Monitoring Cervical Fluid Electrolytes: the potential next innovation in non-hormonal contraception
Written by Dr. Brittany Barreto, Founder & CEO, FemHealth Insights
In recent years, there has been a growing demand from women for non-hormonal contraception options. While traditional methods such as male and female condoms, copper IUDs, spermicides, and vaginal gels have been available, many women seek alternatives that don't rely on hormonal interventions or have side effects. This demand has prompted innovative solutions, including the use of technology to monitor biological markers associated with fertility. One of them is cervical fluid, whose contraceptive properties have been leveraged in pharmaceutical birth control but not yet in natural alternatives.
The Role of Cervical Mucus in Fertility and Contraception
Cervical mucus, produced by the cervix, plays a key role in the reproductive process and changes continuously throughout the menstrual cycle in response to hormones and other environmental factors, Its role is not just to enable or prevent sperm from entering internal reproductive organs but also to protect women from infections and bacteria. Unlike popular belief that the best and fastest sperm make it into the internal reproductive system of a woman, it is the cervical fluid that selects which sperm enter.
Many modern IUDs and birth control pills, instead of preventing ovulation, target these unique contraceptive cervical fluid properties. They thicken cervical fluid throughout the cycle so that sperm cannot enter the cervix.
Although subjective, this infertile thick cervical mucus can also be observed visually. Millions of women around the world use manual cervical fluid observation to try to avoid conception naturally.
Even though cervical fluid has high contraceptive potential and provides valuable insights into a woman's fertility, until recently it has been very difficult to assess objectively outside of laboratory settings.
How Cervical Fluid Monitoring is gaining popularity
One of the pioneers in a new era of personalized healthcare is women’s health startup Lady Technologies, which cracked the code of accessing vaginal health by providing women with user-friendly intimate products capable of sensing vaginal data.
Their first product, kegg, which is a fertility monitor, translates the changes in cervical fluid through electrolyte measurements in 2 minutes a day while also helping women exercise their pelvic floor muscles. kegg is designed to help women who are trying to conceive, and it is not to be used for contraceptive purposes. While kegg has gained massive online popularity among couples who are struggling to conceive, helping over 25k American couples in the 2 years it has been on the market, the company is using its wealth of data to further research cervical fluid.
Lady Technologies New Research Study: A Novel Approach to Contraception
Recognizing the significant demand for non-hormonal contraception, especially among postpartum and interpregnancy women, Lady Technologies is embarking on an exciting new research study. The goal is to demonstrate that their cervical fluid measuring capabilities are at least as effective as, if not superior, to other approved birth control methods. This groundbreaking approach measures electrical impedance in cervical mucus to predict fertility.
To gain approval by the FDA as a contraception device, kegg must prove in its studies that it is as effective as predicate contraception software applications that use basal body temperature (BBT) and menstrual cycle information. This rigorous process underscores the commitment to providing women with a safe and reliable non-hormonal contraceptive option.
Beyond Contraception: Advancing Women's Reproductive Health
Lady Technology's research study extends beyond contraception alone; it has the potential to uncover valuable insights into women's reproductive health. The medical-grade sensitivity of the device allows for the measurement of variables never before explored. This includes examining the relationship between cervical fluid and irregular menstrual cycles, non-ovulatory cycles, changes in vaginal health after childbirth and during breastfeeding, and the transition to menopause.
These findings could significantly enhance Lady Technology's ability to offer users clinically backed insights into their reproductive health. They aim to empower women with a holistic view of their reproductive journey by advancing predictive capabilities and expanding their understanding of women's health.
In Conclusion: A Promising Future for Non-Hormonal Contraception
As the demand for non-hormonal contraception options continues to rise, innovative solutions like kegg are poised to revolutionize women's reproductive health. Monitoring cervical fluid electrical impedance provides a novel and potentially more accurate approach to fertility tracking and contraception. With ongoing research studies, Lady Technologies strives not only to meet but to exceed the standards set by traditional contraceptive methods.
In addition to contraception, the potential benefits for women's reproductive health are vast, making kegg a pioneering device in the field of FemTech. While further research and FDA approvals are required, Lady Technology’s dedication to empowering women with informed choices about their reproductive health represents a promising step forward in the realm of non-hormonal contraception.
In a world where women increasingly seek non-hormonal alternatives for contraception, Lady Technology’s innovative technology may offer them a safe, effective, and natural solution. As the research progresses, we eagerly await the potential transformation it could bring to women's reproductive choices and overall well-being.
About the Author:
Dr. Brittany Barreto, Ph.D., is Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at FemHealth Insights. Every day, Brittany dedicates her work to advancing women’s health innovation by equipping key stakeholders with data-driven insights and strategic advice on the FemHealth market. She is also host of the FemTech Focus Podcast - the number 1 femtech podcast globally.
