Women seeking abortions after using ‘natural’ contraception

Abortion provider MSI Reproductive Choices UK told the BBC it too has seen more women using fertility awareness methods.

Tanya Lane, contraception lead, explained: “This could be a result of the rise in popularity of social media platforms like TikTok, which has seen more people sharing their experiences…and content creators 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 that any woman thinking of switching to fertility tracking should speak to a medical professional.

“Dispel any myths and misconceptions and have a discussion on risk of failure so you can make an informed decision,” she advised.

Paula Baraitser, medical director of the NHS-partnered free sexual health service provider SH:24, said there could be many reasons why women are switching, including concerns about future fertility and possible side effects.

The risks can range from mild side effects to rare but potentially serious complications.

She told the BBC: “Many people will use contraception for 30 years of their lives.

“People’s experience of hormonal contraception is highly variable and ultimately we need a larger choice of methods to enable people to find one that suits them.  

“There have been few new methods of contraception in the last 50 years, reflecting a lack of investment in research in this area.”

The sexual health charity Brook said many women use hormonal contraception not simply to prevent pregnancy, but to manage their menstrual health, to make periods lighter and more predictable.

“These benefits need to be part of the wider conversation about hormones,” said spokeswoman Lisa Hallgarten.