Can you count on your period tracking app to prevent pregnancy?
In 2023 there was a 30% increase in Termination of Pregnancy rates (TOP) in Scotland. The current number of terminations is the highest on record.
Using no contraception, typically 85 in 100 people will get pregnant in one year.
Period tracking apps can be a great way to get an insight into your cycle and empower you to know your body. However, they are not a reliable form of contraception.
Period tracking apps (or cycle tracking apps), also known as natural contraception, are 76% effective when used as contraception alone. That means that 24 in 100 people will get pregnant in a year.
Using your app accurately includes things like inputting your basal body temperature daily. However, accuracy can also vary due to stress, illness and alcohol intake.
There are more effective options when choosing contraception.
For more information on different types of contraception, click below
*NEW INFORMATION REGARDING THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT – THE IMPLANT CAN NOW BE KEPT IN FOR 5 YEARS FOR PREVENTION OF PREGNANCY (originally 3 years*
If you want to book an appointment to discuss which method is right for you, contact your GP or make an appointment at sexual health services. or visit NHS Inform.
You can order free condoms by post or find out your closest collection point via our website
Young People
If you are under 18 you can book an appointment or drop in between 1-6pm any weekday at The Corner in Dundee.
The sexual health clinic also offer a young people’s walk in clinic at Drumhar Health Centre in Perth on Mondays from 4-6pm. You must arrive before 4.45 in order to be seen. The sexual health clinic also offer telephone triage appointments – you can find out more on their website here.
If you are a young person who has questions about contraception, you can ask these anonymously at the cool2talk.org website and get an answer from a non-judgemental, friendly professional