“Period tracking apps are growing in popularity as substitutes for contraception, but they don’t suit everyone” – Dr Caitríona Henchion, IFPA medical director.
From smart home and wearable fitness devices to apps that help us stream, shop, bank and beyond: there is a digital assistant available for every aspect of life today, including our sexual and reproductive health.
Period—or cycle—tracking apps have become popular tools for improving menstrual cycle awareness. By consistently logging the dates of your last period, their software can help predict ovulation and identify changes in your cycle.
With prompts for tracking your mood, physical symptoms and menstrual flow, these apps provide a space to easily track more than what you might mark on your calendar.
Regardless of how you track, keeping detailed information about your period can help healthcare providers better support you. It can assist them in their recommendation of contraception options and in recognising symptoms which may require further investigation.
Limitations of cycle tracking apps
Many women also use tracking apps to assist in conceiving or avoiding pregnancy. This can work well for some people but, as a reproductive healthcare specialist, I am concerned about their promotion as a substitute for modern contraceptive methods.
The suitability of these apps will differ based on your fertility goals and unique circumstances. But, with a higher failure rate than any modern contraceptive, these apps are not a reliable replacement for contraception—especially if an unintended pregnancy would be a crisis for you. Indeed, when I meet people who have solely relied on cycle tracking to avoid pregnancy, it is often when they need abortion care.
What do I need to know about period trackers?
Everyone’s cycle is different. If yours is irregular or even variable by a few days, ovulation will be harder to predict. This can increase the number of days flagged as ‘fertile’ or ‘unsafe’ throughout the month—sometimes requiring long periods of abstinence if you want to avoid pregnancy.
Prediction accuracy is further reduced if you have recently given birth, are a young teenager, are breastfeeding or are experiencing perimenopause.
What are the most effective ways to avoid unintended pregnancy?
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are the most effective way of avoiding pregnancy. These include hormonal injections, implants and intra-uterine devices—and the copper coil, which is a great non-hormonal option. With a copper coil, you still get your period but can be over 99% sure that you won’t get pregnant. Condoms further minimise the risk of conception and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What if I’ve had unprotected sex on a ‘fertile’ or ‘unsafe’ day?
If you didn’t use contraception or if it failed on an ‘unsafe’ day, after-sex emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy for up to five days after intercourse, but it should always be taken as soon as possible for peak efficacy. Under the national free contraception scheme, those aged 17 to 35 can get free emergency contraception from participating pharmacies. If an unintended pregnancy results, early medical abortion is also an option.
How can I find out more about contraception options?
Contraceptive choices have never been greater. Our doctors can help you find the contraceptive method that works best for you based on your individual needs, wants and circumstances. To find out more about your options or to book a consultation, visit our contraception clinic page.