Seven Things You Should Know About Natural Contraception Methods
Discover key insights into natural contraception methods and their rising popularity among women today
Natural Contraception, Fertility Awareness, London, Women’s Health, Contraceptive Apps
London: Recent research shows a growing trend in contraception, with more women opting for natural methods over hormonal options. This shift has been particularly noticeable in the last five years.
The study, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, analyzed data from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service. They looked at women seeking abortions in 2018 and 2023, revealing a significant increase in the use of fertility awareness methods.
In fact, the use of these natural methods jumped from 0.4% in 2018 to 2.5% in 2023. Meanwhile, traditional hormonal contraceptives saw a decline, dropping from 18.8% to 11.3% in the same period.
So, what exactly are these natural methods? Here are some key points to keep in mind. First off, many women already track their cycles using the rhythm method. It helps them identify their fertile days based on their period dates. However, doctors have been cautious about this method due to the risk of miscalculations leading to unintended pregnancies.
But with the help of temperature readings and smart apps, this method has become more reliable. Plus, it’s appealing for those who prefer a natural approach without the side effects of hormonal options.
When used perfectly, some of these methods can be up to 99% effective. However, with typical use, the effectiveness drops to around 76-88%. This is lower than hormonal methods, which can be about 91% effective.
Natural methods might not be for everyone, though. They require a good understanding of your cycle and a bit of commitment. If your cycles are irregular, tracking can be tricky.
Apps have made these methods more popular. For instance, Natural Cycles is the first app certified as a contraceptive in Europe. It asks for your period dates and daily temperature readings to predict your fertile days.
Using it effectively means being organized. You need to take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed. If you sleep in or have a hangover, you might miss a reading.
Lastly, remember that natural methods don’t protect against STIs. So, using condoms is still a good idea for STI prevention. Even with perfect use, no method is 100% effective, and non-hormonal options can be more prone to user error.
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