Natural Cycles: A Hormone-Free Contraceptive Option Approved by Health Canada

In the world of contraception, more people are looking for natural and hormone-free options to track their fertility and prevent pregnancy. Natural Cycles is a fertility tracking app that has become the first of its kind to receive Health Canada approval as a contraceptive method. If you’re considering a non-invasive, hormone-free birth control method, keep reading to learn how Natural Cycles works, its benefits, and who it may (or may not) be ideal for.

What is Natural Cycles and How Does it Work?

Natural Cycles is a digital fertility awareness-based contraceptive method that uses an algorithm to determine your fertile and non-fertile days. By tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) each morning and inputting the data into the app, it calculates your cycle pattern and predicts when you are ovulating. On “green” days, the app indicates it is safe to have unprotected sex without the risk of pregnancy. On “red” days, you are in your fertile window, meaning you should use protection (such as condoms) or abstain from sex if you’re avoiding pregnancy.

Health Canada Approval & SOGC Position on Natural Cycles

Natural Cycles has been officially approved by Health Canada as a contraceptive method, making it the first and only fertility tracking app to receive this distinction. This approval underscores the app’s effectiveness in preventing pregnancy when used correctly.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) acknowledges Natural Cycles as a legitimate contraceptive choice but emphasizes that fertility awareness-based methods (FAMs), including Natural Cycles, require strict adherence to be effective. The SOGC highlights that FAMs are less effective than other contraceptive methods when used incorrectly, and their success depends on consistent and proper use.

The SOGC further recommends that FAM methods, including the Natural Cycles app, only be considered for individuals where the consequence of an unintended pregnancy is low (e.g., someone who is accepting of a pregnancy or has access to abortion services) and should ideally be used in conjunction with other contraceptive methods.

The Benefits of Using Natural Cycles

Hormone-Free & Non-Invasive – Unlike hormonal birth control, Natural Cycles does not alter your body’s natural hormone levels or have side effects such as weight gain, mood swings, or decreased libido.
Science-Based & Personalized – The app uses real-time data and sophisticated algorithms to track your unique cycle and predict ovulation accurately.
FDA & Health Canada Approved – Natural Cycles has been rigorously tested and is backed by scientific research proving its effectiveness.
Ideal for Family Planning – Whether you're trying to prevent pregnancy or conceive, the app provides insights into your fertility and reproductive health.
Promotes Body Awareness – Many users report feeling more in tune with their bodies and menstrual cycles after using the app.

Who is Natural Cycles Ideal For?

Natural Cycles is a great option for individuals who:

Prefer a non-hormonal, natural contraceptive method.
Are comfortable with tracking their temperature daily and inputting data into an app.
Have a relatively regular menstrual cycle.
Are looking for an alternative to traditional birth control or want to transition off hormonal methods.
Are in a situation where an unintended pregnancy would be acceptable or manageable.

Who Might Want to Consider Other Options?

While Natural Cycles is an effective method for many, it may not be suitable for everyone, including:

Those who cannot consistently take their basal body temperature at the same time each morning.
Individuals with highly irregular cycles, as the algorithm may have difficulty predicting fertile windows.
People who prefer a “set-and-forget” method like an IUD or implant.
Those who do not want to abstain or use barrier methods on fertile days.
Individuals for whom an unintended pregnancy would have serious consequences.

Final Thoughts: Is Natural Cycles Right for You?

Natural Cycles provides a hormone-free, science-backed approach to contraception that empowers individuals to take control of their reproductive health. With its Health Canada approval and recognition from the SOGC, it stands out as a reliable, natural alternative to traditional birth control methods. However, like any contraceptive, it requires commitment and proper use to be effective.

If you're ready to explore a natural way to manage your fertility, try Natural Cycles today.

👉 Use code LEA15 to get started with a special discount.

Let’s embrace science and technology to support our reproductive health—hormone free!