WO1995019747A1

WO1995019747A1 - Method of and means for contraception

Info

Publication number: WO1995019747A1
Application number: PCT/GB1995/000119
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Anthony Manfield
Original assignee: Wide Quote Limited
Priority date: 1994-01-21
Filing date: 1995-01-20
Publication date: 1995-07-27
Also published as: AU1460295A; GB9401096D0

Abstract

A male contraceptive device comprises means adapted to be worn on a user's finger and means, such as a rib formation located on a platform or surface, for concentrating digital pressure when applied at a defined location so as to close the seminal fluid passage and thereby prevent ejaculation of semen therethrough.

Description

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR CONTRACEPTION

This invention relates to a method of contraception and a device for use with that method.

Several methods of contraception have been well- known for many years, including withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation, the use of synthetic hormones (oestrogen and progestogen steroids in varying proportions) , barrier creams and mechanical devices eg condoms, caps and coils.

There have also been available contraceptive devices which are in the form of a resilient band adapted to be wrapped tightly around the base of the penis near the pubic bone. Such bands are formed with protrusions which are arranged to apply pressure to close the subcutaneous dorsal vein and the subcutaneous lateral veins to help maintain erection of the penis. A further projection approximately radially opposite to the aforementioned projections is adapted to apply closure pressure to the urethral canal to prevent passage therethrough of semen. Examples of such devices are described and illustrated in US patents 3636948, 3705580 and

4139007, and in German OLS 1942584.

All the above patents are for devices which are worn around the penis and are known to cause discomfort to both male and female partners during sexual intercourse.

The use of synthetic hormones, barrier creams and mecha^'hical devices are well-known and have a limited effectiveness and reliability, and some are objected to for reasons connected with discomfort, friction and in some circumstances due to religious dogma.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simple device which is effective in preventing ejaculation of semen but does not affect enjoyment of intercourse by either male or female partners and/or provides improvements generally.

According to the invention there is provided a contraceptive device and corresponding method as claimed in the accompanying claims.

In an embodiment there is provided a method and apparatus for contraception whereby digital pressure is applied to at least part of the urethral canal prior to ejaculation of semen therefrom. In an embodiment, means is provided to concentrate said digital pressure. The digital pressure is applied by means of a device. The device comprises attachment means for securing the device to a finger of the user, for example the attachment means may comprise a ring or adhesive means. The device may comprise a surface or platform having ribs or the like structure raised therefrom for applying the digital pressure at a defined location. The method includes the step of applying said device to a finger of the user at a time providing a sufficient interval for the user to determine the proper location for the application of said digital pressure. The male partner may provide one step in the method of the invention by determining when, at a sufficient interval of time before the digital pressure needs to be applied, there is a need to apply the device to the finger of the user, and he may either indicate same in any convenient manner or attend to the application of the device to the relevant finger himself. ^"Digital pressure is preferably applied rearwardly of the scrotum in order to avoid discomfort or accidental pain or injury to the female partner, although it would be effective in operation when applied to the base of the penis. The invention also includes a device for use in applying such pressure, wherein the device is retained digitally by the user who applies pressure to part of the anatomy immediately below part of the seminal fluid passage.

In an embodiment the device comprises a ring member capable of being fitted onto a finger having an upper platform member which is provided with one or more ribs.

Also in an embodiment there is provided a method and means for temporary closing the urethral canal or seminal fluid passage. The device comprises a generally smooth and/or flat main surface for presentation to the body of the user without discomfort. This platform or surface is adapted to be mounted on the finger of a user so as to extend generally lengthwise of the finger. There is provided on the platform or surface, a rib or the like formation which extends generally transverse to or laterally of the lengthwise extent of the platform or surface at a disposition such as to extend generally laterally or transverse to the urethral canal when presented thereto in use. The rib or the like formation stands proud of the platform surface and is itself of generally smooth profile so as to avoid discomfort. The formation has a depth of up to 5 millimetres so as to exert sufficient closure pressure on the canal for preventing transmission of fluid therethrough, while the main platform or surface of the device rests against the body of the user and thereby prevents excessive loading being applied in use. ^"The platform has a frusto-conical or rounded or bevelled peripheral surface profile likewise for the avoidance of discomfort in use.

