If you’ve noticed more ads for smart rings, AI-powered fertility apps, and “wearables that predict your fertile window,” you’re not imagining it. The femtech space has exploded and it’s only getting bigger. In 2025, companies are racing to create the next big thing in reproductive health technology. But with every flashy algorithm and sleek device, the real question remains: do these tools actually work?
The rise of fertility tech
The global femtech market is expected to surpass $100 billion by 2030, with fertility tracking devices and apps driving a huge share of that growth. What started as simple period trackers has evolved into a high-tech ecosystem of smart rings, watches and sensors that claim to monitor ovulation by reading subtle body signals from skin temperature and heart rate variability (HRV) to breathing patterns and even finger pulse.
This boom is largely driven by demand: millions of people are seeking more data and control over their reproductive health, especially in a world where access to fertility services can be limited or costly.
What the tech actually measures
Most modern wearables (like the Oura Ring, Ultrahuman, and even updates coming to the Apple Watch) rely on physiological signals that shift across the menstrual cycle. Skin temperature tends to dip slightly before ovulation and rise afterward, while HRV and resting heart rate also fluctuate with hormonal changes.
These signals are real, but they’re indirect. They show how your body responds to hormonal shifts, not the hormones themselves. That’s an important distinction.
Recent internal studies from wearable makers claim up to 90–95% accuracy in detecting ovulation when compared to traditional methods. But independent research paints a more cautious picture: accuracy drops when cycles are irregular, when users sleep inconsistently or when external factors like illness or alcohol affect body temperature.
In short: wearables can provide valuable patterns, but they’re not yet diagnostic tools. They’re best viewed as a complement, not a replacement, for proven tracking methods like LH tests, cervical mucus observation and basal body temperature charting.
AI apps: helpful assistant or false confidence?
AI-based fertility apps are also evolving fast. These apps use your data to learn your personal cycle patterns and predict fertile windows more accurately over time. That’s great in theory, but their accuracy depends entirely on the quality and consistency of the data you input.
Studies have shown that cycle prediction apps alone can be wrong up to 80% of the time when estimating ovulation day without physiological data. That’s why many fertility specialists recommend pairing app-based tracking with hormone testing or other physical markers for confirmation.
The sweet spot: pairing tech with biology
The future of fertility tracking isn’t about choosing between tech or traditional methods, it’s about combining the two.
Imagine this: your smart ring flags a potential fertile window based on body temp and HRV shifts. You confirm with an ovulation test to detect your actual LH surge. Then you monitor your cervical mucus and temperature for confirmation. That’s layered, evidence-based tracking and it’s the most reliable way to predict and confirm ovulation.
How to use fertility tech wisely
Before you buy into the hype, here’s how to get the most out of fertility tech:
-
Use tech for trends, not decisions. Let it guide your awareness, not dictate timing or contraception.
-
Nail down and confirm ovulation with LH tests and your basal body temperature. Wearables show patterns, tests show proof.
-
Track for at least 3 months to understand your unique baseline before making conclusions.
-
Prioritize data privacy. Check if the app shares or sells reproductive data, it’s worth reading the fine print.
Conclusion
Fertility tech is evolving and it’s an exciting time for body literacy and hormone awareness. But no device (no matter how smart) can replace your body’s own signals. The best approach is a blend of personal intuition, biological data, and smart technology working together.