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Family planning

natural cycles contraception, anyone used it?

23 replies

GrassWasGreener · 04/05/2015 09:56

So am looking into other contraception. I get side effects from the pill, my periods generally without the pill are heavy and difficult. Was considering the copper coil, but wouldn't want my periods even worse. Wanted to try out the injection but again, if i have side effects from the pill, would i get side effects from injection that last 12 weeks with nothing i can do about it. pill side effects for me range from bloating, IBS pain, tiredness, short temper, and anxiety, leading to heart palpations. Saw this company, naturalcycles and all seems very simple and effective. They have done clinical trials, and are saying this natural method that involves you measuring your basal temp each day is 99.9% effective. Has anyone used it? Would be great for other peoples opinion or experiences. It all seems to make sense scientifically.

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scaevola · 04/05/2015 10:07

I'm sure there was along thread about Natural Family Planning, but I can't find it right now.

Yes, NFP can work well. It gets the best results if you combine temperature, mucus, other symptoms and calendar. So you need to be assiduous in tracking your cycle.

There are various providers of tuition in NFP, and no one company is going to have an insight that isn't available to any/all other tutors. It is something you need to understand thoroughly and only embark on once you are sure you know your cycle. Helps enormously if you are regular.

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dementedpixie · 04/05/2015 10:08

are they really saying it is as effective as a vasectomy?? I would think that is unlikely.

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dementedpixie · 04/05/2015 10:15

www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/natural-family-planning.aspx - gives info and says you should get training from a natural family planning teacher

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scaevola · 04/05/2015 10:16

extract from standard textbook of contraception about fail rates www.contraceptivetechnology.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/CTFailureTable.pdf

If you are trying to compare effectiveness, it's generally better to look at the 'typical' not the 'perfect' use rate. And it's 24% for NFP.

But the 'perfect' rate isn't so far from what is claimed here. The snag is that most people aren't perfect, every cycle, every time.

That said, I used it for quite a while successfully, but we used condoms in the possibly fertile times (which I calculated very, very, conservatively and on the back of observing cycles for ages).

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JasperDamerel · 04/05/2015 10:22

I used NFP (using the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Wechsler) for the 6 months between coming off the pill and TTC. It was great at that time, and I didn't get pregnant until I wanted too, but I wouldn't be happy using it long term.

The really big downside for me is that (like most women) my libido is highest when I am at my most fertile, so it's actually very frustrating. And you have to be very consistent about taking your temperature at the same time first thing every morning and getting enough sleep, so it's not so good if you work changing shifts, have children who wake you up at night or get jumped on by toddlers first thing in the morning.

If you live a fairly regular lifestyle and are happy to not have the sort of sex that can get you pregnant even if you really, really want to, then it's pretty good, and I really enjoyed all the stuff I learned about me body. It was good for general health, too, because charting highlighted when stress, lack of sleep etc interfered with my cycle.

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GrassWasGreener · 05/05/2015 14:03

Thanks everyone for your experiences and advice

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Lovage · 07/05/2015 12:44

I used Persona for about 10 years (+ condom/ diaphragm / doing other things in fertile period). It worked fine for me and I never got pregnant. But when I did try to have kids, it wasn't easy, so I may have had low fertility while using Persona.

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Marionne · 14/03/2018 14:13

I use it since October 17 and I'm very happy with it! No hormones anymore :)
I got 10% discount to share with others, so if you are interested on it here it is the link:

app.naturalcycles.com/?webSignup=1&refId=hg5fbt4ecan9let7&refCode=referralid10#/reg-reg

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HollyWin · 30/04/2018 21:15

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furtile · 23/05/2018 10:58

I love it! Hormone free and super easy to use. Of course it does have a fail rate, like most contraceptives, and you do need to get into a good rhythm of measuring your temperature every day but for some people (like me) it’s a great option!
We are fine with condoms on red days (fertile days) but maybe others arnt? Good luck in finding a solution that works for you! It’s a jungle out there Wink
Here’s a 30% off discount code if anyone is interested:
www.naturalcycles.com/en/signup/secret?code=referralid30&referral=67dd635dd95743059e65c92c1084b759

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ConstantlyCold · 24/05/2018 07:41

Would be pointless for me. My sex drive is at its highest around ovulation.

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user1300 · 24/05/2018 10:02

Constantlygold so is all women's Hmm in month 9 of natural cycles and it's good for me. Reasonably regular cycles which helps and I use opks as well as temperature.

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ConstantlyCold · 24/05/2018 13:30

user1300

What’s the Hmm for. Glad natural cycles suits you, it wouldn’t suit me. A bit like being told I can eat but only when I’m not hungry.

Also the typical use failure is unacceptably high for me. But if you’re happy with it then clearly it’s a great method for you.

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user1300 · 24/05/2018 14:07

I was just confused by your point about ovulation being your highest sex Drive because biologically, that's true of all women. You're not alone.

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ConstantlyCold · 24/05/2018 17:35

Fair enough user. I should have been more clear I wasn’t saying my experience was unique. Hmm —must remember to put a disclaimer in all posts.

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mone33 · 19/07/2018 16:54

I have been using the app for a couple of months now and love it!!! I have gotten to know my cycle and my body a lot better. You have to be able to abstain or use another form of contraception on the red days. The temperature measurements each day are important, too, and I would recommend getting ovulation tests right away.
If anyone is interested in trying it, here is a 10% discount for the first year subscription including a free thermometer:
app.naturalcycles.com/?webSignup=1&refId=ocd5sdlseahzxa0d&refCode=referralid10#/reg-reg

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ram87 · 05/08/2018 16:58

I am happy with natural cycles and have a referral code giving you 20% discount. Use this link: www.naturalcycles.com/en/signup/secret?code=referralid20&referral=5c815bd38a5d464085f92608416d508a

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Psicokrea · 19/08/2018 21:21

It´s a great app, I have been using it for 2 years now and if you follow their directions, it really works. Its super easy to use and with this link you get a 20% off and a free termometer.

www.naturalcycles.com/signup/secret?code=referralid20&referral=7ef5a7556c0f4d8198de5d4ab27c7b38

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rdh85 · 02/09/2018 22:24
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Flj84 · 12/11/2018 09:52

If anyone would like 10%off for a years subscription and thermometer included click here: bit.ly/2zhLlbk
Been using for 6 months and I love it was on the pill for 17 years and I haven’t looked back.Any questions I will happily answer x

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Flj84 · 18/12/2018 17:48

20% off follow this link

bit.ly/2EtHXxX

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Frenchie32 · 17/04/2019 22:44

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monicaking12 · 17/05/2019 16:07

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