It’s evident that opinions vary widely regarding the digital birth control app Natural Cycles, which recently gained FDA approval to introduce ‘wearable’ contraceptives. This platform, approved by the FDA since 2018, operates by users recording their daily temperature and entering the data into the app to determine ovulation status and potential pregnancy risk.
While many users praise Natural Cycles’ algorithm and opt to switch from hormonal contraception like the pill or coil, concerns have surfaced about its reliability and efficacy, especially in cases of human error. Despite thousands of satisfied customers, reports of unintended pregnancies have made headlines, adding to the debate surrounding the app’s effectiveness.
Natural cycles, in today’s time, evoke a range of opinions and perspectives depending on various factors including scientific understanding, cultural beliefs, environmental concerns, and personal experiences. Here are some common viewpoints:
Scientific Understanding: Many people acknowledge the importance of natural cycles in governing phenomena like climate, weather patterns, ecological processes, and biological rhythms. Scientists study these cycles extensively to understand their dynamics and implications for the planet and its inhabitants.
Environmental Awareness: With increasing awareness of environmental issues, there’s a growing appreciation for the role of natural cycles in maintaining ecological balance. People recognize the importance of preserving these cycles to sustain biodiversity, support ecosystems, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Technological Interventions: In modern times, technological advancements have enabled humans to manipulate and interfere with natural cycles to a greater extent. While some argue that this allows for better adaptation and resource management, others caution against the unintended consequences and long-term risks associated with disrupting natural processes.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Natural cycles hold profound cultural and spiritual significance in many societies. Traditional knowledge systems often revolve around the observation and interpretation of natural phenomena, shaping cultural practices, rituals, and belief systems related to agriculture, seasons, and celestial events.
Concerns and Challenges: Despite their importance, natural cycles face numerous challenges in the contemporary world. Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, overconsumption, and industrialization disrupt these cycles, leading to biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, climate instability, and other ecological crises.
Mitigation and Restoration Efforts: There’s a growing recognition of the need to mitigate the negative impacts on natural cycles and restore balance to ecosystems. Conservation initiatives, sustainable development practices, ecosystem restoration projects, and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions are some of the strategies being implemented to address these challenges.
What is Natural Cycles?
Natural Cycles is a digital birth control application that utilizes fertility awareness-based methods (FABM) to help users track their menstrual cycles and identify fertile and infertile days. The app works by having users input their basal body temperature (BBT) each morning and tracking other menstrual cycle-related data such as menstrual bleeding, ovulation test results, and cervical mucus changes.
Based on this data, the Natural Cycles algorithm calculates the user’s fertility status and provides information on when they are most likely to be fertile or infertile. Users can then use this information to either avoid unprotected intercourse during fertile days if they wish to prevent pregnancy, or to intentionally try to conceive during fertile days if they are trying to get pregnant.
In 2018, Natural Cycles became the first app of its kind to be certified as a form of contraception by the European Union and later received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a contraceptive method in the United States.
While Natural Cycles can be an effective method of birth control when used correctly and consistently, it’s important for users to understand that no method of contraception is 100% effective, and there is still a risk of pregnancy, particularly if the app’s guidelines are not followed accurately. Additionally, the effectiveness of Natural Cycles may vary depending on individual factors such as cycle regularity and lifestyle.
How does Natural Cycles work?
Natural Cycles works by utilizing fertility awareness-based methods (FABM) to track a woman’s menstrual cycle and identify her fertile and infertile days. Here’s how it typically works:
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Tracking: Users measure their basal body temperature (BBT) each morning before getting out of bed using a specialized basal thermometer provided by the app. BBT is the body’s temperature at rest, and it typically rises slightly after ovulation due to hormonal changes. Users input this temperature data into the Natural Cycles app.
Menstrual Cycle Tracking: Users also track other menstrual cycle-related information such as menstrual bleeding, ovulation test results (if used), and changes in cervical mucus consistency. These additional data points help the app to more accurately predict fertile and infertile days.
