A new study now shows that women who rely on mobile phone apps and websites to predict if they can get pregnant after engaging in unprotected sex have a higher chance of conceiving.
The research published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynaecology, shows that a majority of the fertility apps that determine the safe days in a woman's menstrual cycle are misleading.
According to the Standardmedia.co.ke, the research scrutinised 20 websites and 33 mobile phone apps but found out that just one website and three apps were accurate.
"Websites and electronic apps used by the general public to predict fertile windows are generally inaccurate," wrote researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.
The study entailed researchers going through the Apple iTunes store in search of free menstrual cycle tracking apps, but found 1,116 apps, out of which only 108, were selected after apps that were duplicating their purpose were eliminated.
Also removed from the list were apps that were non-English, non-menstrual cycle tracking and apps with price tags.
Out of the remaining apps, 88 more were eliminated after they failed to meet inclusion or accurate criteria.
As such, only 20 websites were left that were accurate and free.
But according to Dr Jackson Kioko, the acting director of Medical Service, there is need to look at the study further to see if there is need to state that it applies to Kenya.
“Some of these apps we use in Kenya have been tested and are reliable, meaning the ones we have in Kenya are reliable," Dr Kioko told the told the Standard.
He cautiously, argued that there is need to look at the study with the Kenyan audience in mind.
"Because there is no rigorous screening process in effect to vet these websites and apps, we recommend caution in their use to assist with fertility," the research wrote.
As technology develops, more and more apps come into the market for use and it is up to users to be informed on which ones to trust and which ones not to.