I've never been a fan of traditional birth control methods. Taking pills daily or dealing with the unpleasant side effects of hormonal birth control is a hassle. That's why I was thrilled to discover a natural birth control app that boasts a 98% effectiveness rate. Read on because I'll be spilling all the tea about this life saving app in this article.

What is Natural Cycles?

Natural Cycles is the first FDA-approved birth control app developed by Swedish physicist Elina Berglund and her husband, Raoul Scherwitzl. Berglund wanted to start a family, and like many of us, she found that existing birth control methods weren't suitable for her. She then developed an app that uses an algorithm to predict a woman's fertility based on her basal body temperature and menstrual cycle data. This means that women can now use their smartphones as birth control without relying on traditional methods like the pill, condoms, or IUDs.

So how does it work?

Using the app is simple. After downloading it, you must input information about your menstrual cycle and basal body temperature. You'll have to measure your temperature every morning. The app then uses this information, along with other factors such as menstrual cycle length and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, to calculate your fertility status, and it alerts you when you're in a high or low fertility phase.

During the fertile phase, you are advised to use additional contraception, such as condoms, if you do not wish to become pregnant. You can have unprotected sex without the risk of pregnancy during the non fertile phase.

What are the benefits, and how effective is it?

One of the things I love about Natural Cycles is that it's hormone-free. Unlike the pill or other hormonal birth control methods, the app doesn't change a woman's natural menstrual cycle. And as someone who has experienced negative side effects from hormonal birth control, this was a major plus for me.

You can also sync it with other health tracking apps like Fitbit or Apple Health. This allows for a more comprehensive view of your overall health and wellness, which can be helpful when trying to conceive or simply staying on top of your health.

According to the app's website, it is 93% effective with typical use and 98% effective with perfect use. During my research, I found a study done in 2015 to evaluate the app's effectiveness. This study involved 317 participants, and the researchers found that only 0.05% of non-fertile days resulted in false predictions, confirming the Natural Cycles app as a reliable natural birth control method.

What about Limitations?

The app is not perfect and may not be effective for those with irregular menstrual cycles. Environmental factors and conditions like hypothyroidism can also affect temperature readings. It's also important to note that the app doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections, so it's essential to use condoms or other barrier methods if you're at risk.

In conclusion, Natural Cycles is an innovative technology changing how we think about birth control. As someone who prefers a more natural approach to family planning, I appreciate the hormone-free option that the app provides. While it may not suit everyone, it's worth considering for those looking for a convenient and effective way to track their fertility. Just remember to consult with a healthcare professional before relying on it as a sole form of contraception.