Birth control and cycle-tracking app Natural Cycles received its sixth FDA clearance for an updated version of its AI-powered NC° Fertility Algorithm. The company previously secured FDA clearances for its birth control app, integrations with Oura Ring and Apple Watch, and over-the-counter availability.
The next-generation algorithm combines statistical modeling with machine learning trained on tens of millions of real-world fertility data points to deliver more personalized recommendations. The FDA deemed the updated model maintained Natural Cycles‘ established safety and effectiveness while increasing users’ “Green Days”—non-fertile days when additional pregnancy protection isn’t required.
“People don’t just want effective birth control; they want a method that fits naturally into their lives,” said CEO and co-founder Dr. Elina Berglund Scherwitzl. “One of the unique advantages of a software-based contraceptive is that it can continue to evolve.”
On par with oral birth control, Natural Cycles is 98% effective with perfect use and 93% effective with typical use. The new algorithm also improves guidance for users with irregular cycles, lower-quality temperature and biomarker data, and cycle changes over time. The app now supports more than six million registered users worldwide.
