We’re in Beta: Maven Cycle Tracker is being rolled out to a limited audience to start so we can work out all the kinks. If you don’t see it in your account yet, you will as soon as it’s ready for all members. (Thanks for your patience!)
Navigating your reproductive health journey can bring a lot of questions, and we're here to help you understand every step. The Maven Cycle Tracker is a tool designed to give you clear insights into your body's patterns, helping you predict your period, ovulation day, and fertile window.
How does the Maven Cycle Tracker predict your period?
The Cycle Tracker starts by using the period dates you log in the app, along with your average cycle length (which you provide during setup). We then calculate your predicted next period by adding your average cycle length to the first day of your current period. Your average period length helps us estimate when your period will end. As you continue to log your periods, the tracker learns and adjusts these predictions, making them even more accurate based on your unique cycle data.
What if I don't have regular cycles?
We understand that not everyone has a consistent cycle, and that's perfectly normal. If your cycle lengths vary by more than 7 days, or if your average cycle is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, the tracker will identify your cycles as irregular.
When your cycles are irregular, we'll provide insights to help you understand your patterns and potential irregularities. We may also recommend booking appointments with our OB-GYNs or other providers who can offer personalized support for your unique situation.
It's helpful to know that with irregular cycles, our predictions might be less precise than for those with very regular cycles. In these cases, we recommend using additional tracking methods like Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) or noting symptoms such as cervical fluid changes and basal body temperature. Our Fertility Awareness Educators are available to help you set up a tracking routine that empowers you to detect your own body's patterns.
What is the fertile window, and how is it predicted?
The fertile window is the time when you are most likely to conceive. It's calculated based on your predicted ovulation day. This window includes the five days leading up to ovulation and the day after ovulation, creating a seven-day period around when you're expected to ovulate. This is because sperm can survive in the body for up to five days, and an egg is viable for up to 24 hours.
While the fertile window predictions may be turned off automatically by Maven for very short or irregular cycles, they cannot be turned off by members at this time. We hope to offer more control over predictions and insights in the future.
How do you predict my ovulation day?
Your ovulation day is estimated by taking your predicted next period start date and subtracting your average luteal phase length (the time between ovulation and your next period).
- If you're not using Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): We use a default luteal phase length that's based on your average cycle length.
- If you are using OPKs: We use the average of your observed luteal phase lengths from previous cycles where you've recorded positive OPK results.
What are OPKs and how do they affect predictions?
OPKs, or Ovulation Predictor Kits, are tests that detect a surge in a specific hormone that typically occurs 24 to 48 hours before ovulation. When you log a "Positive/Peak" OPK result in the tracker, we consider that your observed ovulation day. This valuable information helps us adjust your future ovulation and period predictions, making them even more accurate for you.
What if I use other tracking methods like Basal Body Temperature (BBT) or Cervical Fluid?
While our initial version of the Cycle Tracker primarily uses your logged period dates and OPK results for predictions, we know that data from other tracking methods like Basal Body Temperature (BBT) and cervical fluid are incredibly valuable. This information helps us gain confidence in your predictions and can trigger helpful insights and recommended actions, especially as we interpret the consistency of your tracking and established patterns. For now, this data won't directly update your core period and ovulation predictions in this first version.
The Maven Cycle Tracker is here to provide you with helpful information and support as you navigate your unique health journey. We're continuously working to enhance our tools and resources to best meet your needs.
Want to learn more about the Maven Cycle Tracker? Take a look at this helpful article: Understanding Your Body: A Guide to the Maven Cycle Tracker