A new study revealed that women should not fully rely on fertility apps to learn when they are the most fertile over the course of one month. Researchers found that only 6 of nearly 100 reviewed fertility apps were accurate in pinpointing ovulation.

Dr. Marguerite Duane, lead author of the study and researcher with Georgetown University School of Medicine, noted that fertility apps are becoming hugely popular as more and more women seek to have a tighter control over their pregnancy.

Additionally, knowing when they are the most fertile throughout a month helps women fend off pregnancies in a more natural way than conventional birth control methods. Fertility apps allow women know their fertile time in the menstrual cycle.

Most fertility apps track ovulation, or the time when the woman is the most likely to get pregnant, based on data on her menstrual cycle. Some apps predict ovulation by looking at women’s basal body temperature (BBT) as well, but this is not very accurate. Study authors explained that shifts in the women’s BBT occur 2-3 days AFTER ovulation.

Several apps help women keep an eye on their fertility by tracking changes in their cervical mucus. When the mucus changes consistency and color this means that women are getting closer to ovulation.

The new study revealed, however, that there are nearly 100 fertility apps to download through Google Play or iTunes. About 55 apps said in their terms of service that they should not be used to plan or avoid pregnancy. These apps were not taken into account during the research.

Researchers were left with just 40 apps to analyze. Each app was assessed under a five-point rating system. For the highest score, an app needed to meet as many of 10 criteria considered crucial to prevent pregnancy.

Study investigators learned that only 30 apps pinpointed ovulation and fertility days. However, only six app were the most accurate apps and had no false negatives. The apps which failed to predict ovulation saw a boost in their accuracy if users had undergone training in fertility awareness.

Study authors do not recommend randomly using a fertility app just because your friend does. Dr. Duane advises women to first get proper training in their fertility times and use the fertility apps that scored at least four on accuracy and authority in the latest study.

The study is slated to be published this week in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.

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