37 DEGRÉS

The thermal contraception method exists: it is documented, appears reliable, and is endorsed by several pioneers (Dr Mieusset at Toulouse University Hospital, ARDECOM, user collectives). Yet it is still very rarely used. Observations, reading, conversations... one question emerges: why does this male contraception remain marginal despite its effectiveness and simplicity?

One read leads to another, and the questions pile up. Why isn't fair contraception a more widely discussed topic? Why does contraceptive responsibility still rest so heavily on women? Why don't men also control their fertility? After all, it takes two to conceive, so why not two for contraception? Why do we discover this method so late, when contraception is a central topic in our intimate lives, and in those of many heterosexual couples?

The method exists, but not the ecosystem that would allow it to be widely adopted. No device suited to everyday life. No structured medical pathway. No clear language to talk about it.

The thinking evolves, shifting from "why isn't this method more widely used?" to "what do we need to do to make it accessible, simple and embraced?".

A few years earlier, Gaëlle laid the first foundations of 37 DEGRÉS during her degree project at ENSCI Les Ateliers. She and Matthieu meet and share their analyses and personal experiences. Shared goals emerge: to open up the conversation about equity, inclusivity and trust in intimacy, and at last to give male contraception its place. The project takes shape.

The start of an iterative process: design, testing, adjustments, technical collaborations. The goal is clear: we want more than an effective medical device; we want a contraceptive boxer that fits into everyday life, that follows the body and its movement, without discomfort or hindrance. Design as a tool serving male contraception, to make it simple, comfortable, reliable and desirable. A multidisciplinary committee of experts is set up: doctors, researchers, healthcare professionals and textile experts come together around the project.

The brand takes shape. A course is set: institutional supporters come on board and 37 DEGRÉS passes the first decisive milestones in the life of a start-up. Phase by phase, non-dilutive funding is secured (Bpifrance grants, the Abeille Assurances health prize, honour loans) and development of the boxer is completed.

Industrialisation, then launch of a first body exploration boxer, the 37.0. At last, it is possible to try testicular lifting and experience the comfort of the boxer. With this validation from the first customers, the next step is taking shape: work towards CE marking for the 37.1 is under way, a first fundraising round has been launched, and preclinical and clinical trials are being structured.

This year should see the completion of preclinical trials for the 37.1 contraceptive boxer, followed by the launch of a large-scale clinical trial aiming to obtain CE marking. 37 DEGRÉS will scale up: the medical validation of thermal contraception is on the horizon. From the laboratory to real-life user testing, the 37.1 boxer will be the first medical device enabling its use.