Hello femtechers! Today’s #femtechfriday is a bit of a special one. One of the aims of our society is to nurture entrepreneurial spirit in femtech, and we are always interested in learning about new budding technologies and ventures working towards improving female health. Today we present the case of two startups, Alma and Theblood, working to make biosensors more accessible for female health.
Biosensors are devices used to detect chemical substances. Most biosensors currently involve invasive methods of application for measurement, such as injections or blood draws. However, when it comes to female health, less invasive strategies may be used to employ biosensors to monitor the female reproductive system. As every month women go through their menstrual cycles, involving a variety of physiological changes (hormones, pH, proteins), information can be collected non-invasively about their reproductive health. A big advantage of biosensors is the ability to collect real-time information about physiological changes. This may allow users to detect issues before they worsen. The use of biosensors in daily female healthcare would empower individuals to keep track of their own data and promptly act when necessary. Digital solutions such as apps also allow the user to store their own information for future doctor visits, for a more comprehensive clinical approach.
ALMA combines design, technology and anthropology to co-create tools for a radical cultural change in female intimate health. ALMA's approaches focuses on designing sensors to detect and monitor vaginal fluids, while creating a global platform for sharing experiences, knowledge and tools that looks at women's body and health.
Theblood is a FemTech start-up that is dedicated to improving women’s well-being and health through a biosensing technology for menstrual blood. Theblood strives to develop a smart technology that produces rich insights that can be used by people who menstruate to understand and reshape a relationship to the body. A biosensing technology for menstrual blood can help to socially destigmatise menstruation and offers menstruating people a unique insight into their bodies and feelings.
Biosensing technologies constitute exciting tools to progress towards a more personalised approach to healthcare. What other strategies do you think could help women take charge of their own health?
To learn more about Alma and Theblood’s work, check out their websites at
To learn more about biosensors in femtech, checkout this useful article in Medium