Authorities in Europe endorse the initial saliva-based contraceptive method, eliminating the need for oral medications.
The Minilab, a revolutionary saliva-based fertility tracker developed by Berlin-based startup Inne, has received regulatory approval for use as a contraceptive in Europe. This innovative device offers a non-hormonal, side-effect-free alternative to traditional contraceptives, aiming to empower women to take control of their reproductive health.
The Minilab works by detecting daily changes in progesterone levels from saliva samples, similar to pregnancy or COVID-19 rapid tests. Using a lateral flow assay and a matchbox-sized reading device, the Minilab analyzes hormone levels and syncs with a companion app to indicate fertility status, guiding users on when to avoid unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
A year-long clinical study involving 300 women over approximately 1,500 cycles found the Minilab to be 100% effective when used perfectly, and 92% effective for typical use. This effectiveness is comparable to the progesterone pill, which has about 99% effectiveness with perfect use and 92-93% with typical use, and considerably more effective than condoms, which are around 98% effective with perfect use and about 82-87% typical use effectiveness, according to NHS statistics.
While the study was relatively small and observational, and the device is newer and less extensively studied compared to traditional contraceptives like pills, condoms, and IUDs, the Minilab offers several advantages. It is non-invasive and non-hormonal, avoiding side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives like pills or IUDs. Additionally, it provides a personalized and scientific approach to fertility awareness through technology-enhanced monitoring, offering a hormone-tracking alternative to barrier methods like condoms.
However, it's important to note that the Minilab's effectiveness depends heavily on user adherence to avoiding unprotected sex during the fertile window. As with any contraceptive method, it's crucial for users to understand its limitations and use it responsibly.
Inne aims to make saliva-based testing a readily available option for women everywhere. The Minilab is now available for purchase in Germany and Austria, with plans to expand to the UK later this year. The company's founder and CEO, Eirini Rapti, believes the Minilab's saliva-based testing is a good alternative for women to take control of their bodies and health.
Period-tracking apps, such as Flo, help women track their fertility windows based on data from their previous cycles. However, the Minilab offers a more precise and scientific approach, setting a new standard in non-hormonal contraceptives. As more women seek hormone-free options to the pill or IUD, it's likely that tech-based contraceptive apps and devices like the Minilab will continue to gain popularity and influence the future of reproductive health.
The Minilab, being a technology-enhanced saliva-based fertility tracker, does not only cater to women's health but also integrates with the realm of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, as it promotes a personalized and scientific approach to fertility awareness. With the Minilab's effectiveness in preventing pregnancy comparable to some traditional contraceptives such as the progesterone pill, it is a significant player in the science sector, offering a non-hormonal alternative that focuses on health-and-wellness for women.
