Smart rings are gaining popularity as an alternative to hormonal birth control, with many people opting to track their periods using these devices. The Oura Ring and Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Ring are leading examples of smart rings that monitor sleep, heart function, and skin temperature to forecast menstrual cycles. While these rings are not intended for contraception, they have been integrated with apps like Natural Cycles for birth control purposes.
Interest in smart rings has increased among women, especially those in their 20s, looking for birth control alternatives. However, reproductive health specialists caution that other methods like intrauterine devices are more effective for preventing pregnancy, with Natural Cycles claiming a 93 percent efficacy rate with typical use. The rise of cycle-tracking smart rings is part of the growing “femtech” trend supporting women’s health, with the market projected to reach $50 billion by 2025.
While smart rings offer benefits like extended data collection and longer battery life compared to smartwatches, they come with a hefty price tag and potential privacy concerns. These rings track body temperature changes during the menstrual cycle, but it’s unclear whether skin temperature accurately reflects core body temperature changes. Factors like age, skin thickness, and physical activities can affect the reliability of temperature readings.
Research suggests that smart rings may capture wider temperature variations across menstrual cycles compared to smartwatches or bands, making them potentially more accurate for predicting menstruation. However, the effectiveness of smart rings as contraception remains a topic of debate among healthcare professionals. While wearables can help users understand their cycles better, they may not be reliable for everyone, especially those with irregular periods or specific medical conditions.
Ultimately, the data collected by smart rings could provide valuable insights into menstrual cycles and reproductive health, potentially offering information that traditional studies have not been able to capture. As more people embrace wearable technology, it is important to continue researching and evaluating the effectiveness and accuracy of smart rings for reproductive care. While these devices have the potential to empower individuals to take control of their fertility, further studies in larger and more diverse populations are needed to validate their use universally.