Natural Cycles is the world’s first FDA-cleared birth control app, offering a hormone-free contraceptive method by using body temperature and sophisticated algorithms to track fertility. Founded in 2013 by physicist Dr. Elina Berglund and her husband Raoul, Natural Cycles started as an innovative alternative to hormonal birth control. Today, it has over four million users globally and is officially approved in the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Australia.
The brand’s core product is the NC° Birth Control app, which uses daily temperature data to identify ovulation and fertile periods. Natural Cycles made history in 2018 by becoming the first app cleared by the FDA for contraception. The method, often referred to as “digital contraception,” allows women to manage their fertility naturally, without drugs or invasive procedures.
Natural Cycles also integrates with popular devices such as the Oura Ring and Apple Watch, allowing automatic data syncing. This flexibility makes tracking easier for different lifestyles and preferences.
How Does Natural Cycles Work?
Natural Cycles relies on the science of fertility awareness, specifically basal body temperature tracking, through its smartphone app. Here’s how the process works step-by-step:
- Tracking the Fertile Window: A woman is typically fertile for about six days per menstrual cycle. Natural Cycles detects this fertile window by identifying the slight rise in basal body temperature after ovulation.
- Daily Temperature Measurements: Users measure their temperature each morning with a basal thermometer or wearable device. Consistent daily measurement ensures accuracy.
- Fertility Status: The app uses your temperature data to provide daily fertility status. A green day means non-fertile, allowing for unprotected intercourse. A red day indicates fertility, suggesting abstinence or the use of protection.
- Optional Ovulation (LH) Testing: Users can optionally log results from ovulation tests (LH tests), adding another layer of accuracy.
- Continuous Learning: The algorithm updates daily, adapting to your cycle and providing more accurate predictions over time.
- Pregnancy Prevention: Users who strictly follow the app’s advice achieve the highest effectiveness. Red days require either abstinence or a barrier method to prevent pregnancy.
- Dual Functionality: Users can switch modes in the app—from preventing pregnancy to planning pregnancy—without additional tools.
Natural Cycles App Features and Tools
The Natural Cycles app offers several user-friendly features:
User Interface
Natural Cycles provides a straightforward and intuitive user interface. Each day, users receive a clear indication of their fertility status through color-coded days:
- Green Days: Indicate non-fertile days when the risk of pregnancy is low.
- Red Days: Signify fertile days when additional contraception is recommended to prevent pregnancy.
This daily status helps users make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.
Device Integration
The app seamlessly integrates with various devices to enhance user experience:
- Basal Thermometers: Users can measure their basal body temperature each morning using a basal thermometer and input the data into the app.Wikipedia+1Natural Cycles+1
- Wearable Devices: Natural Cycles is compatible with the Oura Ring and Apple Watch. These devices measure temperature trends during sleep and sync the data with the app, offering a more convenient tracking method.
This integration allows for automatic data collection, reducing manual input and enhancing accuracy.
Cycle Calendar
Natural Cycles features a comprehensive cycle calendar that enables users to:
- View historical data of past menstrual cycles.
- Access predictions for upcoming periods and ovulation days.
This visual representation assists users in identifying patterns and planning accordingly.
Symptom Logging
The app offers extensive symptom logging capabilities, allowing users to record various physical and emotional symptoms, including:
- Mood fluctuations.
- Details of sexual intercourse.
- Cervical mucus observations.
- Skin condition changes.
- Pain occurrences.
This feature helps users monitor their overall well-being and identify correlations between symptoms and different phases of their menstrual cycle.
Health Insights
Natural Cycles provides personalized health insights and alerts, such as:
- PMS Alerts: Notifications about potential premenstrual syndrome symptoms based on logged data.
- Fertile Window Notifications: Indications of increased fertility periods to aid in conception planning.
- Breast Self-Exam Reminders: Prompts for regular self-examinations to promote breast health awareness.
These insights empower users to take proactive steps in managing their reproductive health.
Privacy
Natural Cycles prioritizes user data privacy and security by implementing robust measures to protect personal information. The company adheres to stringent data protection regulations and ensures that user data is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.
