France: Natural Birth Control Trend Sparks Safety Concerns

In France, a notable increase in women opting for natural birth control methods over hormonal options has been observed. This trend, with usage climbing from 4.6% in 2016 to 7.5% in 2023, is partly fueled by social media influencers promoting these approaches as a way to avoid hormonal side effects.

However, medical professionals express concern, highlighting that natural methods like the calendar, temperature, or cervical mucus tracking demand rigorous adherence. These techniques are deemed significantly less effective than conventional contraception and are unsuitable for women with irregular cycles or fluctuating health conditions. A recent review indicated that less than 20% of analyzed fertility apps provided accurate predictions, with many also sharing user data without consent.