Natural Cycles
About Natural Cycles
Natural Cycles is a leading women’s digital health company that developed the world’s first birth control app. Founded in 2013 by particle physicists Dr. Elina Berglund Scherwitzl and Dr. Raoul Scherwitzl, the company utilizes a proprietary algorithm that interprets biomarker data, primarily basal body temperature, to provide personalized cycle insights and a daily fertility status. The app is FDA-cleared in the United States and CE-marked in Europe as a Class II medical device for contraception, and has also received regulatory clearances in Canada, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea.
For physicians, Natural Cycles offers a non-hormonal and non-invasive birth control option with no physical side effects associated with the app itself. The app’s algorithm is designed to identify ovulation with high precision, even for individuals with irregular cycles, and can also help identify anovulatory cycles. Users can download a comprehensive PDF Cycle Report detailing their last six cycles, including cycle length, period, ovulation, and logged symptoms, which can be valuable for diagnosing and managing conditions like PMOS (formerly PCOS) or endometriosis, and providing insights related to pregnancy and conception. Beyond contraception, the app can be used for planning pregnancy, following pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and navigating perimenopause.
Focus Areas
Business Intelligence
| Key Investors | Lauxera Capital Partners, Point72 Ventures, Samsung Venture Investment, EQT Ventures, Heartcore Capital, Headline, Bonnier Ventures, Sunstone, E-ventures, FinTech Collective, IGNIA Partners, J.P. Morgan (debt facility) |
| Partnerships | WHOOP, Oura Ring, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch5 series, Garmin |
| Acquisitions | unknown |
| Technology | AI-powered NC° Fertility Algorithm combining advanced statistical modeling with machine learning, interprets biomarker data (basal body temperature), integrates with wearable technology (e.g., Oura Ring, Apple Watch, NC° Band, Garmin) |
| FDA Clearances | 6 cleared products (estimated) |
What Physicians Need to Know
Natural Cycles is the first and only FDA-cleared birth control app, making it a regulated medical device with robust clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness (93% typical use, 98% perfect use). Its AI-powered algorithm provides personalized fertility predictions based on basal body temperature and optional LH tests, adapting to individual cycle patterns, including irregular ones. This offers a reliable non-hormonal contraceptive option for patients who cannot tolerate hormonal methods or prefer a natural approach. The app's various modes (Birth Control, Plan Pregnancy, Follow Pregnancy, Postpartum, Perimenopause) allow for continuous support throughout a woman's reproductive journey, providing data-driven insights that can enrich clinical conversations and empower patients in their care. The ability to integrate with wearables like Oura Ring and Apple Watch simplifies data collection for patients. Natural Cycles is committed to data privacy and complies with FDA cybersecurity requirements.
Natural Cycles integrates with compatible wearables for automatic temperature tracking, including the Oura Ring, Apple Watch Series 8 or newer, and compatible Garmin devices. They also offer their own dedicated wearable, the NCu00b0 Band, for effortless overnight tracking.
What the Web Says
Natural Cycles is a digital birth control app that has garnered a range of opinions. Many users appreciate its hormone-free approach to contraception and family planning, citing its effectiveness when used correctly and its ability to provide deeper insights into their menstrual cycles. However, there are also significant concerns regarding its accuracy, particularly for those with irregular cycles, and the potential for user error leading to unintended pregnancies. As an employer, reviews suggest a generally positive work environment with good benefits, but some mention challenges related to rapid growth and communication.
Overall: MixedStrengths
- Hormone-free birth control option
- Empowers users with cycle knowledge
- Effective when used correctly and consistently
- Good for family planning (both preventing and planning pregnancy)
- Generally positive employer reviews regarding culture and benefits
- FDA cleared in the US and CE marked in Europe
Limitations
- Steep learning curve and strict adherence required for effectiveness
- Potential for user error leading to unintended pregnancies
- Accuracy issues reported by some users, especially with irregular cycles
- Requires daily temperature measurement, which can be inconvenient
- Customer support experiences are mixed
- Some employer reviews mention challenges with rapid growth and internal communication
Based on reviews from: G2, Glassdoor, Capterra, Reddit, Healthcare IT News (various articles/reviews)
Last updated: 2026-08-07
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