Natural Contraception

What is it and how does it work?

Abstinence is when you do not have sex. When you do not have sex, sperm cannot enter the reproductive tract and fertilize an egg.

What does it prevent?

Abstinence prevents both pregnancy and STIs as long as there is no sexual contact or exchange of bodily fluids⁽³⁸⁾.

What is its effectiveness?

If you have unprotected sex, there is a chance of getting pregnant, but if you are abstinent – meaning that you don’t have any sex, it is 100% effective⁽³⁹⁾.

What is it and how does it work?

The SDM is used to calculate and track a menstruator's fertile period. During the fertile days, sex is avoided or barrier contraception is used⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Menstruators track their menstrual cycle over several months⁽⁴²⁾.

• You do this to see how regular your cycle is and to count how many days your menstrual cycle lasts⁽⁴²⁾
• By doing this you should be able to calculate your fertile days⁽⁴²⁾.

To keep track of your fertile days, use the calendar in our app!

What does it prevent?

SDM reduces your chances of pregnancy, but does not prevent STIs⁽⁴²⁾

What is its effectiveness?

SDM is 95% effective with correct use, however if you have sex during your fertile days or do not keep perfect track of your menstrual cycle, SDM is about 85% effective⁽⁷⁶⁾.

What else should I know?

SDM does not suit everyone. You should only use the SDM if:

• Your menstrual cycle is regular
• Your menstrual cycle is not shorter than 26 days or longer than 32 days
• You are able to abstain from sex or use another form of birth control on your fertile days⁽⁴⁰⁾

SDM may not be right for you if you have:

• Irregular periods
• A menstrual cycle shorter than 26 days or longer than 32 days⁽⁴⁰⁾
• If you are not consistently tracking your cycle.
• If you have recently been pregnant, are breast feeding or are using a form of hormonal birth control, your cycle may not be as regular and the SDM may not be as effective⁽⁴¹⁾

If you use SDM with condoms, it can help prevent pregnancy and STIs