Women try spray on pill

The first spray-on contraceptive for women is ready to be tested on human volunteers, it emerged yesterday.

The hand-held spray, which is applied directly to the skin and absorbed into the blood, is based on contraceptives used in patches and vaginal rings.

Australian company FemPharm has recruited 12 volunteers to use the spray while scientists fine-tune the dosage of the hormone Nestorone.

Dr Edith Weisburg, director of the Sydney Centre for Reproductive Health Research, said the aim was to create a product which could one day improve the lives of millions.

'The hormone is gradually released through the skin, giving you a very constant level in the blood,' she added.

The spray is designed to be used daily but allows for greater flexibility than the Pill because it does not need to be taken at exactly the same time each day. It will also be safe for breastfeeding mothers.

Dr Weisburg said the study was being carried out in Sydney because Australian women were enthusiastic about new methods of contraception.

She added: 'They took up the contraceptive implant in phenomenal rates compared to other countries.'

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are closer to producing a male contraceptive Pill.

A five-year study in which 55 men had regular hormone injections showed it was possible to switch off sperm production with no negative side-effects.