coso is an at-home male contraception device

COSO developed by the designer rebecca weiss, is an at-home ultrasonic and hormone-free male contraception device, that neutralizes the sperm temporarily. after her experience with cancer precursor cervix, rebecca and her partner were looking for an alternative prophylactic method, as hormonal contraception was no longer an option. remaining a problem that affects many women, and generally couples globally, she decided to tackle the lack of male contraception methods.

this project is the master thesis of the german designer who graduated at the technical university in munich, and won the jame dyson award.all images courtesy of COSO

an ultrasonic bath for temporary sterilization

COSO has a really simple function; the bowl-like device is used by filling up with water to the indicated line and heating it up to the required temperature. then the user places his testicles within and takes an ultrasonic bath for several minutes, which leaves him temporarily infertile. the waiting time can be controlled in real-time via the companion app, while after the suitable time, the device switches off automatically.

till now, the procedure has been applied on animals and works perfectly, but it has not yet been tested on humans. meanwhile, the COSO technology is based on a study of the parsemus foundation published in 2012.

no physical intervention, pain, or side effects

after many unsuccessful approaches for male contraception — like the male pill that caused side effects — there are only two established methods; the condom and the permanent vasectomy. according to the designer, these concepts failed due to a lack of user-friendliness. in comparison, the COSO device suggests an easy-to-use contraceptive approach devoid of any kind of physical intervention, pain, or side effects.

project info:

name: COSO

designer: rebecca weiss

christina petridou I designboom

oct 21, 2021