Whilst looking for writing inspiration to hit, a quick search on the internet can really help those creative juices following. From the more traditional uses for ultrasound to the weird and wacky, the internet is the perfect platform to showcase just how versatile the field of ultrasonography actually is.

One use for ultrasound that has been looked into over the past few years is as an alternative method of contraception in the male species. The information contained in this article was taken from the Male Contraception Information Project website for those wishing to carry out further reading. This topic is particularly interesting from a veterinary point of view as the results yielded reveal different outcomes when comparing humans and animals.

The history of using ultrasound as a contraceptive follows a somewhat rocky path, and all the relevant links you would require for reading about past studies that have been carried out can be accessed by visiting the website. However, current conclusions show real promise for this method of contraception and can benefit the user in a variety of ways. Unlike other contraceptives which may be carried out using invasive techniques/require surgical intervention, the ultrasound method bypasses this requirement. This use for ultrasound is thought to have been first proposed by Dr Mostafa S.Fahim, Director of the Center for Reproductive Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, and has been used on some animal species and humans. Application is relatively simple, involving the direction of ultrasound onto the testes.

The most recent information available to date on this usage for ultrasonography suggests that outcomes in rats and dogs are more favourable than those following research carried out in humans and larger species of monkeys when looking at the effect duration. Consequently, it is now thought that using ultrasound in this manner would be adequate as an additional ‘layer’ of contraception, working in conjunction with currently used existing methods. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what future research reveals when attempting to discover further potential uses for ultrasound technology.