FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#13 - Flipbook - Page 47
Apps & Platforms
• Cycle Apps & Data Analytics
Apps offering predictive
insights based on menstrual
data including menopause
symptom tracking and AIdriven lifestyle content—though
they still faces scrutiny over
data-sharing practices.
• Telehealth Maternity
Integrated blood pressure
cuffs, digital scales and
fetal heart monitors with
clinician dashboards to deliver
personalised remote antenatal
care in both metropolitan and
rural/rural-remote settings.
Consumer Products & E-Commerce
• Period-Proof Apparel
Leak-proof underwear,
swimwear and activewear
designed for periods,
postpartum leakage or
light incontinence.
• Pelvic Health Devices
Wearable devices delivering
TENS-like (transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation)
pulses to relieve period cramps
without medication.
Challenges and
Considerations
Data Privacy & Security
With femtech apps collecting highly
sensitive personal and health data,
concerns about data privacy are
front and centre. Australian dataprivacy laws (Privacy Act 1988)
require clear user consent and robust
de-identi昀椀cation, but gaps remain—
especially when femtech platforms
operate cross-jurisdictionally. Ensuring
transparency around data usage and
implementing end-to-end encryption
are critical for maintaining user trust.
Clinical Ef昀椀cacy & Regulation
Not all femtech solutions are
rigorously validated. For example,
some period-tracking apps rely
on self-reported data without
clinical oversight, which can lead
to inaccurate cycle predictions.
Regulators like Australia’s Therapeutic
Goods Administration (TGA) and the
US FDA increasingly classify certain
apps and devices as medical devices,
demanding clinical trials and evidence
of safety/ef昀椀cacy. However, navigating
these regulatory pathways can be
time-consuming and costly—often
favouring well-funded startups over
bootstrapped founders.
Equity & Accessibility
Despite rapid growth, femtech’s reach
can be uneven. High-cost devices,
subscription-based models, and
premium telehealth services may be
out of reach for low-income women.
Additionally, many solutions are
developed in English or other major
languages, overlooking Indigenous
Australian communities and nonEnglish speakers. To promote true
inclusivity, companies need to design
with diverse demographics in mind,
considering rural access, cultural
sensitivities and affordability.
