Methods for understanding fertility are also on the rise, and thanks to the help of modern technology and research, women are able to re-think the long list of side effects that can accompany hormonal contraception, such as depression, increased risk for stroke, and reported lower quality of life.
"Specifically in the app world, the use of fertility apps to track cycles or plan/prevent pregnancy is increasing exponentially," Jennings said, noting that there are more than 1,000 fertility apps available on Apple and Google Play stores.
However, Jennings did warn that some of the apps have been proven to be inaccurate or "make claims that are either unsubstantiated or misleading, making it difficult for women to know which apps are most likely to meet their needs."
Among the most well-respected fertility apps is Kindara. Launched in 2012, the iOS app offers charting tools to help women track when they are fertile by highlighting the ovulation period of a woman's monthly cycle.
"Over the past couple of decades, fertility awareness has been studied a lot. We know scientifically, based on evidence now, that it does work, and it works very well if you use it correctly," says Lauren Risberg, the Content Lead for Kindara.
Another fertility app, Natural Cycles, was started by a nuclear physicist in Sweden and was recently approved by the European Union as a certified method of birth control.
The growing interest in fertility awareness also comes at a time of concern over false expectations of reliability with artificial birth control.
New statistics released this month indicate that more than half (51%) of the abortions performed in the UK last year were due to failed contraception from the pill, implants or patches.
In an interview with the Telegraph, chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service Ann Furedi said that by encouraging women to use contraception, "you give them the sense that they can control their fertility."
"Our data shows that women cannot control their fertility through contraception alone," Furedi stressed.
In contrast, Church teaching surrounding Natural Family Planning emphasizes an openness to life, steering away from the notion that women control their fertility and instead empowering them with the knowledge to understand their bodies and cooperate with them to the fullest possible extent.
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Emphasizing the gift of fertility and the ability to be co-creators with God to bring about a new human life, the Church teaches that couples should only avoid pregnancy through NFP when they have a just reason to do so.
With fertility awareness continuing to grow in popularity, the medical community would do well to pay attention, Jennings told CNA.
"Significant numbers of women worldwide don't use birth control due to fears of side effects, negative beliefs about contraception, and because they don't think they need it at the time," she said.
"We believe the reproductive health community must take women's concerns seriously – and also take seriously evidence-based methods that rely on people knowing their own fertility."