Birth Control Patch on the Way
Would a contraceptive patch that could be worn for a week at a time and offer the same protection against pregnancy as traditional oral contraceptives appeal to you?Johnson & Johnson, the largest US manufacturer of birth control pills with 39% of the oral contraceptive market, announced last week that a contraceptive patch is now in the final stages of testing. Currently several hundred women are using the adhesive patch in tests. Each patch is worn for one week on the arms, abdomen, or buttocks. The Evra patch is about the size of a half dollar.
Most who have tested the new contraceptive patch were satisfied. The only potential drawback currently being cited is the possibility that women who sweat abundantly, or who take frequent showers may have difficulty keeping the patch adhered to their skin.
Does this sound like something you would be interested in using for birth control? Johnson & Johnson expects to seek FDA approval early next year. However, the government review process could take a year or longer. According to the company the birth control patch contains the same ingredients as oral contraceptives and is equally effective for preventing unplanned pregnancy.
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