Can a Fertility App Really Help Me?

These days, there’s an app for everything – getting from A to B, ordering dinner... but have you ever tried a fertility app?

Well, now you're going to want to.

No, we’re not talking about some sort of bionic connection between your uterus and your cell phone.

Rather, a fertility app that can help you keep track of your menstrual cycle, discuss early pregnancy symptoms, and find support when you're trying to conceive.

In this article: 📝

How fertility apps work

Of course, even the best period tracker app will only work if you’re willing to do your bit.

These kind of fertility apps work based on the data you give them, so it’s up to you to record when your next period is.

The best trying to conceive apps will give you options to record not only the date of your menstrual cycle, but any other potential symptoms such as:

• Spotting
• Sex drive
• Mood

This means they’re also helpful even if you’re not trying to conceive.

For example, if you’re planning a vacation and would rather not deal with your period, then you can look at your data to see when you're next due.

Some couples even use period tracker apps as a form of contraception – making sure they avoid unprotected sex around the time when a woman is ovulating.

However, if you’re not trying to conceive, this method should be used with caution!

While conception is not easy, we’ve all heard stories of ‘happy little accidents’ happening, and the human body is anything but predictable.

When it comes to fertility support apps, like Peanut, we don't give you information on your cycles, but instead introduce you to a community of women who are going through the same thing.

Whether that's looking into egg donors, approaching a new IVF cycle, or just starting to track your periods.

Essentially, we provide a safe space for mothers, expectant mothers, and those trying to conceive to build friendships, ask questions, and find support - which is a little different to a period tracker app.

How accurate are fertility apps?

If your satellite navigation system told you to drive into a river, you’d ignore it, right?

The same applies to fertility apps – they are generally useful for a broad overview and predicting trends, but they should by no means be relied upon.

One 2018 study even showed that they can be as little as 21% accurate.

This doesn’t mean you should discount fertility apps altogether.

In fact, they can be very helpful for tracking your period and making plans… or figuring out why you’re feeling inexplicably moody.

But if you’re relying on them to make a baby, or avoid making a baby, you should always have a back-up plan.

There’s no measure more reliable than looking at your own body.

Have you studied your discharge, for example?

Is your sex drive higher at certain times of the month?

What is the best fertility app?

So, now we know the limitations and the benefits of fertility apps, it’s time to find the best ones.

Every app will have its own unique features, so make sure you consider all of this when choosing.

Peanut, obvs. 🥜

Over 2 million women have joined Peanut to connect, ask questions and find support.

While you navigate trying to conceive, the app provides access to a community who are there to listen, share information, and offer valuable advice.

Finding friends at a similar stage in life is easier than ever on Peanut.

Apple Health

For iPhone users, the Apple Health app offers a period tracker that sends notifications when your period is due.

You can also log symptoms such as spotting or breast tenderness, and keep a note of factors such as cervical mucus and ovulation test results.

Clue

This one’s available for all smartphone users and has both free and premium options.

With a simple display showing your cycle, the app offers a ‘fertile window’ based on your previous data, and can notify you when your next period is due.

You can use the calendar function to look back at trends and predict period dates for months in advance.

Natural Cycles

Like Apple Health, Natural Cycles records your basal body temperature and uses this as one of the determining factors for fertility.

You can measure your own temperature and find out when ovulation is next expected, with helpful daily updates.

What app helps you get pregnant?

If you and your partner are looking to have a baby, then you may need more than just your period data.

Peanut offers instant advice and support from other women.

So, while it's not a period tracker, it's the perfect place for all of your burning questions about improving your chances of pregnancy.

How do you calculate your ovulation date?

Remember, you can experiment with all the trying to conceive apps in the world, but there’s no better way of doing it than listening to your body.

To complement your fertility app, try your hand at a little ‘period math’ as well:

• To work out your ovulation date, you’ll need to know a rough idea of your average cycle length. For some women, this is a standard 28 days, but for others, it could be shorter, or up to 35 days (barring external factors).
• If your cycle is 28 days, you should expect to ovulate around 14 days before the date of your next period – anywhere between days 12, 13, and 14.
• If your cycle is longer, take 14 days from the date of your next period – so if it’s 35 days, you may ovulate around days 19, 20, or 21.
• Look for other symptoms of ovulation including white discharge or clear, gluey discharge.

It may take a few months to get it right, but once you’re into the swing of things, you should try having sex as much as possible in that two to three-day window, with some room for error on either side.