Birth control can be confusing and overwhelming. Some people have risk factors that make traditional birth control methods, such as the pill and the IUD, less optimal.
Those looking for a natural, hormone-free birth control method may be interested in Daysy, a fertility tracker designed for people who want to get pregnant. Some people are interested in Daysy as an alternative to hormonal birth control or a supplement to family planning tools.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering using Daysy.
Daysy is a small medical device that functions as a fertility tracker. It uses your daily temperature to detect when you are most fertile or likely to be pregnant during your cycle.
The small device takes your temperature every day and connects with a free application, where you can see information related to your fertility.
Anyone with a female reproductive system can use Daysy. Although designed to help users conceive, some people like to use Daysy’s fertility tracking features as part of their natural birth control method. Daysy, in general, can be a great resource for those who want to learn more about their fertility.
Knowing when you are fertile can increase your chances of getting pregnant if that is your goal.
Daysy may be an option for those looking for hormone-free birth control.
Daysy works by increasing your fertility awareness. It is the awareness of the days that you are fertile so that you can make family planning decisions accordingly. During your fertile window you are more likely to get pregnant than on the days outside your fertile window.
It uses your basal body temperature and menstrual data to calculate when you are more likely to get pregnant and when you are less likely to get pregnant. Daysy takes your temperature with an accurate sensor, saves your data and calculates your fertility status.
Daysy indicates the fertility status by using the lights on the device:
- Red means you are more likely to get pregnant.
- Green means you are less likely to get pregnant.
- Red flashing lights indicate the predicted day of ovulation.
- Yellow lights can be an indication of cycle fluctuations or potentially fertile days.
Powered by a self-learning algorithm, Daysy is designed to reduce the potential for user errors or to take into account factors such as stress and travel. It is based on a database with more than 5 million menstrual cycles and 500,000 users to extract data, according to the company.
Daysy is easy to use, but it should be used every day. And even then, this is not a fool-proof method. In this way, it is similar to the pill, which should be taken daily and at about the same time each day. It’s okay if you forget to take a measurement every now and then, but your results will be most accurate with consistent daily use.
You will use Daysy first thing in the morning before getting out of bed. It is recommended to get at least 3 to 4 hours of sleep before using Daysy.
To use Daysy:
- Press the activation button once to see your predicted fertility status. Press it again to start measuring your temperature.
- Remove the protective shell over the sensor and place the sensor under your tongue. Do this while lying down, and do not engage in any activities before this step.
- The device will beep when the measurement is recorded.
Part of using Daysy involves recording menstruation. When you are on your period, press the activation button until a violet light appears and the device beeps once.
At the beginning, Daysy will be in the learning phase. Expect to see lots of yellow lights as Daysy’s algorithm learns more about your fertility. The more you use Daysy, the more it learns from you.
Daysy is available for purchase on the company’s website, usa.Daysy.me.
It is also available at:
Daysy is highly rated on TrustPilot and Amazon. Customer reviews praise the company for good customer service and guarantee. Many clients write about their positive experiences with Daysy to prevent or plan a pregnancy.
“It is a good alternative if you [are] try to avoid hormonal birth control, ”writes Amazon user Stori Evans. “I’m still learning about this device, but after a while you get the hang of it. It also helped me to learn more about my body. ”
Other reviews are not so positive, saying the company has faulty products, errors in application and expensive prices. Users reported experiencing technical issues with the device and application.
“It never syncs properly with the application. You have to keep doing it over and over again [until] it finally works. When I enter information, it does not save half the time. It takes about 2 minutes for it to measure your temperature, ”explains a reviewer on TrustPilot.
A common complaint among users is the high frequency of yellow days, which indicates potentially fertile days, or that the Daysy is still learning. Some reviewers mention that they still got pregnant despite using the device to prevent unwanted pregnancies. That said, the device is not marketed for the prevention of pregnancy.
