painless. Some men even report the procedure to be pleasurable.

After five to ten minutes of ultrasound, six months of infertility results. With two treatments 48 hours apart, ten or more months of infertility will result (Fahim, 1980). Fertility returns gradually once the infertile months are over.