Natural Cycles, a company behind the contentious FDA-cleared birth control app, has launched a wristband that monitors temperature, heart rate, and movement during sleep. The device costs $129.99 and syncs with the Natural Cycles app, which uses an algorithm to determine daily fertility status.
The new band offers an alternative to thermometer-based tracking, previously used by users who paired their device with the Apple Watch or Oura Ring. This wristband could be beneficial for those without these devices, but it's worth noting that Natural Cycles also supports other Samsung Galaxy smartwatches and the Galaxy Ring – albeit not primarily for temperature-based period and cycle tracking.
In 2018, Natural Cycles received FDA clearance as a form of birth control following controversy surrounding its efficacy. Critics argued that the device faced less scrutiny than other forms of contraception during the review process.
Initially, users could take their temperatures manually using a basal thermometer, which costs $14.50 separately or is included with the annual plan. However, Natural Cycles obtained FDA approval to use third-party devices and collect data without additional approval. This has allowed them to launch the wristband.
Concerns about period-tracking apps have grown following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Electronic Frontier Foundation notes that while users should review an app's security and privacy protections, these apps aren't a direct threat to abortion seekers. Natural Cycles uses pseudonymization and encryption to conceal user data and only collects necessary information for the band.
The Natural Cycles Band supports Bluetooth 5.0 LE and has a battery life of up to 14 nights after it's fully charged via USB-C. The device is available for purchase at $129.99, as well as included with the company's annual plan for $149.99. Users can upgrade to the band from their existing Natural Cycles subscription for $99.99.
The new band offers an alternative to thermometer-based tracking, previously used by users who paired their device with the Apple Watch or Oura Ring. This wristband could be beneficial for those without these devices, but it's worth noting that Natural Cycles also supports other Samsung Galaxy smartwatches and the Galaxy Ring – albeit not primarily for temperature-based period and cycle tracking.
In 2018, Natural Cycles received FDA clearance as a form of birth control following controversy surrounding its efficacy. Critics argued that the device faced less scrutiny than other forms of contraception during the review process.
Initially, users could take their temperatures manually using a basal thermometer, which costs $14.50 separately or is included with the annual plan. However, Natural Cycles obtained FDA approval to use third-party devices and collect data without additional approval. This has allowed them to launch the wristband.
Concerns about period-tracking apps have grown following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Electronic Frontier Foundation notes that while users should review an app's security and privacy protections, these apps aren't a direct threat to abortion seekers. Natural Cycles uses pseudonymization and encryption to conceal user data and only collects necessary information for the band.
The Natural Cycles Band supports Bluetooth 5.0 LE and has a battery life of up to 14 nights after it's fully charged via USB-C. The device is available for purchase at $129.99, as well as included with the company's annual plan for $149.99. Users can upgrade to the band from their existing Natural Cycles subscription for $99.99.
I'm kinda concerned about this wristband launch... Like, think about it - we're already having issues with period-tracking apps and now someone's making a wearable that tracks all this sensitive stuff without our explicit consent? It's like, what if the data gets hacked or used for other purposes? 
The fact that Natural Cycles is using pseudonymization and encryption sounds good on paper, but we gotta be vigilant about these things. And let's not forget, some people are already struggling with period-tracking apps due to, you know, certain... life situations 
. I'm all for innovation, but I think we need to have a more nuanced conversation about what it means to 'track' our bodies and how that data is being used. 
. But hey, on the other hand, it's way more convenient than using a basal thermometer or relying on another smartwatch to track your temperature 
. And I guess it's cool that they've got pseudonymization and encryption to protect user data 
. Just make sure you review those security measures before syncing your info 
. Also, if you already have an annual plan with Natural Cycles, upgrading to the band might be a good deal 
. Overall, I think this wristband is a great alternative for those who don't have other smartwatches or prefer not to use Apple/Oura stuff 
.
, I'm so glad they launched this wristband thingy finally! It's about time someone made it easier for people without fancy smartwatches to track their periods... I mean, fertility status. $129.99 is a bit steep tho 
.
i've heard mixed things about Natural Cycles in the past but I guess this new product can't hurt anyone... right? 
they're making birth control more accessible and affordable, which is def a major win in my book 
plus they're prioritizing user security and privacy, which is a huge relief in my opinion 
natural cycles has come a long way since its FDA clearance back in 2018, and i'm all about celebrating their progress 
. And don't even get me started on the price - $129.99 is steep for something that's supposed to be about taking control of your body, not breaking the bank 
. But at the same time, I'm a bit concerned about the whole FDA approval process and how that's affected their testing protocols 
. And the fact that it syncs with their app and uses algorithms to track fertility status... that's some pretty cool tech stuff 
especially those who dont have access to fancy smartwatches or don't wanna spend extra on a separate thermometer... the wristband looks like a game changer 
! and yeah, its also super interesting how they got FDA approval to use 3rd party devices 
And the fact that it syncs with their app is genius. I can already imagine how helpful this will be for people who don't have fancy smartwatches or rings. Plus, it's not like they're asking for much - just a few bucks to keep track of your cycle and fertility status. $129.99? That's a small price to pay for peace of mind, if you ask me! 
. And what if it's not accurate? 
Did you know that studies show only like 80% of users actually track their basal temps correctly 
? That's a whole lotta money being thrown around for potentially inaccurate data 
. I'm all for pseudonymization and encryption, but what if this app gets hacked? 
. And have you guys seen the reviews on the Natural Cycles Band 
Natural Cycles Band revenue growth (2022-2025)
.
. And I think it's great that they're trying to make reproductive health more accessible 
. That's the only way we can ensure that these devices are used responsibly 
. It's like, we're already wearing our lives on our wrists with smartwatches and whatnot, but now we need to wear these fancy bands too? I get it, for people who can't use other devices, but still...it's just a lot of info being tracked down 
.