The invasive vasectomy may be a thing of the past thanks to a new invention by German inventor Clemens Bimek. The new “sperm switch” will allow men to turn off and on their fertility by simply flicking a switch inside of the scrotum.

The sperm switch invention comes as many men try to take personal control of contraceptives instead of relying solely on women. From vasectomy surgery to male contraceptives, men are now being offered more forms of male birth control than ever before. The sperm switch is the latest of these inventions and is designed to allow men to decide if and when sperm reaches the penis during intercourse.

The "switch" is the size of a gummy bear and is inserted into the scrotum. (Image via Bimek SLV)

The Daily Mail reports that men may soon have the option to turn their fertility off and on via a sperm switch invention. Many men are taking birth control into their own hands by opting for male contraceptives and vasectomies. However, a vasectomy is designed to be permanent and is sometimes irreversible. Therefore, men have to weigh the risks associated with the surgery and potential irreversibly with their desire for long-term infertility. However, with the sperm switch, called the Bimek SLV, men would no longer have to choose between long-term contraceptive options and potential infertility in the future, as the device would allow men to turn off and on fertility with the flick of a switch.

So how exactly does the sperm switch work? According to the German inventor Clemens Bimek, the sperm switch works by diverting the flow of sperm back to the man’s testicles when switched on. The device is slated to be just as effective as a vasectomy without being permanent. If the user decided they would like to become fertile again, the man can simply switch the device off via a switch in the scrotum, and the sperm would again be allowed to be ejaculated.

According to the company’s website, Bimek SLV is a lifelong, hormone-free contraceptive option for men that, unlike vasectomies, is not designed to be permanent.

“Male contraception quite often means getting a vasectomy. It’s a difficult decision to make. What if you’re not quite finished planning your family? With us, there’s no need to ask this question. The Bimek SLV allows you to be sterile when you want to. The switch that toggles your fertility is controlled by you. You decide.”

Sperm-flow switch implant could revolutionize sex, replacing condoms and pills https://t.co/woehrD6c4a via @TheLocalGermany — mskathleenquinn (@mskathleenquinn) January 4, 2016

The sperm switch is inserted into the man’s scrotum via outpatient surgery. The company claims there is no downtime associated with the insertion. In addition, the procedure is slated to only take about 30 minutes. However, it is noted that the sperm switch is inserted in the “open” position, allowing sperm to flow freely. Once the Bimek SLV is closed, sperm will remain present in the ejaculatory fluids for about three months or approximately 30 ejaculations. Therefore, men are encouraged to see a urologist for a sperm analysis after one month to ensure all sperm is out of the system before relying on the Bimek SLV for contraceptive purposes.

“After the valve is closed there will still be sperm cells present in your ejaculatory fluids for up to 3 months or about another 30 ejaculations. To be completely sure of sterility it is essential that you undergo a sperm analysis, or spermiogram, with a urologist. This is the only way to be 100% sure.”

The company says that “three to six months after the Bimek SLV is closed,” there will no longer need to be any worry at all as to whether the contraception is working, and it will continue to work until the man decides to reopen the valve. Unlike a vasectomy, there is no need to have the Bimek removed or a “reversal” performed because the man can simply flick the switch back to open and fertility will immediately return.

What do you think about the sperm switch Bimek SLV male contraceptive option? Do you think the Bimek SLV will replace vasectomies for men in the near future?

[Image via Bimek SLV]