Femtech applications are revolutionizing women’s healthcare in Bangladesh

Women’s health care and hygiene have long been taboo in our country and in most parts of the world. Even the simplest psychological issues related to women’s health care have been subsumed under lamentable euphemisms.

However, the new generation of women is more body positive. As femtech apps embrace and challenge norms around women’s healthcare and the lack of appropriate ideas about it, femtech apps continue to enter Bangladeshi households.

Femtech applications are technology that uses software, services, and information to improve women’s health care. These apps deal with menstruation, pregnancy care, postpartum, hormonal issues, sexual well-being and other important aspects of women’s health.

They use an algorithm to track the user’s cycle (menstruation, ovulation or hormonal) and improve their quality of life by informing the user about their sexual and hormonal well-being. There are different categories of femtech applications.

Tracker apps are the most popular femtech apps. These usually follow the menstrual and ovulation cycles every month. Once the user enters their body information, the Trackers keep a personalized profile and alert users in case of irregularity, ovulation period or upcoming cycle. Applications of this type are much more prominent in our country.

Pregnancy is one of the most important parts of a woman’s life. Women go through a lot of changes and challenges during this period. They are more prone to emotional insecurity and mental health issues due to hormonal changes. The pregnancy tracking app helps women understand the changes in their bodies, debunks myths, and alerts them to various medications, exercise, or doctor visits.

Birth control apps create a personalized chart for users based on the information they provide. It informs users about their fertile window and various methods to follow.

Generally, femtech applications combine these three categories in their applications and services.

Menstruation, ovulation and hormones are important parts of women’s health. However, they are still taboo in many parts of the world. While Bangladesh is slowly changing its landscape by promoting more women-centric services, it still lags behind in openly promoting information.

The femtech application can also be implemented from another point of view. For example, there are various issues that women hesitate to discuss, even with doctors. Most women do not go for a consultation, thinking that it is a hassle. And this can lead to bigger health problems.

The Femtech app, with all your information logged in, can help you understand and learn about your cycle and hormone variations. This helps in establishing the primary diagnosis.

These applications are more cost effective. You can even book an online consultation at a lower cost than doctors.

Many rural areas still lack adequate health care. For women in this area, these apps can be lifesavers. You can download these apps for free using the internet. However, we need to promote and educate people about these applications.

These apps help women understand their bodies better. We have been brought up in a culture where we do not place enough emphasis on our bodily functions. It is essential to take care of your sexual well-being and hygiene from a young age.

But these topics are often frowned upon and seen as adult stuff. Through the femtech app, young girls can easily access information about their bodies and learn how to take care of them.

If you’re a beginner and still trying to figure out femtech apps, here are some suggestions for you to choose from.

Trace

Clue works as a period, ovulation and PMS tracker. Based on the logged data, you can get predictions and patterns about your cycle. They have an encyclopedia that covers a wide range of topics, from menstruation to sexual and mental well-being.

It’s free to use and has access to trackers and an information center. The premium version, Clue Plus, allows five modes – tracker, birth control, conception, pregnancy and postpartum for $5 per month.

Maya

Maya’s digital assistant works as a tracker. Expert advisors also help their clients with their health problems. These affordable services provide anonymity so people can apply without hesitation. Their Maya Shop home delivery service helps you deliver personal hygiene and feminine products to your home.

Flo

When we talk about period trackers, Flo is probably one of the most common names we get. However, the app has evolved into much more. Today, you can get daily insights and tips, educational content on various health topics, set goals, calendars, log symptoms, and more.

The Flo health assistant helps you navigate various difficulties and questions, as well as your health and sexual well-being. There is a paid version and a free version. The premium version allows you to access videos and articles. If you’re getting started, a free version is more than enough.

Femtech apps are quite easy to use. All you need is a smartphone and a fairly stable internet connection. These apps can be great tools in our daily lives if we take advantage of their potential.

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