Would you/do you trust the temperature method of birth control? What is your exp

1. 91

   Katelyn Weelposted 9 years ago

   Would you/do you trust the temperature method of birth control? What is your experience?
   
   There is a new app out called Natural Cycles which claims to have a 99.9% success rate for preventing pregnancy (or achieving it if that is the goal), without the use of hormones. All you do is take your temperature first thing in the morning and record it, and the app does a bunch of calculations to give you green "safe" days or red "risky" days. It seems almost too easy and too good to be true... I would like to know what other people think about this and if others have used this method, or know people who do.

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2. 95

   SmartAndFunposted 9 years ago

   I have a friend who did the ovulation/temperature/count the days thing (I believe we called it the "rhythm method" back in the day). This was 10-20 years ago, so before the app. She has four children, all of whom were produced from this method and none of whom were planned. They now range in age from 18 to 10. She only stopped getting pregnant once her husband got a vasectomy.
   
   Perhaps the app is more reliable. I would say unless you don't mind getting pregnant, go with a more proven method. I hope someone with experience with the app will chime in and give you a better answer.

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   ChristinSposted 9 years ago

   The rhythm method (which is what this is only repackaged) works wonderfully for every couple who eventually wants to end up pregnant.  Anyone who claims 99.9% prevention with this method is lying, sorry. 5 out of 1000 women who have tubal ligations will still get pregnant, so I highly doubt a phone app is going to be 99.9% successful.  Where are their studies that prove their claims?
   
   That isn't to say some women don't use this method of birth control successfully, but it's very time consuming and requires a woman to also have a very intuitive and deep knowledge of her own body.  Some women do - many, not so much.  Especially if you have any type of condition that may cause your cycles to change etc.
   
     If you don't want to conceive there are forms of actually effective birth control (nothing is 100%) that are non-hormonal including the copper IUD (very effective) and condoms (mostly effective when properly used). Otherwise, you have to consider that you're taking a calculated risk and be ready to accept the very real possibility of conception occurring.

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   1. 91

      Katelyn Weelposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree that the rhythm method is unreliable, but that is just trying to predict the cycle based on the past, not physical signs. Apparently they are doing a scientific study on it, but it's not done yet: http://tinyurl.com/mfpqquu

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      ChristinSposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      no proper rhythm method involves taking your temp every day and checking your CM for signs of ovulation as well, it's more than just prediction, but yes still unreliable.

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   3. 91

      Katelyn Weelposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Oh it looks like they did finish the study already, here is the link in case you are curious http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10 … 014.988210

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      ChristinSposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      the email contact info for this study has the "natural cycles" domain  also there is no real detailed analysis. I'd be skeptical still without peer reviewed study. Not saying it cant be effective, but more reliable methods of birth control.

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   5. 91

      Katelyn Weelposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Good points. I am still skeptical and want to wait a while to see how this plays out. I do think it is intriguing and would be nice to quit using hormones, but other people can be the guinea pigs for now

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4. 41

   radhapriestessposted 9 years ago

   I used this method very successfully for birth control before my change of life. You also need to be aware that you should look for cervical signs. The mucus is different during ovation times. Because I am chemically sensitive, my partners were more motivated in working with me in using this method. I did not have the option of using chemical forms except for condom use. I used a book which I studied quite a bit before using it. It is true it is not for every woman because you have to have to be in a situation where it will work for you. Your partner has to be committed to using it, also.

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