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New Research Reveals Growing Use of Fertility Apps and Period Trackers
A recent study published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health has revealed a significant shift in contraceptive choices among women requesting abortions in England and Wales. Over the past five years, there has been a notable decline in the use of reliable hormonal contraceptive methods, such as the Pill, implants, patches, and vaginal rings, with a corresponding rise in the use of less reliable fertility awareness methods, including period tracking apps that predict peak fertility and ovulation.
The research, which compared data from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) between January to June 2018 and the same period in 2023, highlights how women are increasingly opting for ‘natural’ methods of contraception, despite their higher failure rates. While further research is needed to understand the underlying causes of this shift, the study links the trend to the rising abortion rates and suggests potential implications for healthcare services.
The trend mirrors a broader global pattern, where women appear to be increasingly reluctant to use hormonal contraception. In the UK, the use of the Pill among women of reproductive age has steadily declined since 2010, with anecdotal evidence pointing to social media’s influence in promoting ‘natural’ fertility awareness methods.
However, the researchers warn that the failure rates of fertility awareness methods—ranging from 2% to 23% in the first year of use—are considerably higher than the more effective hormonal methods, such as the Pill (7%) and intrauterine devices (IUDs), which have a failure rate of less than 1%.
The study also found that fewer young women (aged 25 or below) sought abortions in 2023 compared to 2018. However, there was an increase in the proportion of women from minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as those seeking medical abortions. A notable change was also seen in the gestational age of pregnancies, with more women requesting abortions earlier, at seven or fewer weeks of pregnancy, rising from 37% in 2018 to 59% in 2023.
Between 2018 and 2023, the use of fertility awareness-based methods at the time of conception surged from 0.4% to 2.5%. In contrast, the use of hormonal methods decreased significantly, from nearly 19% to just over 11%. Long-acting reversible contraceptive implants also saw a sharp decline, falling from 3% to just 0.6%. Additionally, there was a 14% increase in women reporting that they had not used any form of contraception when they became pregnant, rising from 56% in 2018 to nearly 70% in 2023.
The study, however, is observational, and the researchers caution that it cannot definitively establish cause and effect. They also note that the specific fertility awareness methods used were not recorded, making it difficult to determine the exact role of apps and technology in this shift.
The researchers suggest that the changes in contraceptive use may be partially linked to challenges in accessing effective contraception, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges, including workforce shortages and reduced access to primary and sexual health care, may have led women to seek less reliable alternatives.
“The shift in preference toward fertility awareness methods is coupled with reported difficulties in accessing more effective contraceptive methods,” the researchers said. “This combination of changing attitudes and barriers to care may lead to greater reliance on less reliable methods, potentially contributing to an increase in unintended pregnancies.”
They call for further investigation into the relationship between the use of less effective contraception methods, such as fertility apps, and the rising rates of unplanned pregnancies. In particular, the researchers emphasize the need to educate the public about the effectiveness of various contraceptive methods to help women make more informed choices.
As the research suggests, informing the public about the limitations of certain contraceptive methods is essential in addressing the rising rates of unintended pregnancies and ensuring access to effective family planning options.
For more details, refer to the study Self-reported contraceptive method use at conception among patients presenting for abortion in England: a cross-sectional analysis comparing 2018 and 2023, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health. DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2024-202573.
