Description of Session
The Dot fertility app uses machine learning to determine users’ daily risks for pregnancy based solely on their period start dates. While there are thousands of “fertility trackers” on the market, Dot is one of very few apps designed to be used for pregnancy prevention. It is also the only fertility app to date to undergo a full-scale contraceptive efficacy study. Dot was developed to provide users with actionable, evidence-based fertility information that can help them achieve their reproductive goals and to address unmet contraceptive need. It has taken years to develop this approach and technology. The process included: - Defining a clear vision for the method requirements (e.g., using only period start dates); - Careful statistical modeling using large-scale global data sets; - The training and testing of an algorithm that could adapt to a user’s cycles over time and provide accurate pregnancy risks for an individual; - Development of an app that incorporated human centered design and engaged users to ensure that the information provided to them was well understood, easy to use, and intuitive; - A rigorous 21 month contraceptive efficacy study conducted by external researchers with funding support from USAID to determine its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. - Ongoing monitoring and evaluation to understand how this technology works in a range of contexts. In the meantime, “FemTech” (health technologies designed for women) as a category has exploded bringing with it confusion, competition, funding, and regulation. Dot sits in a unique position as an evidence-based solution within a quickly expanding and changing category. We’ll explore the development of this technology, the underlying evidence, as well as the opportunities and challenges of offering digital contraception given today’s changing landscape.
