Brazilian women receive a new alternative for preventing pregnancy that does not require the use of hormones. The Natural Cycles application, widely used on Estados Unidos and Europa, will be officially launched on Brasil next week. The tool represents an advance in the supply of contraceptive methods in the country, focusing on female autonomy and technology.
The innovation arrives in the national territory with the approval of Agência Nacional of Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa). Além is also supported by Federação Brasileira, Associações, Ginecologia and Obstetrícia (Febrasgo). The technology is introduced to doctors and specialists during the 63rd Congresso Brasileiro of Ginecologia and Obstetrícia (CBGO 2026), which takes place at Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.
Regulamentação and release on Brasil
Natural Cycles adapted its system for the national market, ensuring that the application is in Portuguese and payment is processed in reais. The company recommended the use of the tool for women over 18 years of age. Este launch marks a significant step in the diversification of available contraception options, aligning with demands for methods without hormonal intervention.
The arrival of the application was preceded by a rigorous regulatory process, culminating in the approval of Anvisa in March 2025. Este seal of approval is essential to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of the digital method. Febrasgo, in turn, takes an active role in guiding professionals and patients on the correct use and distinctions between different fertility monitoring tools.
Digital Contracepção: the difference between apps
Febrasgo released a recent document to educate doctors and patients on the use of fertility technologies. The entity emphasizes the need to differentiate tools into two distinct categories. It is crucial that users understand these classifications to use the methods safely.
Existem monitoring applications, which only serve as diaries to record menstruation dates. Eles is not scientifically tested and is not designed to prevent pregnancy. The main function of these apps is to help monitor the menstrual cycle, without contraceptive intentions.
On the other hand, there are digital medical devices. Estes are programs developed and tested in the laboratory, with approval from health bodies to work specifically as contraceptive methods. Natural Cycles is, so far, the only application with this contraceptive medical device approval in Brasil, issued by Anvisa.
Taurã Figueiredo, country manager of Natural Cycles at Brasil, highlighted the importance of transparency. “When we talk about digital contraception, we are not just talking about technology, but about an important change in the way information, science and autonomy reach clinical practice,” he said. Ele also highlighted the company’s role in providing data and security so that doctors and patients understand the differences.
Smart Algorithm Funcionamento
Natural Cycles operates with an intelligent algorithm, a data analysis system that interprets signals from each woman’s body individually. Diferente from traditional tables, which apply fixed mathematical calculations to all users, the app offers a personalized approach. Isso increases accuracy in identifying fertile and infertile periods.
The application’s usage routine includes clear steps for the user:
- Measurement:A woman measures her basal body temperature immediately upon waking, using a compatible thermometer or smart devices. Relógios and bracelets such as Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Garmin Watch and the NCº bracelet Band are examples. The system detects thermal variations, including during sleep.
- The record:The collected temperature data and additional information about the menstrual cycle are entered into the app daily. Essa Continuous data insertion is vital to the accuracy of the algorithm.
- The result of the day:Based on the information provided, the system calculates the risk of pregnancy for that day. A visual indicator, usually a color, is displayed on the screen. Dias “red” indicates fertile period with risk of pregnancy, requiring the use of a condom. Dias “green” indicates a safe period for unprotected sex.
Proven Eficácia and data protection
The effectiveness of the Natural Cycles app has been evaluated in comprehensive studies involving more than 60,000 women. The results indicate that the method is safe and effective, as long as the instructions are strictly followed. Efficacy indices are presented in two different scenarios to reflect the reality of use.
In perfect use, the effectiveness of the application reaches 98%. Este scenario considers that the user follows all the application’s rules and procedures without any failures. Já in typical use, which represents the rate closest to daily reality and includes small errors or forgetfulness, the effectiveness is 93%.
Para comparison effect, the common contraceptive pill is 99% effective in perfect use, in a laboratory environment. However, in typical everyday use, the pill’s effectiveness also decreases to approximately 93%. Essa reduction is due to factors such as missed doses, delays in ingestion, interaction with other medications or occurrences of vomiting and diarrhea, according to data from Ministério from Saúde and Organização Mundial from Saúde (WHO).
Além from Anvisa, the Natural Cycles algorithm is certified by the FDA (Estados Unidos health body). Ele also carries the Mark CE seal on the Europa, reinforcing its international validation as a medical device.
História and global reach of the technology
Natural Cycles was founded in 2013 by physicists Elina Berglund Scherwitzl and Raoul Scherwitzl. The original idea arose from the founder’s own search for a non-hormonal and non-invasive contraceptive method. Based on this need, she decided to apply data science principles to develop an innovative solution.
Atualmente, the platform already analyzes more than 20 million cycles from 6 million users distributed in more than 30 countries. Essa’s vast database contributes to continuous improvement of the algorithm and understanding of fertility patterns.
Data protection is a priority for the application, especially as it deals with users’ intimate health information. The system implements strict digital security rules. Isso includes the use of encryption and pseudonymization techniques, which hide the user’s real identity. Tais measures ensure that no one has improper access to personal data entered on the platform.
Taurã Figueiredo concluded that the advancement of this category in Brasil will depend more on building a correct understanding and clinical confidence than on the presentation of a technological novelty. Ele emphasized the importance of consolidating a contraceptive alternative that has already been validated internationally and is now accessible to the Brazilian reality.