Algorithm Analysis: The Natural Cycles app employs a proprietary algorithm that analyzes the user’s temperature and cycle data to determine their fertility status for each day of their cycle. Based on this analysis, the app assigns either a green day (low fertility) or a red day (high fertility) to each day of the user’s cycle.
Interpretation and Action: Users can then use the app’s fertility predictions to make decisions about whether to abstain from unprotected intercourse on red days if they wish to avoid pregnancy or to have intercourse on green days if they are trying to conceive.
Learning and Adaptation: Over time, the app’s algorithm learns from the user’s data and adjusts its predictions accordingly, potentially becoming more accurate in predicting fertile and infertile days.
How to use Natural Cycles
Using Natural Cycles involves several steps to effectively track your menstrual cycle and fertility. Here’s a guide on how to use the Natural Cycles app:
Download and Install the App: Begin by downloading the Natural Cycles app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Once downloaded, follow the prompts to install the app on your smartphone.
Set Up Your Account: Open the Natural Cycles app and create an account. You’ll be asked to provide some basic information about yourself, such as your age, height, weight, and menstrual history.
Enter Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Data: Start tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) using a basal thermometer provided by the app. Take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed and enter the reading into the Natural Cycles app. Consistency in timing (preferably at the same time each morning) is essential for accurate tracking.
Track Menstrual Cycle Data: In addition to tracking your BBT, you’ll also need to input data related to your menstrual cycle. This includes the start and end dates of your menstrual bleeding, as well as any changes in cervical mucus consistency and results from ovulation tests if you use them.
Interpret Fertility Status: Based on the data you input, the Natural Cycles app will analyze your menstrual cycle patterns and determine your fertility status for each day. The app will display either a green day (low fertility) or a red day (high fertility) on your calendar.
Use the Information: Depending on your contraceptive goals (whether you’re trying to avoid or achieve pregnancy), you can use the app’s fertility predictions to plan or avoid unprotected intercourse accordingly.
Learn and Adjust: As you continue to use the Natural Cycles app, it will learn from your cycle data and may provide more accurate predictions over time. Be sure to stay consistent with tracking your data and following the app’s recommendations.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about updates to the app and any changes in recommendations or guidelines provided by Natural Cycles.
Pros and cons of Natural Cycles
Natural Cycles, like any contraceptive method, has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Hormone-Free: Natural Cycles offers a hormone-free alternative to traditional contraceptive methods like the pill, patch, or hormonal IUD, which can be appealing to individuals looking to avoid hormonal contraception.
- Non-Invasive: Using Natural Cycles does not involve invasive procedures or devices. It relies on tracking natural bodily signs such as basal body temperature and cervical mucus, making it a non-invasive method of contraception.
- Increased Awareness: By tracking menstrual cycles and fertility signs, users may gain a better understanding of their bodies and menstrual health. This can promote body awareness and help individuals identify any irregularities or health concerns.
- Potential for Natural Conception: For individuals trying to conceive, Natural Cycles can help identify the most fertile days of the menstrual cycle, increasing the chances of natural conception.
- No Side Effects: Since Natural Cycles does not involve the use of hormones or devices, users do not experience the side effects commonly associated with hormonal contraception, such as mood swings, weight gain, or changes in libido.
Cons:
- Requires Consistency and Discipline: Effective use of Natural Cycles relies heavily on consistent tracking of menstrual cycles and fertility signs. Users must be diligent about taking their basal body temperature every morning and inputting data accurately into the app.
- Learning Curve: It may take some time for users to become familiar with the tracking methods and to accurately interpret the fertility predictions provided by the app. Learning to recognize and interpret fertility signs correctly requires patience and practice.
- Not Suitable for Irregular Cycles: Natural Cycles may not be suitable for individuals with irregular menstrual cycles or those who have difficulty tracking fertility signs consistently. Irregular cycles can make it challenging to predict fertile and infertile days accurately.
