(CNN) Smartphone period trackers or fertility apps are a daily part of many women's lives as a tool to monitor their menstrual cycle or help them plan or prevent pregnancy. But experts say women shouldn't turn to fertility apps during the Covid-10 pandemic to avoid unintended pregnancies simply because people may be unable or too wary to visit their doctor face to face. "There is a lack of critical debate and engagement in the development, evaluation, usage and regulation of fertility and menstruation apps," said the authors of the review, which examined 18 studies from 13 countries. Fertility awareness apps have the potential to broaden contraception choice, but at present, it's important to treat fertility apps for contraceptive purposes with caution," said Mansour, who was not involved in the research. Keeping track of the menstrual cycle was the most common reason for using a fertility app, according to the review.

Source: CNN April 06, 2020 22:30 UTC