Birth control effectiveness is calculated using the Pearl Index (PI). This represents the number of unintended pregnancies that occur when a group of 100 women use a particular method of birth control for a year. Each birth control method has two categories of Pearl Index: typical use and perfect use.
As a regulated medical device, Natural Cycles follows rigorous processes to protect our users and we are constantly monitoring our Pearl Index 🔍 Our FDA clearance is based on the study of more than 15,000 women. Follow the link in our bio to learn more about our research & how other birth control methods compare 🔗
...even though there are millions of sperm in each ejaculation 🏊
In all mammals, including humans, male sperm cells play an essential role in reproduction, together with the female egg cell 🥚 A male sperm cell is equipped for swimming, with a streamlined head, body (also called mid-piece), and tail. Each sperm cell looks a little bit like a tadpole. If sperm is ejaculated into the vagina, it travels through the female reproductive tract, where it may fertilize a female egg cell (the other type of gamete).
We believe everyone should have access to the birth control of their choice, so we’ve been working incredibly hard to make sure that Natural Cycles is reimbursed by US insurance companies! 💪 We are SO happy that select ✨major✨ insurance plans have updated their medical claim policy and now cover NC° Birth Control subscriptions!!!! 🎉 Follow the link in our bio to if see your plan covers Natural Cycles and follow the instructions on how to submit a reimbursement claim 📲🔗
🍓: @lexi.harpin
A bra that both offers enough support and fits you well can be tricky to find, and many of us walk around with ill-fitting bras that, at best, do nothing to help with premenstrual breast pain. It’s a good idea to take the time to find the right bra or to ask for help with a fitting! 📏 Follow the link in our bio to learn more about what causes breast pain before your period, common symptoms, what you can do about it, and when to see a doctor 🫶
Ovulation bleeding doesn’t happen every time we ovulate – in fact, one study into bleeding patterns of women with regular cycles found that only about 5% of the participants experienced mid-cycle spotting (although the study doesn’t specify that only ovulation bleeding is included in this number) 🩸 It also didn’t happen in every cycle for those who did have this kind of bleeding. Follow the link in our bio to learn more 🔗
All of our bodies are different so we will react to changes differently. Birth control is no exception. While some of us will experience absolutely no birth control side effects, others may notice signs and symptoms associated with taking hormonal, or in some cases, non-hormonal contraception.
Follow the link in our bio to learn more about the most popular methods of preventing pregnancy out there 🔗
Aside from more general changes to your appetite, it’s very common to crave specific foods before or during your period 🩸 There are even studies showing that food cravings – especially for sweet and salty foods – tend to increase towards the end of the cycle when many of us experience PMS symptoms.
What causes period cravings and PMS cravings is less clear, but there are also some theories related to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. When our period starts, serotonin levels tend to drop while the levels of cortisol are higher. In simple terms, this means that there are lower levels of a hormone that promotes calm (serotonin 😌) and more stress hormones (cortisol 😩) in our bodies at this time of the cycle.
These hormonal changes may lead to us craving comfort foods such as candy or fast food. These types of foods are tasty (so eating them is a pleasurable activity) and they’re usually higher in sugar and fat content giving us a boost of dopamine – another hormone that makes us feel good 😊 Follow the link in our bio to learn more 🔗
Natural Cycles can be a tool for sharing that responsibility 😌 Follow the link in our bio to check out our independent analysis of NC° Birth Control reviews 🔗
Your period is just one aspect of the menstrual cycle ☝️ During your cycle, hormones in your body cause the lining of your uterus to thicken – which happens so that if you get pregnant, the fertilized egg cell can implant into your uterine lining.
Around the mid-point of your cycle, an ovary releases an egg cell, this process is called ovulation 🥚 This egg moves down your fallopian tubes and waits for a sperm cell to fertilize it 🏊 If that happens, and the cell successfully implants into the uterine wall, then it results in pregnancy 🫄 And if an egg isn’t fertilized, your body breaks down the thickened lining of your uterus and sheds it, resulting in your period — and thus a new cycle begins 🩸
Your menstrual cycle, then, describes this series of events as your body prepares for the release of an egg and its potential fertilization, followed by menstruation if there’s no successful fertilization.
It's pretty common for people to look at their vulva that might look different from ones they've seen in mainstream porn and think, "Am I normal?!" 🤔 The answer is — yes! Your vulva is absolutely normal, no matter the type, shape, size, or color 💜👯♀️ Follow the link if you'd like to learn more 🔗
Since most female orgasms happen through clitoral stimulation, oral sex is a helpful way to heighten pleasure without skipping intimacy, but if it’s not for you, that’s OK too! Oral sex is a personal preference, some people may prefer performing it to receiving it and vice versa 🪄
