Before we get into Natural Cycles Birth Control, let me tell you a quick story. A few months ago I was talking to a couple, we’ll call them John and Mary. They were a young couple who had been dating for about 5 years.
They were both in their early thirties, lived together and were very much in love. We spoke mostly about how to plan the proper future, rarely about any relationship issues.
One day, Mary missed her period. She was a bit concerned, but she didn’t think much of it at first.
She had missed her period before and it was usually just because of stress or something else like that.
But as the days went by, Mary started to get more and more worried. She decided to take a pregnancy test. When the test came back positive, Mary was in shock.
She didn’t know what to do.
Mary was too scared to tell John the news right away. She decided to wait a few days and think about it.
But after a few days, she realized that she couldn’t keep it from him any longer. She had to tell him the truth.
Mary took a deep breath and told John the news. John was just as shocked as Mary was. He didn’t know what to say. He just sat there in silence for a few minutes.
Finally, John spoke up. “Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes,” Mary replied. “I’m positive.”
John sighed. “Well, I guess this is it,” he said. “We’re going to be parents.”
Mary nodded. “Yes,” she said. “We are.”
John and Mary were both scared, but they were also excited. They knew that having a baby would be a big change, but they were ready for it.
A few weeks later, Mary went to the doctor for her first prenatal checkup. The doctor confirmed that she was pregnant and that everything was going well.
John and Mary were relieved. They were both looking forward to becoming parents.
The only issue is that it threw their long term plans right out of the window. All of the strategizing and money saving had to be re-worked for a family of 3.
This is the importance to talking to your partner about birth control. Whether you’re ready to have a baby or not, the important thing is to be on the same page.
How to talk to your Partner about birth control…
Look I get it, guys can be assholes about this thing. We’re not all going to be like John, very calm and level headed.
But still it has to be done and since it’s your body you have to take the lead.
It’s a sensitive topic that can have a big impact on your relationship, but it’s important to have this conversation early on in your relationship, so that you can both be united concerning your plans, sexual health and reproductive goals.
If you’re not sure whether or not your partner is ready for this conversation, read this blog post before continuing “Long Term Relationship: 5 Clues that your is Partner Ready“
Here are some tips that I give on how to talk to your boyfriend about birth control:
Choose the right time and place. Don’t try to have this conversation when you’re both stressed or in a hurry. Instead, choose a time when you can both relax and have a focused conversation. A good place to talk might be at home in bed, or at a park or cafe.
Start by opening up about your own feelings and experiences. Tell your boyfriend what you know about birth control, and what your thoughts and concerns are. This will help to create a safe and open space for both of you to share your thoughts. But, don’t let him pressure you into using “the pull out” method unless you’re 100% sure HE’S ready to be a full time father. (notice the all caps…meaning make sure he’s ready…and not that you WANT or HOPE he’s ready)
Listen to your boyfriend’s perspective. The other side of the coin though…it’s important to remember that this is a decision that you’re both making together if you are in a committed relationship. So take the time to listen to your boyfriend’s concerns and preferences. If he has any questions about birth control, be sure to answer them honestly and thoroughly.
Be afraid to compromise. This decision has long term effects. I mean like 18-99 years long term effects. Unless both of your are ready for that commitment you should be using some type of birth control. Do you want to go on the pill? Do you want to use condoms? Do you want to get an IUD? Be clear about your preferences, and be open to hearing your boyfriend’s preferences as well.
Nowadays there’s another alternative to those traditional birth control methods I just mentioned.
Natural Cycles is a popular birth control app that offers a hormone-free and non-invasive approach to contraception.
Many women are drawn to this method because it provides an alternative to traditional birth control methods, such as the pill or IUDs, that often come with side effects.
The most interesting thing about Natural Cycles to me is that you can use it whether your goal is to Prevent a Pregnancy or Plan a Pregnancy.
If you’re curious read on to find out what I’ve learned about how Natural Cycles works, its effectiveness, who it is suitable for, and provide some tips and tricks for using it.
Understanding Natural Cycles
Natural Cycles operates on the principle of fertility awareness, which involves tracking and monitoring various aspects of a woman’s menstrual cycle to determine when she is most fertile.
The app uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to analyze the data provided by the user and provide accurate predictions of fertility.
To get started with Natural Cycles, users need to track two key indicators: basal body temperature (BBT) and menstrual cycle information.
Basal body temperature refers to the body’s lowest temperature at rest, which typically increases slightly after ovulation.
By measuring BBT every morning with a sensitive thermometer, the app can detect changes in temperature and accurately identify the fertile and non-fertile phases of the menstrual cycle.
Additionally, users input information about their menstrual cycle, including the start and end dates of each period.
This data, combined with the BBT measurements, helps Natural Cycles create a personalized fertility calendar that indicates the days when intercourse is more likely to result in pregnancy.
