A recent survey conducted by the Rutgers Institute of Sexual and Reproductive Health sheds light on the choices women are making when it comes to birth control. According to the survey of 1,600 women aged 18 to 29, 14% reported using natural birth control methods to avoid pregnancy.
This marks the first attempt to gauge the prevalence of natural birth control methods, addressing a growing trend of women turning away from conventional contraceptives like the pill and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Rutgers researcher Hester van Soest expressed the significance of these figures, stating, “Family doctors and GGD health boards are reporting that more women want to know about natural contraception, but we had no idea how big this group was.”
Among the surveyed women, 25% reported avoiding intercourse on fertile days of their cycle, while 62% opted for condoms. Additionally, one in eight women mentioned relying on the withdrawal method, where their partner withdraws before ejaculation.
A majority (62%) of women using natural contraception cited concerns about the hormones in other contraceptives. Of these, 35% expressed fears about potential health damage from hormones, while 41% stated a desire to be more in tune with their bodies.
Van Soest, while emphasizing the importance of informed choices, cautioned against assuming natural contraception as the safest method. She pointed out that claims circulating on the internet about fertility and contraception are often anecdotal and may not necessarily reflect the best approach for each woman.
The survey did not investigate whether the use of natural contraception resulted in a higher incidence of pregnancies.
Rising Abortions Linked to Natural Contraception Use: Health Care Inspectorate Annual Report
In a concerning trend, the health care inspectorate reported a sharp increase in abortions in the Netherlands in 2022, as highlighted in its annual report. Abortion clinics have observed more women seeking abortions due to pregnancies resulting from the use of natural contraception methods, such as fertility tracking apps.
Raïna Brethouwer, chairwoman of the abortion clinic association NGVA, noted that the rise in abortions appears to be associated with “hormonophobia,” a backlash against contraceptive pills, with young women aiming for a healthier lifestyle.
While the survey provides insights into the choices women are making regarding birth control, the subsequent increase in abortion rates raises questions about the effectiveness and consequences of natural contraception methods. It underscores the importance of open and informed discussions between women and healthcare professionals to find the most suitable contraceptive solution for each individual.