The method and device will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of the reproductive organs of a male person, with the contraceptive device in its operation position; Figure 2 is an end view of the device; Figure 3 is a side view partly in section; Figure 4 is a plan view; and

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the device.

Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the contraceptive device 2 comprises a longitudinally tapered ring member 4, capable of being fitted on to a finger F and having an upper platform member 6. The upper surface of the platform is formed with a plurality of smooth upstanding ribs 8. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings there are two such ribs and they diverge from each other in a Vee-formation. More or less than two ribs may be provided if so desired, although two are found to be adequate in practice.

The device 2 may be conveniently made of a plastics material by an injection moulding technique, although it may be of metal, eg silver, or of hard rubber, wood or any other material.

A brief reference is now made to the constitution and operation of the male reproductive system to assist in a full understanding of the contraceptive method and device of the invention. Referring to Figure l testes T connect via the vas deferens V to the vesicula seminalis S where the spermatozoa are stored during the completion of their development. The urethral canal C passes from the vesicula seminalis via the prostate gland G through penis P to the outlet at the glans penis K. Branching off from the urethral canal just below the prostate gland is the bulbourethral gland B.

At the instant of normal unrestricted ejaculation, both the vesicula seminalis and the prostate gland contract to expel the semen through the urethral canal under pressure. In use, the device 2 is worn on a finger F preferably the middle finger, during sexual intercourse. When the male partner is aware that ejaculation is imminent, he places his hand so as to locate the platform 6 behind the scrotum with the platform uppermost and in close contact with the body. Digital pressure in that area effectively compressingly closes the urethral canal C at that point and so prevents ejaculation of the semen therethrough into the vagina of the female partner. Instead, the semen is forced to flow under pressure into the bulbourethral gland B.

The ribs 8 on the surface of the platform 6 of the device concentrate the pressure to ensure closure of urethral canal C and the second rib or further ribs act as secondary barriers to prevent any leakage, eg by accidental tilting of the device during orgasm.

The digital pressure may of course be applied through the device to the urethral canal at a location within the penis instead of at the location behind the scrotum as described. However the latter is preferable being found to allow continued complete penetration by the penis to be maintained during orgasm. After the sexual act has been completed to the satisfaction of both partners and the penis withdrawn, closure pressure on the urethral canal may be ceased.

Use of the device as a contraceptive has been found to be effective without any reduction of the enjoyment of the sexual act sometimes found when using other mechanical aids, and without offending religious dogma or other objections.

Although the method has been described wherein the device is fitted on to the finger of the male partner, it is equally possible for the female partner in the act to wear the device and apply the relevant pressure to the urethral canal of her male partner. The former method is preferable is deemed more reliable.

Claims

CLAIMS : -

1 A male contraceptive device comprising attachment means for securing the device to a finger of a user, and means for concentrating digital pressure at a defined location.

2 A device according to claim 1 wherein said attachment means comprises a ring member.

3 A device according to claim 2 wherein said ring member tapers along a longitudinal axis.

4 A device according to claim 1 wherein said attachment means comprises adhesive means.

5 A device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a surface or platform having at least one rib or the like formation raised therefrom for applying said digital pressure at a defined location.

6 A device according to claim 5 wherein said surface is provided with two rib formations.

7 A device according to claim 6 wherein at least one rib is of annular formation.

8 A device according to claim 6 wherein said two rib formations are arranged in a "V" relationship.

9 A ^"device according to claim 5 wherein said surface or platform extends lengthwise in the same general direction as the finger of a use and said rib extends generally across the surface or platform.

10 A device according to any one of claims 5 to 9 wherein said surface or platform has a frusto-conical or rounded or bevelled perimeter edge surface.

11 A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said device is of unitary construction.

12 A method of male contraception comprising the step of applying digital pressure to at least part of the urethral canal prior to ejaculation of semen therefrom.

13 A method according to claim 12 further comprising the step of providing means to concentrate said digital pressure, said means comprising a device securable to a user's finger.

14 A method according to claim 13 further comprising the step of applying said device to a finger of a user at a time providing a sufficient interval for the user to determine the proper location for the application of said digital pressure.