Non-pill contraception is becoming increasingly important for many women*. The trend is rising. Many no longer want to rely on hormones . Why? Because they 're tired of the potential side effects, such as headaches, mood swings, increased risk of thrombosis and osteoporosis, decreased libido, or weight gain.

Anything is too much! This awareness increases, especially with age . Consequently, there's a great deal of interest in hormone-free contraceptive methods. More respect for the body. Fewer harmful interventions! That's what it's all about today!

The pill has been considered the standard in family planning for decades. And yes, contraception with the birth control pill is quite simple. However, the list of potential disadvantages is long.

On the one hand, there's the hormonal burden itself, and on the other hand, the risk increases with prolonged use. Many women* are therefore looking for alternatives – safe and hormone-free .

Contraception without the pill offers a wide range of options. Here are the most important ones:

• Barrier methods : Condoms or diaphragms prevent sperm from entering the uterus . Advantage: immediately usable, protection against sexually transmitted infections. Disadvantage: must be used every time you have sex .
• Copper IUD or copper chain : These are inserted into the uterus . They are effective for years . Advantage: long-term, no daily use required. Disadvantage: can cause heavier bleeding, requires a medical procedure .
• Sterilization : permanent solution, very high reliability . Disadvantage: permanent, therefore only advisable if family planning is complete.
• Calendar method : Calculation of fertile days based on the menstrual cycle . Disadvantage: very prone to errors, low reliability .
• Symptothermal method : Combination of body temperature and cervical mucus quality . Advantage: hormone-free, scientifically studied, and can offer a high degree of safety when used correctly.

The symptothermal method is one of the best-known forms of contraception without the pill . It combines daily measurement of basal body temperature with observation of cervical mucus . The combination of these bodily signs makes it possible to distinguish between fertile and infertile days . This method of contraception is supported by scientific evidence.

• After ovulation , body temperature rises slightly.
• Cervical mucus changes its quality : stretchy and clear during fertile days , thick after ovulation.

Previously, the symptothermal method meant keeping temperature curves on paper and noting observations about the quality of the cervical mucus.

But there's a more effective way. Natural, simple, relaxed: the Ovy App! Today, digital assistants like the Ovy App take over this task.

• The Ovy basal thermometer measures basal body temperature precisely.
• The values ​​are automatically transferred to the Ovy app .
• The algorithm marks the fertile days and makes the application suitable for everyday use.

In this way, a classic contraceptive method becomes a modern, digital system that can offer security and make everyday life easier.

Advantages:

• No hormones , no hormonal side effects
• Various methods – from barrier methods to the copper IUD – for different needs
• Better integration of the body into family planning

Disadvantages:

• Some methods require daily routine ( symptothermal method )
• Potential errors during application can increase the risk .
• Additional contraception is necessary during sexual intercourse during the fertile days.

In this context, "healthy" means a contraceptive method that puts as little strain on the body as possible. For many women*, this is a hormone-free option.

• Condoms offer additional protection against infections.
• Copper coils and copper chains are effective for several years , but are associated with heavier bleeding.
• The symptothermal method completely avoids hormones and uses the body's own signals.

Which method is best depends on the personal life situation – whether it's about long-term family planning , flexibility or maximum security .

Contraception without the pill works. But consistency is key!

This includes:

• Measure temperature (in the morning with the Ovy basal thermometer )
• Observe cervical mucus
• Documenting data in the Ovy app

This provides a clear overview of the menstrual cycle . With digital support, the method can offer reassurance and help women* to consciously avoid or plan a pregnancy . Natural, simple, hormone-free: Ovy App!

• Frank-Herrmann, P. et al. (2007). The effectiveness of a fertility awareness based method to avoid pregnancy. Human Reproduction, 22(5), 1310-1319.
• Manhart, MD et al. (2013). Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning: A review of effectiveness. Osteopathic Family Physician, 5(1), 2–8.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use. Geneva: WHO.
• Black, A., Guilbert, E., Costescu, D., Dunn, S., Fisher, W., Kives, S., Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. (2015). Canadian Contraception Consensus (Part 2 of 4). Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada, 37(11), 1033-1039.