Women Share Mixed Experiences With Fertility Apps As Birth Control

After 15 years on the contraceptive pill, Francesca* wanted to understand how her body would react without added hormones. She turned to a fertility tracking app that monitors menstrual cycles and ovulation symptoms, after discovering them on social media.

“I had been using hormones since my teens and had no real understanding of my menstrual cycle as an adult,” explained the Londoner, now in her early 30s. Diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at 18, she had been advised to stay on the pill to manage her symptoms. However, after stopping, she noticed that many of her hormonal imbalance symptoms faded.

Initially, Francesca found the app helpful, following the instructions carefully and using ovulation tests for extra assurance. “I felt more in control of my cycle and my body than ever before,” she said.

However, after eight months, she unexpectedly became pregnant and experienced a traumatic termination. Believing the pregnancy was due to user error, she resumed using the app but became pregnant again five months later. “Whenever I see these apps advertised, I feel compelled to warn others about their claims,” she said. “I would advise extreme caution to anyone relying on them as the sole method of contraception.”

Francesca is among the growing number of women in England and Wales opting to switch from the pill to fertility tracking apps, a shift that has raised concerns about unplanned pregnancies.

While some women shared similar experiences of unwanted pregnancies while using the apps, others reported success in using them either to prevent pregnancy or to conceive. Several women described the apps as “life-saving” and “freeing.”

A recurring theme in many responses was the feeling that women’s health needs are often overlooked in the UK healthcare system. Francesca highlighted that many women feel underserved by general practitioners, especially regarding reproductive health. “These apps address the concerns stemming from a lack of care,” she said.

However, not all experiences were negative. Sarah*, a 38-year-old from Yorkshire, had successfully used a fertility app for both contraception and conception for 18 months. After experiencing severe depression during the pill-free weeks of her cycle, she found a significant improvement in her well-being after stopping the pill.

“Coming off the pill has been amazing,” Sarah said. “I was put on it at 15 for cycle issues, but now, using a fertility app, I understand my body better. I no longer feel like I’m fighting against it.”

Though Sarah and her partner faced challenges, including two early miscarriages and a medically necessary termination, she believes the app has been helpful. “The NHS recommends having unprotected sex every two to three days, which can be stressful when you’ve been trying for 18 months. The app gives me more control, especially during recovery from our losses.”

Olivia*, 30, from Leeds, had been advised to lose weight to use the pill after being diagnosed with PCOS. But after hearing about negative side effects from friends, she chose to explore other contraceptive methods. She found the healthcare system unhelpful, as her doctor seemed to follow a script during their consultation.

“I’ve tracked my periods for over a decade, which helped when I was diagnosed with PCOS. Now, it’s helping me track my body’s signals – and I’m pregnant with our first child,” she said.

After decades of using condoms and a copper coil for contraception, 50-year-old Hannah* from Aberystwyth said her fertility-tracking app has been liberating. Having never used hormonal contraception, she found the app a natural fit for her lifestyle. “The app allows us to confidently have sex at certain times without worrying about mistakes,” she said.

While fertility apps offer a sense of empowerment and control for some women, others remain cautious about their effectiveness as a standalone method of contraception. The mixed experiences highlight the need for more support and education around women’s reproductive health, both online and within the healthcare system.