Fertility Monitoring Using Body Temperature and an App

Today Codrin is joined by Raoul Sherwitzl, the co-founder of Natural Cycles, a mobile app for contraception and fertility monitoring. Raoul and his wife developed the concept together while researching non-hormonal, non-invasive alternatives to the traditional birth control they were used to. Unsatisfied with their options, they set about developing an app that would predict ovulation using only data input from the user. Natural Cycles uses daily body temperature readings to assess whether a woman is at risk of pregnancy on a particular day. As an entirely non-invasive option, Natural Cycles also offers the unique benefit of having zero risk of side effects. Raoul lets us in on his plans for the future of this software and the technology associated with it. He intends on making the app more accessible and furthering the technology to create a better user experience. Ultimately, he would like to expand the services offered by Natural Cycles, creating and accessible and easy-to-use software that supports women’s health overall. Listen to the podcast to learn about: • The science behind how Natural Cycles accurately predicts ovulation. • How Natural Cycles has changed fertility monitoring for its users. • Benefits of using an app as opposed to traditional methods of birth control. • How algorithm-based technology could change the future of health care. • The challenge of creating a product for which there are no existing regulations in place. • How the accessibility of birth control ties into greater issues, such as climate change. • The importance of transparency when marketing healthcare products. • Raoul’s immediate plans for updates to Natural Cycles.