Natural Cycles Launches Wristband to Replace Thermometers

Natural Cycles is stepping into the wearable tech space with a new wristband designed to simplify fertility tracking for its FDA-cleared birth control app. The device measures skin temperature, heart rate, and movement while you sleep, syncing directly with the app to provide users with their “daily fertility status.” This move comes as an alternative to manual thermometers and smartwatches, offering more options for users seeking precise, data-driven cycle tracking.

The new wristband costs $129.99 and aims to give users a seamless experience without relying on external devices like the Apple Watch or Oura Ring. It also works alongside Samsung Galaxy smartwatches and the Galaxy Ring, but its primary purpose remains temperature-based fertility monitoring rather than planning or preventing pregnancy.

How the Natural Cycles Wristband Works

The wristband is designed to collect continuous biometric data overnight. Skin temperature, heart rate, and movement are recorded automatically, eliminating the need for manual temperature readings. The Natural Cycles app then analyzes this data using its algorithm to determine the user’s fertility status each day.

While some users have already tracked fertility through smartwatches or rings, the new wristband provides a dedicated solution. It is ideal for those who do not own compatible devices but still want the convenience of automated, accurate tracking. Users who currently own the basal thermometer can continue using it, as the wristband does not replace existing devices but expands the options available.

FDA Clearance and Controversies

Natural Cycles received FDA clearance as a birth control app in 2018, a decision that sparked debate. Critics pointed out that out of 668 women using the app, 37 reported unintended pregnancies, raising questions about its reliability compared to other contraceptives. Some argued that the app received less stringent scrutiny from regulators, given its software-based approach.

Since then, the FDA has allowed Natural Cycles to collect temperature data from third-party devices, including Apple Watch and Oura Ring. The new wristband benefits from this approval, as it does not require additional FDA clearance, giving users more options without regulatory hurdles.

Pricing and Accessibility

The Natural Cycles wristband is priced at $129.99, significantly higher than the $14.50 manual thermometer previously offered. However, it promises automated, effortless tracking, which could appeal to users seeking convenience over cost. By integrating directly with the app, it offers a simplified, hands-off approach to cycle monitoring that aligns with modern wearable trends.

The device also strengthens Natural Cycles’ position in the digital fertility space, providing an alternative to competitors that rely solely on third-party devices. With growing interest in data-driven reproductive health, the wristband could attract users looking for a dedicated solution that combines comfort, technology, and regulatory approval.

What This Means for Users

For women and menstruating individuals, the new wristband could transform how fertility is tracked. Automatic overnight monitoring reduces the risk of missed readings and ensures a more accurate assessment of daily fertility. It also offers peace of mind for those relying on temperature-based contraception methods, without needing additional smart devices.

By launching this wristband, Natural Cycles expands accessibility while addressing concerns over the app’s usability. While debates over its effectiveness remain, this move demonstrates a push toward more convenient and technology-driven reproductive health tools.

Natural Cycles’ wristband signals a growing trend in combining wearable tech with health monitoring, offering users a modern, automated approach to fertility tracking. As adoption increases, it may redefine how temperature-based birth control is perceived and used globally.