Oura Introduces Fertile Window Feature
The wearables company has introduced the Fertile Window feature to provide individuals with deeper insights into their fertility
Oura has introduced the Fertile Window feature to provide individuals with deeper insights into their fertility through continuous physiological tracking. A study conducted by Oura found that the Oura Ring significantly outperformed the traditional calendar method in predicting ovulation, particularly for those with irregular cycles.
“We’re deeply committed to helping all of our members understand their bodies better,” says Shyamal Patel, SVP of Science at Oura. “By giving individuals more insight into their Fertile Window, we hope to improve body literacy, cycle awareness, and overall reproductive health. Whether members are trying to conceive or learn more about their bodies, it is helpful for them to know their fertile window, which can also feel very empowering.”
Oura’s Fertile Window prediction is different from other fertility trackers because it relies on physiological data rather than solely calendar tracking. The feature has been validated by a study published in Journal of Medical Internet Research, showing that it can detect 96.4% of ovulations with an average error of just ±1.26 days, more accurate than many traditional methods, especially for those with irregular cycles.
“Fertile Window is underpinned by the physiology method, using continuous temperature sensing and advanced signal processing,” Patel told Athletech News. “Our findings showed that individuals with irregular cycles saw a drastic improvement in accuracy, with ovulation detection errors reduced from 6.63 days (calendar method) to just 1.48 days. A standout finding from the study was our performance with irregular cycles. While the calendar method had an average error of 6.63 days for these participants, our physiology method maintained an error of just 1.48 days, showcasing the robust nature of our algorithm across diverse physiological variations.”
The Fertile Window feature is part of Oura’s broader focus on women’s health, with other offerings such as Cycle Insights, Pregnancy Insights, and the Perimenopause Report. Collaborations with platforms like Clue, Flo, Glow, and Natural Cycles further enhance the depth of insights available to users.
In a discussion with Athletech News earlier this year, Oura’s CEO spoke about how the company is disrupting healthcare. The company recently raised over $200 million in Series D, bringing its valuation to $5.2 billion. Female health plays a key part of its strategy, with many users enticed by the company’s ability to combine sleep, physiological, and reproductive data insights.
“A top priority in fulfilling our mission is continuing to deliver meaningful products for our female members, including detailed insights and guidance about their unique bodies and overall health,” Patel stated. “Women’s health encompasses not only reproductive health, which is why we take a holistic approach to well-being, no matter your stage of life.”
Recent research also analyzed data from over 100,000 female members, uncovering significant trends in sleep loss and cardiovascular changes during perimenopause.
“The report’s findings confirmed that perimenopause is a time when women experience a range of physical and mental changes that can affect all aspects of their lives,” Patel noted. “Of note, data showed a progressive loss in sleep that results in up to two hours of lost sleep each week as women transition from perimenopause to postmenopause. Additionally, heart rate variability, an important marker of cardiovascular health, declines 20 to 30 percent in early and late perimenopausal women.”
Oura continues to invest in women’s health through research and product development, working with academic institutions to advance scientific understanding in this field.
“We’re continuing to invest heavily in women’s health features, emphasizing our commitment to helping women understand their bodies better,” Patel concluded. “Expect to see continued advancements in our ability to provide women with personalized, data-driven insights.”