Adoption of a Digital App-Based Fertility Awareness Based Method of Birth Control in the US [04I]. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pearson, Jack T.; Rowland, Simon P.; Scherwitzl, Elina Berglund; Danielsson, Kristina Gemzell; Scherwitzl, Raoul
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 135(2020)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000664112.32691.ec
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: In August 2018 the FDA cleared the first digital app-based fertility awareness method of contraception. We aimed to investigate patterns of adoption of this method since August 2018 and to explore the motivations of women who switched from other methods of birth control. METHODS: An electronic web based survey was sent out in the fall of 2018 to Women in the U.S. using the Natural Cycles app as a method of birth control. 1, 218 Women responded, answering questions regarding age, marital status, parity, education, religion and political beliefs. Furthermore, they answered questions on their birth control preferences, previous methods, reasons for switching to a digital FABM and their view on the use of the Natural Cycles app. RESULTS: Demographics of Natural Cycles Users in the U.S were as follows: Mean age 30, 51% married, 82% nulliparous, 49% bachelor's degree and 45% no religious belief in particular. The majority of users lived in California and had a presence in New York, Texas and Colorado. 60% of users had switched birth control method twice or more in their lifetime. 71% of users started using Natural Cycles to avoid using hormones. CONCLUSION: Over 560, 000 women in the us have registered for the app since August 2018, the majority of whom live in California. Demographics of users include approximately 30 years old, in long term relationships, do not have children and are educated. Most of these women are driven to use a digital FABM to avoid the use of hormonal birth control.