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A recent study in England and Wales has highlighted a significant shift in contraception methods, with more women opting for fertility awareness-based methods, including fertility tracking apps, despite their lower effectiveness compared to traditional hormonal contraceptives. The study, published in BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health, reveals that the use of hormonal contraceptives like the pill has decreased over the past five years, while reliance on natural methods has grown, raising concerns among healthcare experts.
Fertility Apps on the Rise
Fertility tracking apps help women monitor their menstrual cycles, track ovulation, and determine their most fertile days. These apps rely on measurements like body temperature and cervical mucus to predict ovulation, and if used correctly, companies claim they can be up to 93% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, the National Health Service (NHS) notes that if instructions are not strictly followed, the effectiveness drops to only 76%, meaning 24 out of 100 women may still become pregnant after a year of use.
Despite the lower effectiveness, the use of fertility apps has surged. The study observed a jump in natural method usage from just 0.4% in 2018 to 2.5% in 2023. While this still represents a minority, it is a notable increase that warrants further investigation.
Decreasing Use of Hormonal Methods
In contrast, the use of hormonal contraceptives like the mini pill has fallen from 19% in 2018 to 11% in 2023. These methods, which are considered more reliable than natural methods, typically have a 91% effectiveness rate with typical use. The decline in the use of hormonal contraceptives has raised questions about the factors influencing these trends, particularly as long-acting methods like the hormonal coil and implant remain highly effective, with a success rate of 99%.
Possible Influences Behind the Shift
While the exact reasons for the shift in contraception methods are not clear, experts speculate that several factors may be at play. The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased difficulty accessing sexual health services, with long wait times for appointments and limited availability of contraceptive methods like the coil and implant. Additionally, there has been a rise in the use of social media platforms like TikTok, where influencers often promote fertility awareness methods, potentially influencing women to choose these methods over more traditional forms of contraception.
Tanya Lane, contraception lead at MSI Reproductive Choices UK, noted that the surge in popularity of fertility apps could be driven by social media content creators doing paid partnerships with fertility awareness brands. These apps, which do not require prescriptions, have become increasingly popular, but experts caution that they may not always provide accurate or reliable information for family planning.
The Risks of Misinformation and Unapproved Methods
Dr. Melanie Davis-Hall, Medical Director at women’s health review platform The Lowdown, warned that many women may be using unapproved fertility tracking methods and apps that are not scientifically validated. “We need to reduce the spread of misinformation and ensure that people understand that some of these methods are essentially equivalent to not using contraception at all,” she said.
While fertility awareness methods may be appealing for those seeking a more “natural” option, experts stress that they require strict adherence to guidelines, and even then, the risk of pregnancy remains high. Paula Baraitser, medical director at SH:24, a free sexual health service provider, suggested that the growing reliance on fertility tracking apps may reflect concerns about the side effects of hormonal contraception, as well as the limited availability of alternative options.
The Need for More Contraceptive Choices
Many health professionals agree that there needs to be more investment in developing new contraceptive methods to meet the diverse needs of women. Baraitser emphasized that people use contraception not only to prevent pregnancy but also to manage menstrual health, including making periods lighter and more predictable. A wider range of contraceptive options would allow individuals to find methods that suit their personal health needs and preferences.
