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Comment by jaldoretta | Hacker News Reader

Contraceptive innovation is WAY behind other industries. Condoms are completely outdated, the pill really hasn't changed since the 1960s, the IUD since the '70s, the "new" implants are really just a minor evolution of the pill, etc. You'd think such a basic human need would be more of a priority.

My startup is helping to tackle this problem by trying to inform people that menstrual cycle data, on its own, can help prevent pregnancy with the same efficacy as hormonal contraception (and this isn't the rhythm method, despite the common misconception). While it doesn't prevent the spread of STIs like condoms, tech that replaces "modern" methods for women could change the industry.

We actually just released a marketing campaign for that exact purpose:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=3PzfJ4caalY

I'm really looking forward to the much-needed innovation in this industry.

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> My startup is helping to tackle this problem by trying to inform people that menstrual cycle data, on its own, can help prevent pregnancy with the same efficacy as hormonal contraception (and this isn't the rhythm method, despite the common misconception).

I think you should be very careful with making unqualified statements like that. If it isn't the rhythm method then you should explain exactly what it is because the 'common misconception' requiring you to distance yourself from the rhythm method before someone even brings it up is alive and kicking and it is up to you to provide the evidence that it isn't so by explaining how it does work.

Your marketing video certainly does nothing to clarify, and the app description on your website screams 'rhythm method in an app' from every page.

Noted.

If you read our "App" page, you would have seen 'sympto-thermal method of fertility awareness' mentioned at least once. Check out "Learn" for a literal book's worth of information (complete with references) about how this works. We've taken an approach of trying to ease people into this, but maybe that hasn't come across in this instance.

How would you suggest we introduce the topic without scaring people off with such scientifically dense-sounding terms as "sympto-thermal method"? Is anything we can say going to be believable to our target customer off the bat?

> sympto-thermal method of fertility awareness

You're going to run smack into the wall of terminology here.

The 'rhythm method' or 'calender method' was a Rome sanctioned family planning method whose only ingredient was a calendar. The fact that it had a spectacular failure rate as an anti-conceptive method must not have been lost on the promotors.

But since a calendar is part of pretty much any fertility/anti-conception scheme you'd do well to highlight the differences rather than the similarities with the rhythm method.

Using clever marketing words isn't going to work here, just stick to the cold hard facts and assume that the women and men you're trying to address here don't need to be talked down to but are perfectly capable of understanding what you're trying to say if you are un-ambiguous and direct about it.

You're talking about people that are having intercourse, the least you could do is treat them as the adults they think they are.

Historically plenty of couples that used the rhythm method added a thermometer or other symptoms to increase reliability complicating your quest for proper terminology even further.

Arguably, people since Roman times have been bred for calendar-incompetence. Those that have a hard time operating a calendar, had more children.

I work for another startup in the same space. (Hi from Clue!)

> You're talking about people that are having intercourse, the least you could do is treat them as the adults they think they are.

That's pretty much exactly the point here though, no? I think we all agree it's reckless/irresponsible to make any decision without being adequately informed. All these apps can do is tell you "hey, we need more data from you if you want us to be accurate". Scientific terms don't need to be bandied about, but they can be tucked into KB/FAQ pages if people really want to delve. It simply becomes a UX issue at that point - driving people into regularly entering necessary information for accurate insights.

Our product tries to be very matter-of-fact, and treat our users with dignity and respect. Viva adulthood!

> You're talking about people that are having intercourse, the least you could do is treat them as the adults they think they are.

My intention definitely wasn't to imply that you're not an adult, so apologies if what I said offended you. My statement was simply based on hundreds of conversations I've had with individuals who immediately jump to asking "Isn't that the rhythm method?" when I explain our concept using direct, accurate, and scientific terminology.

We are, however, incredibly direct with our users.

Point taken, though.

From a contraception purpose exclusively, there's always RISUG AKA Vasalgel that's under clinical trials now. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversible_inhibition_of_sperm_...

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