Natural Cycles, the company behind the fertility tracking app, has introduced a new wearable wristband designed to replace traditional basal body temperature (BBT) thermometers for its users. The device continuously monitors sleep-based biometric data, including temperature, heart rate variability, and movement patterns, to identify fertile windows.
How the Wristband Works
The wristband aims to simplify the fertility tracking process by automating temperature readings, which are core to the Natural Cycles algorithm. Traditionally, users must manually measure their BBT each morning to confirm ovulation. The new device eliminates this step by gathering the same data overnight. The company claims the wristband offers greater convenience for users seeking a hormone-free birth control method.
Controversies and FDA Clearance
Natural Cycles has faced scrutiny in the past regarding its effectiveness, with some studies suggesting higher unintended pregnancy rates compared to other methods. However, the app received FDA clearance as a birth control device in 2023 after demonstrating clinical efficacy. The wristband is positioned as an enhancement to this clearance, further refining the algorithm’s accuracy.
Market Context and Future Trends
The release of the wristband reflects a broader trend in wearable health tech, where devices are increasingly integrated into reproductive healthcare. This move also signals a shift toward automated data collection, potentially improving compliance for users who struggle with manual tracking. The long-term implications include greater accessibility to fertility awareness methods, but also raise questions about data privacy and reliance on proprietary algorithms.
The wristband represents a step towards seamless, continuous fertility monitoring, but its true impact on pregnancy prevention rates remains to be seen.
