Canada-based Reya Health has announced the launch of its birth control education and support app, designed to help Canadians with ovaries find suitable contraceptive options. The app, launching today, uses smart algorithms to match users with birth control methods through a personalized questionnaire.
The company aims to address the challenges many face when finding appropriate birth control. According to Reya Health, more than 70 percent of birth control users describe their experience negatively, and 50 percent of Gen-Z menstruators have stopped using birth control due to side effects. The company also notes that 45 percent of unplanned pregnancies occur due to birth control non-adherence.
“Women and people with ovaries continue to be failed by the healthcare system,” says Reya Health’s Founder and CEO, Dallas Barnes, whose experience trying to find the right birth control landed her in the emergency room twice with serious reactions. “For the average Canadian birth control user, the trial-and-error process takes 2 years. Throughout this time, a lot of people report unwanted side effects and symptoms and a lack of support from healthcare providers.”
The app’s approach has gained support from medical professionals. “The current approach to offering birth control choices lacks the precision that is possible with tech. Reya Health’s solution to personalize the options brings a much needed revolution in patient experience”, says Dr. Thara Vayali, ND, Medical Advisor for Reya Health and co-founder of hey freya.
Dr. Rahima Alani, another physician on the Reya team, adds: “As a family physician, I’m thrilled that Reya will be a go-to resource for people when figuring out what birth control options might be the best fit for them. Based on their medical history, their previous history with birth control and their needs and preferences.”
The app will be available on both Google Play and Apple App Stores for Canadian users, who can access it either independently or through insurance providers and benefit plans.
Barnes emphasizes the broader implications of their work: “Women’s health has been neglected and overlooked for far too long. Women’s health care solutions are labelled ‘good enough’ and people who are struggling are told to deal with it. I’m inspired that Reya is part of something much larger than just our app. We are contributing to health innovations, entire communities and we are bettering women’s safety and well-being globally.”