Effectiveness of Natural Cycles
The effectiveness of Natural Cycles as a contraceptive method has been extensively studied.
In a postmarket surveillance study, researchers found that Natural Cycles had a typical use effectiveness rate of 93% and a perfect use effectiveness rate of 98%.
These rates indicate the likelihood of pregnancy occurring while using the app.
It’s important to note that no contraceptive method is 100% effective and user compliance and accurate data input are crucial for Natural Cycles to work effectively.
Factors such as illness, irregular sleep patterns, and medication can affect BBT measurements and impact the app’s predictions.
Therefore, it’s essential for users to consistently track their temperature and cycle information and follow the app’s instructions for optimal results.
Who is Natural Cycles Right For?
Natural Cycles is suitable for women who have regular menstrual cycles and are comfortable with tracking their fertility signs.
The app may not be suitable for women with irregular cycles, as it relies on consistent data input to provide accurate predictions.
Additionally, it’s important to note that Natural Cycles does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it’s crucial to use barrier methods, like condoms, for STI prevention.
Natural Cycles can be a good option for women who prefer a hormone-free birth control method and want to take a more natural approach to contraception.
It may also be suitable for women who have experienced side effects from hormonal birth control methods and are looking for an alternative.
How to Use Natural Cycles
Using Natural Cycles is relatively straightforward, but it requires commitment and consistency. Here are some steps to get started with the app:
- Download the Natural Cycles app from the App Store or Google Play Store
- Create an account and provide the necessary information, such as your age, menstrual cycle length, and the first day of your last period.
- Start tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) every morning before getting out of bed using a sensitive thermometer.
- Enter your BBT measurements into the app.
- Track the start and end dates of your menstrual cycle in the app.
- The app will analyze your data and provide you with a fertility calendar indicating your fertile and non-fertile days.
- Use protection or avoid intercourse during your fertile days if you wish to prevent pregnancy.
- Follow the app’s instructions and continue tracking your temperature and cycle information consistently.
Using Natural Cycles Birth Control
To maximize the effectiveness of Natural Cycles, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
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- Consistency is key: Make sure to take your basal body temperature at the same time every morning before getting out of bed to get accurate measurements.
- Learn your unique cycle: Natural Cycles adapts to your menstrual cycle patterns over time, so it’s important to continue tracking your data consistently to allow the app to learn and provide more accurate predictions.
- Be aware of external factors: Illness, travel, and other factors can impact your basal body temperature and cycle patterns. Make sure to note any changes or irregularities in the app.
- Communicate with your partner: If you’re using Natural Cycles as a method of contraception, it’s essential to have open and honest communication with your partner about your fertile days and the need for additional protection if desired.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest information and research about Natural Cycles to ensure you have a thorough understanding of how it works and how to use it effectively.
Natural Cycles vs. Other Birth Control Methods
One of the key advantages of Natural Cycles is its hormone-free approach to contraception.
Unlike hormonal birth control methods like the pill or hormonal IUDs, Natural Cycles does not introduce synthetic hormones into the body and therefore does not come with associated side effects.
It offers an alternative for women who prefer a more natural option for birth control.
Natural Cycles also differs from other fertility tracking apps in that it uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to provide personalized predictions based on individual data.
This personalized approach increases the accuracy of fertility predictions compared to apps that rely on assumptions about cycle length and fertility windows.
Natural Cycles and Trying to Conceive (TTC)
In addition to its use as a contraceptive method, Natural Cycles can also be used as a tool for trying to conceive.
By tracking basal body temperature and menstrual cycle information, the app can help identify the most fertile days in a woman’s cycle, increasing the chances of conception.
For women who are interested in using Natural Cycles for TTC, the app provides a separate mode called “Plan Pregnancy.”
This mode focuses on identifying the fertile window and maximizing the chances of successful conception.
Natural Cycles Birth Control Conclusion
As technology continues to advance, Natural Cycles is likely to evolve and improve.
The app may incorporate new features, such as integration with wearable devices like the Oura Ring, to provide more accurate and convenient fertility tracking.
Additionally, ongoing independent research and studies will contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness and potential benefits of Natural Cycles.
Whether you decide to use Natural Cycles or not, just make sure to communicate if you want or don’t want to have children.
Communication is the key to a happy, long term relationship. You can’t get on the same page with each other if your partner does not know what you’re thinking.
And be prepared to accept the outcome even if it’s not the reaction or response you were hoping for.
I’ve counseled many couples who were on opposite ends of the spectrum concerning this topic, but through an open dialogue were able to come to one accord.
Whether you’re ready to have a baby or not, it’s your choice. Do you know what’s also your choice? Choosing a partner that’s wants the exact same outcome as you.
