You can start with the measuring the day after quitting your hormonal contraception. Please note that it may take some time for your first ovulation or period to show up again, as irregular cycles are very common after having used hormonal contraception. Below you will see some information regarding quitting a few different methods and what to expect. If you get a bleeding right after quitting your hormonal contraception, fill it in as 'spotting' in the app as it's not the equivalent to your period and the two should not be confused.
Until your first ovulation is detected, expect many red days as a Prevent user, and many pink days as a Plan user.
Please note that if you are still using an IUS or an IUD, you may continue to ovulate and you can use Natural Cycles at the same time in order to detect ovulation and to know when your next period is coming (if applicable). Should you want to remove your IUS or IUD, you can then start measuring the day after you have it removed to have Natural Cycles start to not only detect ovulation and when to expect your next period, but also be able to now monitor your fertility to Prevent or Plan a pregnancy.
You can start measuring as soon as you have a basal thermometer and an account.
If you want to Plan a pregnancy, you can start with Natural Cycles at any time, before or after removing the IUD.
If you want to wait until your natural menstruation comes back and start with the measuring then, you can do so as well, of course.
IMPORTANT: Do not measure while still using hormonal contraception, as the hormones affect your temperature and cycles. The hormones, in general, work to inhibit ovulation and also affect your body temperature making it impossible to combine with Natural Cycles.
After the pill (combined or mini)
Complete all active pills and start with Natural Cycles the day after stopping.
After the vaginal ring
You can start with Natural Cycles the day after removing the ring.
After the contraceptive injection
The depo shot is normally active for about 12 weeks. Once the 12 weeks have passed, you can start using Natural Cycles when the effect of the injection has worn off. This takes 8-13 weeks depending on which injection you had.
After the implant
You can start with Natural Cycles the day after the implant has been removed.
After the patch
You can start using Natural Cycles the day after it has been removed.