Ultrasound As A Long-Term, Reversible Contraceptive

A recent article announced the awarding of several grants by the Gates foundation for "Grand Challenge Exploration".  One of the grants research centers on male contraception using ultrasound thermal destruction of sperm. 

CHAPEL HILL — The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  The grant will support an innovative global health research project conducted by James Tsuruta, PhD, and Paul Dayton, PhD, titled “Ultrasound as a long-term, reversible contraceptive.”

“Our long-term goal is to use ultrasound from therapeutic instruments that are commonly found in sports medicine or physical therapy clinics as an inexpensive, long-term, reversible male contraceptive suitable for use in developing to first world countries,” said Tsuruta."  What about the long term risk of cancer or other diseases?  And what about the effects on the remaining germ cells?  Is the DNA affected?  Are they talking about therapeutic ultrasound machines used to treat muscle pain? Is the procedure painful?  I will keep my eye on this hot topic. 

http://www.med.unc.edu/www/news/unc-researchers-receive-100-000-grand-challenges-exploration-grant-to-develop-male-contraceptive