An American firm was tonight given the go-ahead to produce a contraceptive patch similar to nicotine patches.
The patch, which uses the same hormones as the contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy, is to be available for prescription in America next year, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for use.
Ortho Evra will be worn by women as an alternative to the pill and kept on their arms for a week at a time, releasing its dose over the seven days.
Its approval by the FDA came after years of clinical trials, which included testing whether the patch would stay on in swimming pools and humid conditions.
Dr Patricia Stephenson, one of the medical staff involved in the clinical trials, said: "Although there are a variety of birth control methods to choose from, many women still desire new options.
"Ortho Evra offers what many women are looking for, a highly effective method of birth control that is simple and easy to use."
The patch is 99 per cent effective, like the pill, and uses technology similar to the nicotine patches used to wean smokers off their habit.
Ms Yolanda Robles, who took part in the trials, said: "I like Ortho Evra because it gave me flexibility.
"I only had to change it once a week, and I could wear it on different places on my body."
AP