EFFECTIVENESS
 

HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE METHOD IN AVOIDING/POSTPONING PREGNANCY?

The analysis of data in OvuCycles is based on the algorithm of the Double-Check (English) Method. It is one of the sympto-thermal methods belonging to Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs). The principles of this method were developed at Queen Elizabeth Birmingham Maternity Hospital in England. The scientifically demonstrated effectiveness of sympto-thermal methods in avoiding pregnancy is 99.4–99.6% (Pearl Index: 0.4–0.6) with correct use. Long-term research on the method is based on both clinical and teaching practice and includes typical as well as atypical/irregular cycles, involving thousands of couples.

The effectiveness of the method used in the OvuCycles app remains the same for both regular and irregular cycles. The identification of fertile and infertile days is based on observations from the current, unique cycle, providing daily and up-to-date information about fertility.

​

Access to the app includes the original online course, “Learn to Observe Your Cycle – The OvuCycles Essential Guide,” taught by a physician and certified teacher of the method on which the OvuCycles algorithm is based. The course provides the essential knowledge required to use the app correctly and to effectively identify fertile and infertile days.

CAN THE OVUCYCLES APP SUPPORT COUPLES IN ACHIEVING PREGNANCY?

Yes. The OvuCycles algorithm is based on the Double-Check Sympto-Thermal Method, which allows for precise identification of the fertile days within a woman’s cycle. This enables couples to time intercourse during the fertile window. Regular cycle monitoring may also help identify potential abnormalities at an early stage that could contribute to difficulties conceiving. Research data indicate that couples using this method achieve pregnancy, on average, twice as quickly as the general population.

HOW IS OVUCYCLES DIFFERENT FROM OTHER APPS?

Most other apps assume a standard 28-day cycle, although more than 80% of women have cycles that differ from this pattern. Some apps use technology to develop new algorithms that predict fertility.

​

The OvuCycles app uses a well-established algorithm based on a method that has been used for several decades and has documented effectiveness, rather than relying on experimental predictions. The app is overseen by a physician and a certified teacher of the method, ensuring its reliability and alignment with current medical knowledge.

​

REFERENCES: 

1. Frank-Herrmann P., Heil J., Gnoth C., et al. “The effectiveness of a fertility awareness based method to avoid pregnancy in relation to a couple’s sexual behaviour during the fertile time: a prospective longitudinal study.” Human Reproduction 22 (2007): 1310-1319.

2. Frank Herrmann P., et al. “Natural Family Planning with and without barrier method use in the fertile phase: efficacy in relation to sexual behavior: a German prospective long-term study.” Advances in Contraception 13 (1997):179-189. (Note: In this paper, effectiveness was calculated when barriers were not used during the fertile period because barrier use is its own method.)

3. Trussell, J. “Contraceptive failure in the United States.” Contraception 83 (2011): 397-404.

4. Gnoth C., Godehardt E., Frank-Herrman P., and Freundl G. “Time to pregnancy: results of the German prospective study and impact on the management of infertility.” Human Reproduction 18 (2003): 1959-1966.

5. Stanford JB, White GL Jr, Hatasaka H. Timing intercourse to achieve pregnancy: current evidence. Obstet Gynecol. 2002;100(6):1333–1341. doi:10.1097/00006250-200212000-00023.

​

We do not currently collect or store any data related to users’ cycles. User data are stored locally on the user’s device. In the future, we plan to enable the inclusion of such data only with users’ explicit and informed consent, in order to systematically expand the scientific evidence base of cycle charts and further validate the high effectiveness of our app.

IS THE SIMULTANEOUS USE OF MECHANICAL CONTRACEPTION (CONDOMS) WITH THE OVUCYCLES APP RECOMMENDED?

Using condoms simultaneously with the OvuCycles app is neither effective nor necessary.

​

The OvuCycles app is based on the Sympto-Thermal Method, which identifies the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s cycle. When the method is correctly applied and cycle observations are conducted in accordance with its rules, it can achieve a high level of effectiveness in avoiding or postponing pregnancy — 98–99.6%.

​

Using condoms during the fertile phase does not increase effectiveness and may even create a false sense of security and contribute to conception due to the relatively low effectiveness of this approach. During the relatively and absolutely infertile phases, condoms are unnecessary because conception is biologically not possible during these phases.

​

Therefore, simultaneous use of barrier contraception with the app is neither necessary nor recommended. Following the rules of the Sympto-Thermal Method alone provides the highest effectiveness of natural fertility regulation.