Rising abortion among women blamed on reliance on fertility tracking Apps

The experts report that the use of natural methods increased from 0.4 per cent to 2.5 per cent—still a minority, but a significant rise that warrants further investigation. What lies behind the rise of contraception applications?

Fertility apps help track fertile days so that women can identify when they are most likely to get pregnant during their menstrual cycle. They rely on measurements such as body temperature to predict ovulation, when an egg is released from the ovary.

Companies claim the apps can be up to 93 per cent reliable when used correctly. However, they require users to take regular readings and control when they have sex, avoiding intercourse on days when the app indicates they may be fertile.

The NHS states that if the instructions are not followed exactly, the method is only 76 per cent effective, meaning 24 in 100 women will become pregnant after tracking their fertility for a year.

In comparison, the pill and mini-pill are 91 per cent effective with “typical use” and 99 per cent effective with “perfect” use. Hormonal coils or implants, which do not require users to remember to take them, are 99 per cent effective.

For the study, researchers from NHS Forth Valley and the University of Edinburgh compared data from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service for the periods January to June 2018 (33,495 women) and January to June 2023 (55,055 women) to observe changes in contraceptive use.

In addition to the shift towards natural methods, more women reported using no contraception at all in 2023—70 per cent compared to 56 per cent in 2018.

While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons driving these trends, the study authors suggest that limited access to sexual health services during the Covid-19 pandemic may be a factor. Lead researcher Dr Rosie McNee highlighted that “something that really needs scrutiny is the surge in the use of eHealth, including fertility apps and period trackers. “The market has exploded. There are hundreds of them, and some are more reliable than others. Plus, you don’t need a prescription, meaning you may not get all the information you need.”

She added that some tracking apps are designed to track periods rather than fertility or family planning.

Tanya Lane, contraception lead, explained: “This could be a result of the rise in popularity of social media platforms like TikTok, where more people are sharing their experiences and content creators are doing paid partnerships with brands of fertility awareness methods that might be influencing people to choose this option.”

Long waits for appointments at GP surgeries and sexual health clinics could also be a factor. “People are waiting months for appointments in some areas of the UK, especially for long-acting methods like the coil and implant,” she said.

She advised that any woman considering switching to fertility tracking should speak to a medical professional.