Oura is launching a new reproductive health feature that takes hormonal contraception into consideration when tracking period cycles. The smart ring maker describes the Hormonal Birth Control update as a first-of-its-kind experience inside Oura's existing Cycle Insights feature, allowing users to see how over 20 combinations of hormonal birth control methods — including pills, patches, IUDs, and implants — can affect their overall biometric data.
Feature Rollout and Functionality
The feature will begin rolling out globally on May 6th. It is designed to show the impact that hormonal contraception may have on temperature patterns, sleep, and recovery, and can help users to track bleeding and symptoms over time. That data can then be referenced to distinguish how biometrics shift across hormone and hormone-free days — making it easier for individuals who menstruate to determine what a normal cycle should be for them, and flag any unexpected health concerns.
Industry Context and Considerations
This is the latest of several products and features in the health tech industry that have jumped on the wellness trend of hormone optimization. While the company emphasizes that users do not need to provide urine samples for these insights, any effort to expand reproductive healthcare should be commended. However, caution is warranted as the wellness tech industry often preys on anxieties. In a post-Roe v. Wade United States, where people fear period tracking data could be weaponized in court, there are many reasons to keep contraceptive methods private.
