Femtech

Femtech (or female technology) is a term used to define software and services that use technology tailored towards women's health. Femtech includes menstruation care (such as period-tracking apps and menstrual products), as well as fertility and reproductive system healthcare, pregnancy and nursing care, and sexual health. The term "femtech" was coined in 2016 for the menstrual health app Clue. Femtech applications come in several different forms, such as mobile apps and medical devices.

Femtech (or female technology) is a term used to define software and services that use technology tailored towards women's health. Femtech includes menstruation care (such as period-tracking apps and menstrual products), as well as fertility and reproductive system healthcare, pregnancy and nursing care, and sexual health. The term "femtech" was coined in 2016 for the menstrual health app Clue. Femtech applications come in several different forms, such as mobile apps and medical devices.

Companies and products

There are numerous femtech companies offering a variety of different products throughout the world, such as Clue, DOT, Glow, Eve, Cycles, My Calendar, Life, FertilityIQ, Extend Fertility, Forte Medical, Flo, Lady Cycle and others. Companies that offer services like IVF, egg freezing, and medical treatments include Univfy, Progyny, Inc. Apricity, Winx Health, and Prelude Fertility. Valley Electronics created the original fertility tracking tech device, called the Lady-Comp fertility tracker, which was first produced in Germany in 1986 and has a modernized model still on the market in addition to a newer variant of fertility tracking device called the Daysy fertility tracker, which was the first device to pair a fertility tracker with an app. Similarly, the fertility company, Ava, produces a wearable that tracks fertility. Several companies also produce internet-connected medical devices that are often paired with mobile apps to track specific data. For instance, Elvie and Willow produce a wearable breast pump. The Elvie breast pump also connects to an app. Elvie also offers a kegel-tracking device. In 2020, Kegg launched a 2-in-1 fertility tracker that senses electrolyte levels of cervical fluid and assists the user in pelvic floor exercises. Lioness produces a smart vibrator with an app that uses biofeedback to help users learn more about their bodies. Other medical devices and implements produced in the femtech category may or may not use an internet connection. Joylux is a women's health technology company creating medical and feminine wellness devices under the vSculpt and vFit brands. Companies like L. and Flex offer alternatives to standard tampon and condom products. Thinx sells reusable period underwear that absorbs menstrual blood. Swedish company Natural Cycles was the first to receive official approval to market its app as digital contraception in the European Union and in August 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved marketing in the U.S. Controversy around the app as a contraceptive device grew stronger after numerous women in Stockholm reported unplanned pregnancies after using the app. After Swedish authorities concluded the investigation, the amount of unintended pregnancies was found to be in line with claims made by Natural Cycles. Companies in the breastfeeding and breast-pumping space like Milk Stork provide services such as breast milk shipping.

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External links

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1366380101 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.