French women's shift to natural birth control shows rising use but also risks of unintended pregnancy
In France, 7.5% of women used natural birth control methods like fertility tracking apps in 2023, up from 4.6% in 2016, according to INSERM. This trend, driven by social media influencers promoting hormone-free options, has led some women like Elodie Monnier Legrand to abandon the pill after a decade. However, after using a fertility app, she experienced two abortions within six months due to the app miscalculating her cycle. Experts warn that natural methods—including calendar, temperature, Billings, and sympto-thermal techniques—require strict adherence and are significantly less effective than hormonal contraception. An INSERM review found fewer than 20% of fertility apps accurately predict cycles, and most share user data with third parties without knowledge. Gynecologist Geoffroy Robin notes these methods are unreliable for women with irregular cycles (about 20% of users), as factors like infections, medication, or schedule changes can skew readings. While the pill's use has declined globally—falling from 19% to 11% in England and Wales between 2018-2023—experts stress natural contraception should only be considered by those accepting pregnancy risk and after consulting a gynaecologist.