Samsung joins the cycle tracking bandwagon with new partnership

Samsung on Monday announced a partnership with Natural Cycles that will combine the former’s temperature sensor with the latter’s fertility tracking algorithm, giving users more insight into where they are in their menstrual cycle.

The technology will be available for Galaxy Watch 5 And Watch 5 Pro users by the end of June, Samsung said.

For a more accurate temperature reading, users will need to wear their watch to bed at night to allow Samsung’s sensor to do its job. Like similar technology from Apple, it is not a birth control device. But some software and wearable companies have dabbled in temperature-based cycle tracking that can help people detect ovulation.

With consistent daily temperature readings, a person can usually tell if and when they ovulated, because the temperature rises slightly after ovulation and remains elevated until the onset of menstruation, compared to the first half of the cycle.

For people trying to get pregnant, combining months of temperature data with other fertility tracking methods, like checking cervical mucus or taking predictive ovulation tests, can give them a better idea. their fertile window and the start of their next period. (Pregnancy is most likely to occur within a few days before ovulation or the day the egg is released. Ovulation can also vary from month to month, even in people with “normal” or “clockwork” cycles.) Beyond fertility, regular ovulation is a good sign of overall healthmonitoring may therefore be beneficial for people who are not taking hormonal contraception.

Samsung isn’t the first smartwatch to track users’ temperature as it relates to their menstrual cycle. Apple announced a similar ovulation tracker last fall. Oura also partnered with Natural Cycles last summer so that ring wearers can sync their temperature data with the Natural Cycles app. However, Samsung is the first smartwatch to use the Natural Cycles algorithm, according to the press release.

Samsung said its cycle tracking feature will be available in 32 markets, including the US and UK.

Learn more: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 review: The best Android watch, yet

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical or health advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.