When the BBC reported a shift in contraception use from “hormonal” products like the pill to “natural” fertility tracking apps among some women seeking abortions, many other women got in touch sharing their experiences.
Their stories reveal how difficult it can be to find birth control that fits your lifestyle and has acceptable side effects.
There are pros and cons with all types, health experts advise.
A method that suited you when you were 18 might not when you are 28, 38 or 48, says Paula Baraitser, medical director of the NHS-partnered free sexual health service provider SH:24.
Fertility tracking apps are a relatively new option that some people are using.
They use measurements like body temperature to predict ovulation so the user knows when she would be most likely to get pregnant each month or menstrual cycle and can avoid sex or use a condom on those days.
Trial and error
Dr Baraitser says some of the patients she sees have switched to the apps after struggling on hormonal treatments like the pill.
“Taking hormones changes your body and people are very individual in their responses, positive and negative.
“For example, oestrogen often reduces acne and combined hormonal methods, like the combined pill, patch or ring, help control your bleeding.
“On the other hand people might experience mood changes or changes to their libido.”
She says it can be a process of trial and error, switching between methods until you find something that suits you.
Condoms are the only type of contraception that can both prevent pregnancy and protect against most sexually transmitted infections.
