Technology is one of the innovation areas that has boosted health care operations by making it possible for people to get involved in various aspects of their health. Beginning from exercise trackers to smartwatches, technology has made health observation and decision-making easier. Within the last years, wearables have brought a new frontier in birth control. This paper is going to discuss the very first FDA-approved birth control wearable tech that has hit the market and its impact on women’s reproductive health.
Background
The use of birth control has been a topic of controversy for many years. While it is a vital aspect of women’s reproductive health, it has faced many challenges, including access, effectiveness, and side effects. Traditional methods such as oral contraceptives, condoms, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) have been the primary forms of birth control. However, these methods have their limitations. For instance, oral contraceptives require daily intake, which can be easily forgotten, while condoms have a high failure rate. These limitations have led to the development of new and innovative forms of birth control, such as the birth control wearable tech.
Overview of the First FDA-Approved Birth Control Wearable Tech
In August 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first birth control wearable tech, Natural Cycles, for use in the United States. Natural Cycles is a fertility tracking app that uses an algorithm to predict a woman’s fertile window and alert her when she is most likely to conceive. The app works by tracking a woman’s basal body temperature, which is a rise in body temperature that occurs after ovulation. The user is required to take her temperature every morning using a basal body thermometer and enter the data into the app.
The app uses this information, along with other factors such as menstrual cycle length and sperm survival time, to calculate the fertile days and provide a red or green light to indicate the risk of pregnancy. The app also has a feature that allows users to track their period, symptoms, and sexual activity, making it a comprehensive tool for fertility tracking.
Effectiveness and Safety
Natural Cycles claims to be 99% effective when used correctly, making it as effective as other forms of birth control such as the pill and condoms. However, the effectiveness of the app depends on the user’s commitment to tracking her temperature and entering the data accurately. If the user fails to follow the instructions, the effectiveness of the app decreases significantly.
In terms of safety, Natural Cycles has been approved by the FDA, which means it has undergone rigorous testing and has been deemed safe for use. However, like any form of birth control, it has its risks and side effects. The app’s website states that the most common side effects reported by users include headaches, acne, and mood swings.
Impact on Women’s Reproductive Health
The introduction of Natural Cycles has had a significant impact on women’s reproductive health. It has given women a non-hormonal and non-invasive option for birth control, which is a welcome alternative for those who cannot or do not want to use hormonal contraceptives. It also allows women to have more control over their fertility and make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Furthermore, the app’s comprehensive tracking feature can help women identify any irregularities in their menstrual cycle and seek medical attention if necessary.
Another significant impact of the birth control wearable tech is its potential to reduce unintended pregnancies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 45% of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended. Natural Cycles can help reduce this number by providing women with an effective and easy-to-use birth control option.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its potential benefits, the birth control wearable tech has faced some challenges and criticisms. One of the main criticisms is related to its effectiveness, as studies have shown that the app’s effectiveness may be lower in real-life situations compared to clinical trials. This is due to the complexity of tracking basal body temperature accurately and consistently.
There have also been concerns about the app’s ability to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Unlike condoms, which are known to provide protection against STIs, Natural Cycles does not provide any form of protection. Therefore, users must be aware of this and take necessary precautions if they are at risk of getting an STI.
Conclusion
Natural Cycles: The First FDA-Approved Birth Control Wearable Tech Hit the Market with a New Option in Birth Control. It’s really going to change everything about how women view their reproductive health if it is a non-hormonal, non-invasive technique for birth control. But the thing is, one needs to use the app correctly and note the limitations or risks involved. More research is required to be conducted, and follow-up needs to happen a lot regarding its effectiveness and safety for its long-term existence in the market.
