Interesting: Would you pick an app as your birth control of choice?
There is an app for everything nowadays, from planning your weekly budget to scoring your next date, but would you trust an app with your fertility?
Natural Cycles promises to utilise science to advise you on when you are or are not fertile at various points in your monthly cycle.
The app promotes a non hormonal method of contraception, and judges whether you are fertile or not.
So, how does it work? Well, you measure your temperature first thing in the morning before you get out of bed.
'This reading is an indirect measure of your hormone levels and the information the app needs to effectively analyse your cycle and calculate your red or green day.'
The app was devised by a couple called Elina and Raoul Berglund for their own use, but they soon wanted the method to be accessible to all women.
'The couple was unsatisfied with what they found and both to having been active for many years in research in physics, they decided to apply their knowledge in advanced mathematics and data analysis to develop a solution to meet their needs.'
'An algorithm that accurately detects and predicts ovulation and fertility.'
'In the beginning, they used the algorithm for their own purposes but soon realised that this was a huge unmet need amongst women and decided to develop a mobile app.'
The goal was to create a contraceptive option without any of the side effects of chemical methods.
As the app gets to know you body better through your temperature readings, it is more accurately able to predict your most fertile days in real time.
However, if you are someone who experiences changes during your cycle, or you're not the most regular, then this app may not be the best option.
The app is definitely a welcome development for women seeking a hormone-free method of contraception.
However, it may be more suited for women who are actively trying to get pregnant, to know when they are most fertile to aid with family planning.
