Natural Cycles Unveils Smart Wristband for Birth Control App

Natural Cycles has officially launched a dedicated wristband designed to replace the traditional thermometer used with its FDA-cleared birth control application. The new hardware aims to streamline the data collection process for users relying on the app's algorithm to determine fertility status.

Priced at $129.99, the wristband continuously monitors skin temperature, heart rate, and movement during sleep. This data syncs directly with the Natural Cycles app, offering a hands-off approach compared to manual temperature taking.

The new wristband represents a significant shift in the company's hardware strategy. Previously, users relied on manual thermometer readings or third-party devices to input data into the application. The dedicated band aims to automate this process entirely.

Unlike general-purpose smartwatches, this device is specifically engineered for fertility tracking. It captures three critical metrics during the user's sleep cycle:

• Skin temperature fluctuations
• Resting heart rate
• Physical movement patterns

This data set allows the app's algorithm to calculate a daily fertility status with higher precision, reducing the margin for user error associated with manual morning temperature checks.

While the app already supports integration with popular wearables like the Apple Watch and Oura Ring, the new wristband fills a specific gap in the market. It provides a dedicated solution for individuals who do not currently own these compatible devices.

The launch also broadens the ecosystem for users of Samsung Galaxy products. Natural Cycles continues to support newer Samsung Galaxy smartwatches and the Galaxy Ring, ensuring a wide range of connectivity options for Android and iOS users alike.

The wristband serves as a cost-effective entry point into the hardware ecosystem. For $129.99, users gain a specialized tool designed solely for reproductive health monitoring, distinct from the multifunctional nature of general smartwatches.

The core of the Natural Cycles system remains the proprietary algorithm. By feeding continuous sleep data into this system, the app claims to offer a non-hormonal method of birth control. The wristband enhances this by providing a consistent stream of biometric data.

Users receive a daily status update—either a green day (fertile) or a red day (non-fertile)—based on the algorithm's analysis of the previous night's metrics. The integration of heart rate and movement alongside temperature helps refine these predictions.

The device is designed to be worn exclusively during sleep. This form factor ensures comfort and minimizes the intrusion into daily life, while still capturing the necessary physiological data required for the app's calculations.

Natural Cycles holds the distinction of being the first birth control app to receive clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This clearance was granted based on clinical data demonstrating the app's efficacy when used correctly.

The introduction of the wristband is likely intended to improve user compliance. By removing the barrier of manually taking a temperature every morning, the company hopes to increase the accuracy of user data input, which is critical for the app's safety claims.

The controversial nature of the app stems from its reliance on user behavior. While the algorithm is scientifically validated, its effectiveness depends on consistent data entry—a hurdle the new hardware seeks to eliminate.

The launch of the Natural Cycles wristband signals a move toward vertically integrated health solutions. By controlling both the hardware and the software, the company can ensure data quality and user experience.

For consumers, this offers a streamlined alternative to existing wearables. The device provides a specialized tool for those prioritizing reproductive health tracking without the need for a full-featured smartwatch.

As the wearable tech market grows, the success of this device will depend on its ability to deliver reliable data and user comfort. The $129.99 price point positions it as an accessible entry into the world of algorithmic birth control.