- Risk of Pregnancy: Like all fertility awareness-based methods, there is a risk of unintended pregnancy with Natural Cycles, especially if users do not follow the tracking guidelines diligently or if cycle irregularities occur.
- Limited Protection Against STIs: Natural Cycles does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Individuals using Natural Cycles as their primary method of contraception should also use barrier methods such as condoms to reduce the risk of STI transmission.
How effective is Natural Cycles?
The effectiveness of Natural Cycles as a method of contraception largely depends on how consistently and accurately it is used. When used perfectly, Natural Cycles can be highly effective, but in real-world scenarios, its effectiveness can vary due to human error and other factors.
According to clinical studies, Natural Cycles has shown a typical-use failure rate of about 7-9%, which means that out of 100 women using Natural Cycles for one year, 7-9 may experience an unintended pregnancy. However, with perfect use (meaning users strictly follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the app), the failure rate can be lower, around 1-2% per year, which is comparable to other contraceptive methods such as the pill.
Several factors can affect the effectiveness of Natural Cycles:
Consistency: Users need to consistently track their basal body temperature (BBT) and other fertility signs every day. Any lapses in tracking or deviations from the instructions provided by the app can decrease its effectiveness.
Regular Cycles: Natural Cycles may be less effective for individuals with irregular menstrual cycles or hormonal imbalances, as predicting fertile and infertile days can be more challenging in such cases.
User Knowledge and Understanding: Users need to have a good understanding of their menstrual cycles and fertility signs to use Natural Cycles effectively. Learning to accurately interpret BBT patterns and other fertility indicators may take time and practice.
Life Changes: Changes in lifestyle, sleep patterns, medication, or illness can impact basal body temperature and menstrual cycles, potentially affecting the accuracy of Natural Cycles predictions.
Partner Cooperation: Effective use of Natural Cycles may require cooperation and communication with sexual partners to abstain from intercourse or use alternative contraceptive methods during fertile days.
Where to buy Natural Cycles
Natural Cycles, the digital birth control application, can be downloaded and installed directly from the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Users can access the app for free, but they may need to purchase a subscription to unlock full access to its features and services.
To purchase a subscription to Natural Cycles, users can do so within the app itself. Typically, the app offers subscription plans on a monthly or annual basis, with different pricing options available depending on the user’s location and chosen subscription plan.
Here’s how to get Natural Cycles:
For iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad):
- Open the App Store on your iOS device.
- Use the search function to find “Natural Cycles.”
- Once you locate the app, tap on it to open the app’s page.
- Tap on the “Get” button to download and install the app onto your device.
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
- You may need to set up an account and purchase a subscription within the app to access its full features.
For Android Devices:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Use the search bar to search for “Natural Cycles.”
- Find the app in the search results and tap on it to open the app’s page.
- Tap on the “Install” button to download and install the app onto your device.
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
- Similar to iOS devices, you may need to set up an account and purchase a subscription within the app to
- access its full features.
FAQs) about Natural Cycles:
What is Natural Cycles?
Natural Cycles is a digital birth control application that uses fertility awareness-based methods (FABM) to track menstrual cycles and identify fertile and infertile days.
How does Natural Cycles work?
Users track their basal body temperature (BBT) and other menstrual cycle data using the app. The app’s algorithm analyzes this data to predict fertility status and identify fertile and infertile days.
Is Natural Cycles effective?
Natural Cycles can be effective when used correctly and consistently. Its effectiveness depends on factors such as user compliance, cycle regularity, and lifestyle.
Is Natural Cycles safe?
Natural Cycles has been approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as a method of contraception. However, like any contraceptive method, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Does Natural Cycles protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No, Natural Cycles does not protect against STIs. Users should use barrier methods such as condoms to reduce the risk of STI transmission.
Can Natural Cycles be used to help conceive?
Yes, Natural Cycles can also be used to help identify fertile days and optimize the chances of conception for individuals trying to get pregnant.