Anyone used natural cycles for contraception only?

[Olaf1000]

Hormonal forms really react badly with me and as does copper coil (as I’m anaemic and get heavy very painful periods anyway). Natural cycles sounds perfect and has a Pearl index same as the pill. I’ve heard a lot of people get pregnant with it though and heard it’s for people who’d prefer not to get pregnant but wouldn’t be a huge issue if they did.

Any personal experiences of using it with no pregnancies for a few years? In all likelihood, I’d probably would use condoms on the green days that are close to the red days to make it extra safe. Would you recommend also the pull-out method in affliction to decrease risk?

Someone close to me had a 3rd ‘surprise’ baby after relying on supposedly 100% clockwork natural cycles.
It had previously been evident that she was very fertile, though.

@GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER

Someone close to me had a 3rd ‘surprise’ baby after relying on supposedly 100% clockwork natural cycles. It had previously been evident that she was very fertile, though.

Yes I guess it's not just about being super fertile. You also need to have a very reliable cycle. What happens when things go haywire when you get older - presumably things get more difficult to predict then? I can see how tracking your cycle could bring big benefits to understanding your body. But would be concerned about using it as the only contraceptive - especially if a pregnancy would be a disaster.

Other people saying online they didn't get pregnant using the method is anecdotal really, fertility and general health varies and anecdotal evidence isn't going to prevent your own pregnancy.

I'd not use 'natural cycles' or similar unless I also wouldn't mind if I became pregnant. Their social media campaigns of using young influencers to influence a potentially young audience that it's the emperors new clothes and a healthy hormone free, scientifically supported contraceptive choice is so dubious that the ASA upheld it being full of shit and cashing in on women who suffer with hormonal contraception related issues or the less well educated. Eg:

www.asa.org.uk/rulings/naturalcycles-nordic-ab-sweden-a17-393896.html