Natural Cycles Birth Control: Is It Right for You

As women, when we reach the age of learning about our cycles, fertility, and birth control, it can feel like a maze. With so many voices online, it’s hard to decide what’s right for you.

For years, doctors have prescribed hormonal birth control to women as the standard option. But with new research emerging on the potential side effects of hormonal contraceptives, many women are looking for more natural ways to manage their fertility. That’s where Natural Cycles comes in.

What is Natural Cycles?

Natural Cycles is the first FDA-approved birth control app. It uses your body temperature to help predict fertile and non-fertile days in your menstrual cycle.

If used correctly, Natural Cycles is about 93% effective, like the contraceptive pill, which also has a typical-use effectiveness of 93%. For comparison, condoms are about 87% effective with typical use; that is, when accounting for human error.

How does Natural Cycles work?

Natural Cycles modernizes a fertility awareness method that dates back to the 1930s. The app tracks your basal body temperature (BBT), which is your body’s resting temperature that slightly rises after ovulation. By logging your daily temperature, the app’s algorithm determines when you’re likely fertile or not.

How It Works…

You’ll see:

• Red days: when you’re fertile and should use protection if avoiding pregnancy.
• Green days: when you’re not fertile and can have unprotected sex if avoiding pregnancy.

While this method doesn’t involve hormones or chemicals, it does require daily consistency. You’ll need to take your temperature each morning and log it in the app for accurate predictions.

You can use Natural Cycles with:

• A basal thermometer (sold by the company)
• An Apple Watch or Oura Ring that tracks temperature

The app requires a subscription, which costs between $9.99 and $14.99 per month. This is comparable to many medical birth control options.

While Natural Cycles isn’t typically covered by insurance, it is eligible for reimbursement through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). You can pay for your subscription with a credit card, then submit the itemized receipt to your provider for reimbursement. Some users have also reported success getting coverage through their insurance by submitting a claim, though this varies by plan and may require a prescription.

Reviews of Natural Cycles

Like any health decision, it’s essential to consider both the benefits and the drawbacks.

Some women love the Natural Cycles app, saying it helps them feel more in tune with their bodies and free from hormonal side effects. Others have shared less positive experiences. A Guardian article reported that some users became pregnant while relying solely on the app, especially those with irregular cycles, inconsistent routines, or illnesses that affected temperature readings. As with any form of birth control, it’s not perfect, and the only 100% effective method is abstinence.

If you decide to use Natural Cycles, know that it takes commitment and consistency. It’s not quite as simple as taking a pill, but it gives you valuable insight into your body and hormones.

Check out our blog: What Kind of Birth Control Is Right for You?

Trust your body and Choose Wisely.

Above all, trust your body and choose wisely when it comes to your health. Your reproductive health matters, and you deserve all the information you need to make informed choices.

If you’d like to connect with a local women’s health clinic, check out our directory of clinics across the country.

Learn more about birth control here.

Take your health seriously, because you’re worth it!