There are no side effects from using Daysy. It is as safe as measuring your temperature with a regular thermometer. It is also registered with the FDA.
Fertility and family planning are complex, so there are a wide variety of birth control methods out there. Birth control can be used to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but some family planning tools can also help those who want to get pregnant.
The best option for you depends on your goals, and there is a possibility that Daysy may not be right for you. However, there are other natural birth control methods to consider.
A popular alternative to Daysy is simply to track your cycle and take your temperature yourself. Tracking and understanding the rise and fall of your basal body temperature throughout your cycle can help you predict the days when you will be fertile.
Daysy does it for you, but doing it yourself is an option if you are struggling with the application or want a budget-friendly option.
If the fertility awareness associated with Daysy is what intrigues you, consider the rhythm method. It involves tracking your menstrual cycle and using the data to predict future cycles and gain a better awareness of your body.
In addition, Phexxi is a newer prescription non-hormonal birth control gel that is placed inside the vagina just before penis-in-vagina sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy. It works by preventing semen from changing the pH of the vagina.
If you are sexually active and not interested in getting pregnant, contraception should be on your mind. There are many options to use.
Hormonal contraception is generally considered safe and well tolerated with minimal or no side effects for the majority of users.
However, there are some people who may have risk factors, health conditions or sensitivities that make them more prone to side effects of hormonal birth control methods.
Birth control side effects vary depending on the type and your body.
Common birth control side effects include:
- missing periods
- spotting
- acne
- chest tenderness
- nausea
- headaches
They can also have health consequences, such as increased blood pressure.
Natural options, such as Daysy, can help you locate your fertile windows, are free from side effects and health risks, making it safer.
Getting started with Daysy is easy.
You can get started by ordering your Daysy tracker and downloading the application. Before first use, you will need to charge the device. After that, you will need to charge it every 1 to 2 months with the USB cable.
Daysy comes with everything you need, so you do not have to buy anything else. Unlike other birth control methods, you do not have to buy supplies monthly.
Consult your doctor if you are taking any medication that affects your body temperature. This can interfere with the effectiveness of Daysy.
If you are currently using other forms of birth control that your doctor has given you, see if Daysy is compatible with your existing method. Daysy should not be used during hormonal birth control.
How effective is Daysy?
Daysy claims he is 99.4 percent accurate. This was confirmed by a study funded by the company. In 2018, non-affiliated researchers found that Daysy was not as accurate as the company claims, and the company’s
A new study funded by the company in 2020 also found that the device is 99.4 accurate in distinguishing fertile days from infertile days, and still stands.
Does Insurance Cover Daysy?
Daysy does not accept health insurance as a form of payment, but you may be able to get a portion of the cost reimbursed through your health insurance plan.
It is also eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Is Daysy worth the money?
Daysy is expensive, but it’s a one-time expense. Over time, it can be cheaper than ovulation test strips, birth control pills, IUDs and other forms of birth control and family planning resources.
If you are looking for a natural birth control, it may be worth the money for you, but it is subjective.
Can you still get pregnant if you are not ovulating or when you are on your period?
You can still get pregnant with your period and beyond ovulation, but it is rare. You can also still get pregnant with birth control.
For those looking for a natural birth control method, Daysy is a suitable option. It is easy to use, free from side effects and reliable. Although it requires a solid pre-investment, it can be more cost effective over time.
If Daysy is not right for you, there are many other birth control methods, from conventional condoms to other natural or non-hormonal birth control methods.
Everyone is different, so it may be a little trial and error before you find the right birth control method for you.
Lacey Muinos is a health, wellness and beauty writer based in Southern California. She has a BA in English. Her work has appeared in digital publications such as Livestrong, Verywell, Business Insider, Eat This Not That, and others. When she’s not writing, Lacey is likely pursuing her other interests: skin care, plant-based cooking, Pilates, and travel. You can keep up with her by visiting her website or her blog.
English
French
Spanish