Privacy Risks in FemTech & Period Apps: How Your Health Data Can Be Used Against You

🔍 Introduction

FemTech,short for “female technology”has revolutionized the way women manage their reproductive and general health. From period trackers to fertility monitors, over 100 million women worldwide rely on such apps. However, the lack of transparency around data privacy, security, and consent in these applications presents a growing concern. This article breaks down the major privacy risks in FemTech and period-tracking apps that most users remain unaware of,and offers guidance on how to protect your sensitive health data.

📲 What is FemTech?

FemTech refers to digital health technologies that focus on women’s health. It includes:

• Menstrual and ovulation tracking apps
• Fertility and pregnancy monitoring tools
• Sexual wellness apps
• Pelvic health and menopause support platforms

Despite their utility, many apps in this space collect deeply personal, sensitive health data with limited user awareness of where that data ends up.

🚨 Core Privacy Risks in Period-Tracking Apps

Here are the primary concerns surrounding period-tracking and other FemTech applications:

1. 🔓 Data Leakage and Sharing with Third Parties

Many period-tracking apps share data with advertisers, insurers, and third-party analytics companies without explicit consent. This includes:

• Menstrual cycle patterns
• Sexual activity logs
• Fertility windows
• Mood or symptom tracking

In 2022, a study by Mozilla Foundation found that most popular period-tracking apps fail basic privacy standards.

2. ❌ Lack of Clear Privacy Policies

Users often blindly accept long, jargon-filled privacy policies. In many apps, policies are vague, outdated, or missing altogether, failing to meet international standards like GDPR or HIPAA.

3. 📍 GPS & Location Tracking

Some FemTech apps collect location data without user knowledge. This is especially concerning in countries where reproductive health decisions are legally sensitive or penalized.

4. 🧬 Use of AI Without Consent

Newer apps are integrating AI to predict ovulation or emotional states—but few disclose how the AI is trained, what data is used, or how long it's stored.

5. 🔐 Weak Security Infrastructure

Many apps lack basic security features such as two-factor authentication, encryption, or secure cloud storage—leaving your reproductive data vulnerable to hacks and leaks.

📉 Real-World Cases of FemTech Privacy Breaches

• Flo App (2020): Shared data with Facebook and Google Analytics even in anonymous mode; later fined by the FTC.
• Ovia (2019): Shared user health data with employers under “wellness plans,” raising ethical concerns.
• Stardust App (2022): Marketed as privacy-friendly, but sent unencrypted data to analytics platforms.

⚖️ Legal and Ethical Concerns

As abortion rights and reproductive laws fluctuate in countries like the U.S. and Poland, privacy breaches in FemTech apps can lead to legal jeopardy for users. In some scenarios, menstrual data could be subpoenaed as evidence in criminal cases.

Moreover, many FemTech apps aren’t subject to medical privacy laws like HIPAA, despite dealing with intimate health details.

🛡️ How to Protect Your Health Data

Here are essential steps you can take:

1. Read app reviews on privacy from Mozilla Privacy Not Included.
2. Check for GDPR or HIPAA compliance.
3. Use apps that allow full data deletion.
4. Avoid apps requiring login or linked social media.
5. Disable location tracking and analytics sharing.
6. Use encrypted alternatives like Drip, Euki, or Periodical.

📈 Data Table: App Privacy Comparison

App Name	Encryption	Data Sharing	User Control	Compliance
Flo	Partial	Yes	Limited	No
Clue	Yes	No	Full	GDPR
Euki	Yes	No	Full	N/A

📚 FAQs: FemTech Privacy

1. Are period-tracking apps safe?

Not always. Some apps have poor privacy policies or share data with advertisers.

2. Can my menstrual data be used against me legally?

Yes, especially in regions with strict reproductive laws. Always choose apps with anonymous usage options.

3. What’s the most secure period app?

As of 2025, Euki and Drip are among the most privacy-focused period apps.

🔗 Related Articles

• Why Menstrual Cycle is a Vital Sign of Health
• Mental Load of Health Tracking: Are Women Overburdened?
• Digital Health Feminism: The Future of FemTech

🎯 Conclusion

FemTech apps have the power to enhance women’s health—but only if they respect and protect privacy. As users, we must demand transparency, choose privacy-first platforms, and stay informed. Regulatory bodies must also enforce stricter privacy laws to ensure these apps do not compromise user safety.

Written by Dr Humaira Latif | © 2025 Health By Humaira