Community Support
Users have access to an active community and a wealth of educational resources, including:
- Educational Articles: In-depth content on topics related to menstrual health, contraception, and fertility.
- Supportive Community: A platform where users can share experiences, ask questions, and receive support from others on similar journeys.
This supportive environment fosters learning and empowerment, enabling users to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
By offering these comprehensive features, Natural Cycles aims to provide users with the tools and knowledge necessary to understand and manage their fertility effectively.
Effectiveness and Safety of Natural Cycles
When evaluating birth control options, understanding their effectiveness and safety is crucial. Natural Cycles has been clinically evaluated and is reported to be 93% effective with typical use and 98% effective with perfect use. This positions it comparably to other contraceptive methods, such as the contraceptive pill. It’s important to note that no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and Natural Cycles does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Safety is a significant advantage of Natural Cycles. As a non-hormonal method, it eliminates the side effects commonly associated with hormonal contraceptives, such as mood changes, decreased libido, headaches, and breast tenderness. This makes it an appealing choice for individuals seeking a natural approach to birth control without the adverse effects linked to hormonal methods.
However, the effectiveness of Natural Cycles relies heavily on user adherence. Consistent daily temperature measurements and accurate data input are essential for the app to provide reliable fertility status. Users must be diligent in following the app’s guidance, particularly on ‘red days’ when additional protection or abstinence is advised. Understanding one’s menstrual cycle and maintaining consistent tracking can enhance the method’s reliability.
In summary, Natural Cycles offers an effective and safe alternative to traditional hormonal contraceptives. Its non-invasive nature and absence of hormonal side effects make it a favorable option for many. Nonetheless, its success is contingent upon meticulous and consistent use, underscoring the importance of user commitment to daily monitoring and data accuracy.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
No side effects associated with hormonal methods.
Supported by extensive clinical evidence.
Users learn about their cycles and fertility patterns.
Easy transition between contraception and pregnancy planning.
No procedures, prescriptions, or implants.
Promotes shared responsibility and communication between partners.
May be reimbursable through insurance or healthcare accounts.
Cons
Effectiveness hinges on consistent daily measurements.
Users must be comfortable with abstinence or barrier methods.
Still carries a small risk of unintended pregnancy.
Offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Initial adjustment period with more cautious fertility predictions.
Ongoing cost compared to some methods that may be covered entirely by insurance.
User Experiences and Feedback
Overall user satisfaction is high. Many women appreciate the hormone-free method, reporting improved mood, increased libido, and greater body awareness. The app’s effectiveness and ease of use receive praise, especially after the initial adjustment period.
However, there are occasional reports of unintended pregnancies, often linked to user error or unexpected early ovulation. Some users initially feel overwhelmed by the daily tracking requirement, though most adapt quickly.
Natural Cycles vs. Other Methods
- Birth Control Pills: Similar effectiveness; Natural Cycles avoids hormonal side effects.
- IUDs: IUDs are more foolproof, but invasive and potentially painful. Natural Cycles is non-invasive but requires daily engagement.
- Condoms: Natural Cycles offers higher effectiveness than typical condom use alone but lacks STI protection.
- Implants/Shots: These offer convenience but involve hormones. Natural Cycles provides a natural alternative without side effects.
Pricing and Savings Tips
Natural Cycles offers two subscription plans:
Monthly Subscription: Around $21.99 per month.
Annual Subscription: Approximately $150/year (including a free basal thermometer).
Ways to save:
- Use promotional codes for discounts.
- Special pricing available for students, teachers, military, and healthcare workers.
- Referral programs provide additional discounts.
- Eligible for reimbursement via FSA/HSA or some health insurance plans.
Final Thoughts
Natural Cycles is an innovative and effective contraceptive solution, ideal for those looking for a hormone-free method and who can commit to daily tracking. Its scientific validation, user-friendly design, and educational approach make it a strong choice among contraceptive methods. However, it requires disciplined use and may not suit everyone.
Ultimately, Natural Cycles provides women with a reliable, natural way to control their fertility, combining modern technology with greater personal empowerment.