A study found that one in every 40 abortions were reported by women using natural methods to prevent pregnancy, such as tracking periods on smartphone apps which failed
More women are requesting abortions after natural contraception methods such as smartphone apps failed.
A study has shown that in one in every 40 abortions women reported using natural methods to prevent pregnancy such as tracking periods on smartphone apps. Researchers highlighted “hormone hesitancy” and a “shift” in contraception use in the last five years from “more reliable” drugs which may come with side effects such as the pill.
Edinburgh University researchers said “fertility awareness-based methods” can be “less reliable” after analysing data from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (Bpas) on almost 90,000 abortions. Dr Patricia Lohr, director at Bpas, said: “This study of abortion patients showed a rise in the use of fertility awareness-based methods and a decline in hormonal contraception. This may indicate women are making different contraceptive choices or can’t get the methods they want.”
The study, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, compared two periods of time: January to June 2018, which included 33,495 women, and January to June 2023, which included 55,055 women. Researchers found reported use of fertility awareness-based methods at the time of conception increased from 0.4% in 2018 to 2.5% in 2023. The paper also said “hormone hesitancy attributed to the influence of social media has been reported in other European countries”.
Contraception app services involve tracking menstrual cycles or symptoms of ovulation, such as changes to cervical mucus or basal body temperature, usually using smartphone apps. This helps to estimate a woman’s fertile window, with couples avoiding sex on these days to prevent pregnancy. The age of the women using these methods also fell from almost 30 to 27, analysis showed.
Women taking hormonal contraceptives such as the pill, the mini pill, patches and vaginal rings declined from 18.8% in 2018 to 11.3% in 2023. Those who reported using no form of contraception when they fell pregnant increased from 56% in 2018 to 70% in 2023.
Dr Lohr added: “Abortion remains a vital option, whether as a back-up when contraception fails or as an alternative when contraception is unavailable or unsuitable. Ensuring access to abortion care is crucial to supporting women in making the choices that are right for them.
“At the same time, it’s vital to push for modern, innovative contraceptive methods that fit seamlessly into women’s lives and address concerns about side effects. Women deserve a full range of options that meet their needs without compromise.”
