In a groundbreaking development for women’s health and fertility awareness, the FDA-cleared birth control app, Natural Cycles, has announced a new integration with select Apple Watch models. This innovation opens up new possibilities for users seeking a more seamless and accurate method of contraception, while highlighting the growing trend of fertility awareness as a standard health issue.
Natural Cycles, renowned for its FDA approval as a contraceptive app, relies on daily basal body temperature measurements to predict ovulation and determine one’s fertile window. With the integration of temperature data from the latest Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra, Series 9, and Ultra 2 models, the birth control algorithm aims to provide a more convenient and precise experience for users.
The Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra, equipped with temperature sensors, can monitor subtle temperature shifts that occur during the menstrual cycle when worn overnight. While Natural Cycles traditionally recommends the use of a basal thermometer, this collaboration with wearable technology promises to simplify the process.
Dr. Elina Berglund Scherwitzl, co-founder and CEO of Natural Cycles, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We were thrilled with the results, submitted them to the FDA, and with this clearance are excited to give our users the ability to seamlessly measure using a device many already own and love.”
Importantly, this integration does not imply that Apple’s own cycle-tracking feature in the Health app should be used as a form of birth control, as it is designed for general health and wellness purposes and not as a contraceptive tool.
Natural Cycles functions by collecting basal body temperature data over several months to identify patterns related to ovulation. The algorithm considers factors such as temperature, reported period days, and other data to predict fertile days. With perfect use, it boasts up to 98% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, though this effectiveness can decrease with typical use (approximately 93%).
However, a challenge of temperature-based birth control and fertility awareness methods is the requirement for meticulous adherence. Factors such as variations in sleep patterns, alcohol consumption, and illness can affect temperature measurements, rendering data from those days unreliable. Additionally, individuals with irregular menstrual cycles may face challenges in tracking their fertility accurately.
To address these issues, healthcare providers often recommend combining basal body temperature records with luteinizing hormone tests and cervical mucus tracking. This multifaceted approach can enhance the accuracy of fertility awareness methods like Natural Cycles.
While fertility awareness methods may not suit everyone, this collaboration between Natural Cycles and Apple Watch marks a significant step in making reproductive health data more accessible and user-friendly. It underscores the importance of considering fertility awareness as a vital component of women’s health and opens the door to further advancements in health-tracking technology.
It is essential to remember that the information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or contraceptive decisions.
