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Over the past year, we've read various reports on different forms of male birth control that are in the works. So far, scientists have announced that they're developing a pill, a patch, and an injection.

The latest? A…uh…ball-zapper. According to a new University of North Carolina study on male rats, sound waves can be used to reduce sperm counts to a level that would prevent pregnancy in humans.

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Researchers found that two 15-minute doses from an ultrasound machine significantly reduced sperm levels to the point where human men would be considered "sub-fertile" (i.e. unable to get you pregnant).

The zaps were most effective when they were given two days apart and transmitted through warm sea water. So, if this actually goes into production, men will go to the doctor's office to put their boys in warm salt water and flip through a magazine while getting zapped with sound waves.

We're all for having guys step up in the fight against an unwanted pregnancy, but this definitely sounds like male torture. Apparently, this concept was first introduced in the '70s and then picked up again recently with new research funds. The good news is that men who tried it said the ultrasounds didn't hurt— they just felt warm.

That said, we can't think of many dudes who would be down for getting their junk zapped—pain or no pain. Researchers say more studies are needed before they know the long-term effects of this method. At the moment, they're unsure whether the zaps would be effective for a few months or could permanently lower a man's sperm count, but they're hopeful that it could become a common method of birth control.

What do you think—would you want your guy to try this?

What do you think?