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This new birth control APP might just be more effective than the pill
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This newcomer to the birth control world is backed by clinical research and was recently granted medical approval to be used as a contraceptive. And the best part? Zero side effects. - photo by McKenna Park
The world of birth control may never be the same.

For the first time ever, an app has gained medical approval to be used as a successful contraceptive method.

Natural Cycles gets to know your unique cycle through a variety of daily, self-inputted information, like your morning temperature and period days. It then tells you which days are green days (safe to have unprotected sex) and which are red days (use protection).

While there are other cycle-tracking apps on the market, Natural Cycles is the only one backed by clinical research and has been granted medical approval to be used as a contraceptive.

This is a huge breakthrough in the birth control world. This app is the first of its kind to have such a high preventative rate while also eliminating hormonal and intrusive birth control measures completely.

Isnt it just the calendar method?

Natural Family Planning (also known as the calendar/rhythm method) is when a woman tracks her bodys natural functioning to determine the days shed most likely get pregnant, rather than using drugs or devices as birth control.

While Natural Family Planning is one of the least effective methods of birth controls, (and although Natural Cycles shares similarities), this new app eliminates many Natural Family Planning weaknesses.

Natural Cycles only takes objective measurements into account such as temperature, LH (ovulation) tests, sperm survival etc. and adapts to your unique cycle, the apps website says. There is no extensive studying, paperwork or second guessing the app does the work for you and tells you exactly when to use protection, so you can learn about your body and cycle along the way.

How effective is it?

According to clinical studies, the app might be slightly more effective than the pill as a contraceptive.

In a study performed on more than 4000 women, researchers found Natural Cycles to have a Pearl Index of 7.0 (7 out of 100 women in a year got pregnant while using the app). The pill has a Pearl Index of 9.0 and Natural Family Planning is at about 25.0.

When it comes to the Pearl Index, a large contributor to the number is user error like when a woman doesnt use protection on her red day or when another forgets to take her pill. The study showed that only 5 out of 1000 women in a year got pregnant while using Natural Cycles due to a mistake on the apps part.

What does this mean for you?

Every woman responds differently to the various forms of birth control out there. Its all about figuring out whats best for you, because when it comes to birth control, it's definitely not one-size-fits-all.

Also, unlike most other birth control options, Natural Cycles has absolutely zero side effects, which is especially good news for women who experience negative physical and emotional side effects from hormonal contraceptives. With its impressive medical backing and effectiveness statistics, Natural Cycles looks like a great new option to consider.

Would you consider looking into this new form of birth control?
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