iCycleBeads enables women to plan or prevent pregnancy easily and effectively through its patented methodology. It is the only app in the world based on the Standard Days Method, a modern natural family planning method that has been researched extensively in large-scale clinical trials. The method is more than 95% effective in preventing pregnancy*, and is often used with a popular visual tool called CycleBeads. iCycleBeads is an exciting new way to use this effective, side-effect free, easy to use, and educational family planning method.To use iCycleBeads, a user simply confirms that her cycles are in the 26-32 day range required for correct use of this method**. She then inputs the date her most recent period started. iCycleBeads immediately lets her know what day she is on in her cycle, and whether she is on a day when pregnancy is likely or not. This information is provided in both a calendar format and in a visual representation of CycleBeads. Key features include: - Individualized visual representations of a womans cycle based on the start date of her period in both calendar and CycleBeads formats - Customizable alerts notifying a user when she is in her fertile window, when she is before or after her fertile window, and when she is likely to start her next period (background alerts require iOS 4) - An alert notifying the user when she has had a cycle outside the range of 26-32 days long - An alert reminding a user to input her period start date - Ongoing cycle data history that allows a user to easily see the start dates of her previous cycles as well as her cycle lengthsFor more information on the clinical studies behind this method, see the efficacy report published in Contraception at: http://irh.org/sites/default/files/Efficacy%20SDM%202002.pdfWe will be updating iCycleBeads regularly. Please send us any feedback or requests for improvements to info@cyclebeads.com.iCycleBeads is protected under patent.Sidenote:iCycleBeads is based on a modern calendar-based family planning method. Many people confuse calendar-based family planning methods in general with the rhythm method. This is incorrect. The rhythm method is vaguely understood, not well defined, confusing to use, and largely untested. On the contrary, iCycleBeads is based on a method that is thoroughly researched, clearly defined, easy to use, easy to teach, and highly effective. According to efficacy information provided in the medical guidebook Contraceptive Technology, the Standard Days Method, the method on which iCycleBeads is based, is as effective or more effective than other commonly used non-hormonal user-directed methods (e.g. condoms) and is the most effective natural family planning option available in terms of typical use. Sources: * Arevalo M. et al., Contraception, 2002;65;333-338.** According to data from the World Health Organization and analyzed by researchers at Georgetown University, approximately 80% of cycles are in the 26-32 day range.
