A new study conducted in England and Wales reveals a noticeable shift in contraceptive trends, with a growing number of women opting for “natural” methods like fertility tracking apps instead of more traditional, reliable hormonal contraceptives. This shift, documented in the BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health, points to a significant rise in the use of fertility awareness-based methods in recent years, even as the effectiveness of these methods is questioned.
Data from the University of Edinburgh study shows that the use of hormonal contraceptives, including the mini-pill, dropped from 19% in 2018 to 11% in 2023, while natural methods saw a jump from 0.4% to 2.5% in the same period. Though this percentage remains small, the increase is notable and raises important questions for experts.
Fertility tracking apps are at the center of this trend. These apps help women monitor their fertility by tracking bodily signals like temperature and menstrual cycles to predict ovulation. When used correctly, some apps claim to be up to 93% effective. However, if not followed strictly, the effectiveness drops significantly. The NHS reports that without exact adherence, the method only offers a 76% effectiveness rate, meaning 24 in 100 women may become pregnant over the course of a year. This is considerably lower than hormonal contraceptives like the pill (91% effective with typical use) and implants or coils (99% effective).
The study, which compared data from 33,495 women in 2018 to 55,055 women in 2023, also noted a rising trend of women choosing no contraceptive method at all, increasing from 56% to 70%. While the reasons behind these shifts remain unclear, experts suggest that factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, difficulties accessing healthcare services, and the popularity of social media may be influencing women’s contraceptive choices.
Dr. Rosie McNee, lead researcher, highlighted the rapid growth of the fertility app market, which now boasts hundreds of apps with varying reliability. She emphasized that without prescriptions and comprehensive medical advice, some women may be unaware of the potential risks of these methods.
Abortion provider MSI Reproductive Choices UK also noted an uptick in the use of fertility awareness methods, with experts like Tanya Lane pointing to social media platforms, such as TikTok, which have seen a surge of content creators promoting these apps and methods through paid partnerships.
Long wait times for appointments at clinics and GP surgeries are also contributing to this trend. “In some areas of the UK, people are waiting months for appointments, especially for long-acting methods like coils and implants,” Lane said.
Health professionals are advising women considering a switch to fertility tracking methods to consult with a medical professional first to understand the potential risks and effectiveness. Paula Baraitser, Medical Director of SH:24, noted that many women may be seeking alternatives due to concerns about hormonal contraception’s side effects or long-term impacts on fertility.
In light of these findings, experts call for more investment in developing new contraceptive methods, citing that hormonal options have remained largely unchanged for the last 50 years. The sexual health charity Brook also emphasized the importance of addressing the broader benefits of hormonal contraception, such as its role in managing menstrual health, in discussions about contraceptive choices.
As the trend toward natural contraceptive methods continues to grow, it is essential for women to make informed decisions in collaboration with healthcare professionals to ensure their health and reproductive needs are met.
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