Ovia Fertility & Cycle Tracker- App Review

Key Takeaways

• Period & Ovulation Tracking: Ovia offers detailed ovulation and period tracking, along with fertility insights. It uses a proprietary algorithm and allows users to input a wide range of cycle and health data. However, its predictions aren’t always clinically precise, and the fertility score system can feel overly complex.

• Data Privacy: Ovia has faced scrutiny for its data-sharing practices, particularly with employers and third parties when used in workplace wellness programs. Its privacy policy is lengthy and not always user-friendly.

• User Experience: Highly customizable with many data points, but the interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming for first-time users. It includes helpful articles but with varying levels of scientific backing.

• Verdict: A feature-rich tracker for fertility-focused users, but caution is advised regarding data privacy and interpretation of health scores.

Medical Integrity

• Score: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
  Ovia claims to use science-backed algorithms and offers medically themed articles, but many features are not transparently reviewed or authored by clinicians. The app doesn't clearly label what has been medically vetted.

Doctor’s Note: The app attempts to offer a medically supportive experience but falls short in providing clear, evidence-based content for every feature. More transparent attribution would greatly improve trust.

Ethical Standards

• Score: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
  Ovia’s model includes workplace partnerships where employee health data can be shared in de-identified form. This raises ethical concerns about indirect employer access. The app does disclose this, but it may not be clear to all users.

Doctor’s Note: Data use in employer settings needs to be more visibly and ethically handled. Users deserve full clarity on how and where their sensitive health data may be used—even in anonymized forms.

Data Privacy & Protection

• Score: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
  Ovia collects a significant amount of personal data, and the privacy policy allows for aggregated data sharing with partners. Users can opt out, but this process isn’t simple or well-explained.

Doctor’s Note: With the depth of health data collected, the app must do better in offering transparent, user-friendly privacy settings and explicitly defined protections. Users should not need legal literacy to understand their rights.

UX & Accessibility

• Score: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
  The app is detailed and allows for extensive customization, but the visual layout can feel cluttered and the learning curve is steep. Accessibility tools like dark mode and screen reader compatibility are limited.

Doctor’s Note: A more streamlined interface and basic accessibility improvements would help make the platform more inclusive—especially for neurodivergent users or those new to cycle tracking.

Behavioral Impact

• Score: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
  The fertility score system and constant health nudges can feel pressurizing. The app risks encouraging over-tracking or anxiety, particularly for users trying to conceive.

Doctor’s Note: Apps that gamify health scores need to tread carefully. Ovia's scoring can feel like a performance metric, which may negatively affect emotional wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable users.

Final Score: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2 out of 5)

Verdict

Ovia Fertility offers a comprehensive feature set but raises red flags on data use and ethical transparency. Best suited for users seeking depth of data input—but not ideal for those prioritizing privacy, accessibility, or gentle behavioral nudges.

Review Notes

This review is based on the app’s performance as of 14/04/2025. If the app undergoes significant updates or improvements, the developers are welcome to reach out for a re-evaluation, which may lead to a higher score and potentially a SheRanked Doctor’s Approval Badge.

Reviewed by: Dr Christina Davies, SheRanked Doctor-led Review
Review Date: 14/04/2025

Medical Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

Official Website: https://www.oviahealth.com