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Natural Cycles app

An app using basal body temperature measurements to identify fertile days of your cycle.

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Natural Cycles app	By NaturalCycles Nordic AB
	Features Diary/Tracking (temperature and menstrual cycle). Reminders (notifications from the app around fertile window).
Country of origin	Sweden
Clinical review	Read a clinical review below.
Security and privacy	Does the app: Collect medical information? Yes Require a login? Yes Have password protection? Yes Have a privacy policy? Yes Require internet access to use? Yes Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: Tips to improve your privacy and security [PDF, 65 KB] Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ
Cost	Annual subscription including thermometer. Also available are monthly subscription and an option to purchase the thermometer.
How to get the app	(external link) (external link) (external link)

Natural Cycles app is marketed as a contraceptive and fertility app, allowing you to use basal body temperature measurements to identify fertile days of your cycle. This information can then be used as birth control (contraceptive) for preventing pregnancy or planning conception. You track your cycle by taking basal body temperature readings ideally 5 or more days per week. The app algorithm uses this information to predict a fertile window for contraceptive or pregnancy planning purposes.

For the complete app description, go to the app website(external link), Google Play(external link), App Store(external link) or, for a more detailed review, ser reviews below.

Note: The reliability and accuracy of fertility awareness (also known as natural family planning) as a method to plan or prevent pregnancy is highly variable and depends on a number of factors such as being taught the method correctly and understanding how to use the method. Read more about fertility awareness.

PROS	CONS
✔ With regular basal body temperature monitoring, this app should reliably track ovulation. ✔ Very functional app, easy to navigate.	✘ This app seems rather costly for the services offered. ✘ A specific thermometer is required for basal temperature monitoring. ✘ This app is unlikely to be as reliable when used for contraceptive purposes if you have a very irregular menstrual cycle. ✘ It takes some time for the app algorithm to get to know your cycle, so you are likely to get many ‘red’ (potentially fertile) days initially.

PROS

CONS

✔ With regular basal body temperature monitoring, this app should reliably track ovulation.

✔ Very functional app, easy to navigate.

✘ This app seems rather costly for the services offered.

✘ A specific thermometer is required for basal temperature monitoring.

✘ This app is unlikely to be as reliable when used for contraceptive purposes if you have a very irregular menstrual cycle.

✘ It takes some time for the app algorithm to get to know your cycle, so you are likely to get many ‘red’ (potentially fertile) days initially.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Dr Arna Letica, GP, FRNZCGP, Auckland
Date of review: April 2021
Platform: Android
Version: 4.1.5
Comments: The Natural Cycles app allows users to use basal body temperature measurements to identify fertile days of their cycle. This information can then be used as birth control (contraceptive) to prevent pregnancy or for planning conception. The app is most useful for females who want a hormone-free contraceptive option, or females who are wanting to optimise their chances of conception. Users would need to be motivated to record their temperature most days, and be prepared to follow advice (ie, using protection or abstaining from sex on fertile days). This app is a good option for females wanting to reliably track their fertility. However it is rather costly for a fairly basic tracking app, with minimal additional health information.
Safety concerns: The app is reported to be 93% effective with typical use, and 98% effective with perfect use – based on a large peer-reviewed study. It has been cleared by the FDA and meets required Health Standards products sold within the European Economic Area. It does, however, rely on users regularly entering data and following the instructions strictly. The app also specifies that its use does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
New Zealand relevance: Yes, can be used by New Zealand user.

Fertility apps
NZ Health App Library
Consumer guide: how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide: how to choose a health app
Fertility awareness
Contraception topics

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.