Period Tracking App Guidelines
OPEH's selection guidelines for Period Tracking App recommendations, and our in-house developed ULA Period Tracker.
Our Guidelines for App Recommendations
Zero-Data Principle
Recommended apps should forego all Data Collection entirely, insofar as it is accesible by developers, advertisers, or any other third party. All Cycle, Personal, and Health Data should be stored locally on the user's device utilizing on-device encryption, proven-safe database systems, schemas, or other secure methods. No data should be stored in the cloud, server or any other remote location, excepting the utilization of end-to-end encrypted cloud storage systems that are fully open-source and auditable by the public. As a secondary exception the utilization of systems such as, or almost exclusively Apple's iCloud, which are not fully open-source but have been proven to have a greater-than-average level of privacy and security, exclusively as a opt-in feature for users who wish to utilize such services as a commodity, is acceptable, provided it can be just as simply opted out and the program can ensure fully the deletion of any such records. As an exception to this allowance, all information pertaining to pregnancies or other health conditions that are directly related to any possible Legal Issue where applicable should be excepted from any and all data collection or online storage. If such tracking is provided, a clear and simple method for manual data transfer should be made readily apparent. Finally, any and all apps recommended by OPEH should provide a readily accesible, direct, and simple method for users to delete all data stored and tracked by the app.
Auditable Design
While not requiring all recommended apps to be fully open-source, we prefer apps that are auditable by the public, and that have been reviewed by independent security researchers. This includes open-source codebases, transparent privacy policies, and clear documentation of data handling practices, as well as any third-party libraries or services used by the app. Audit-only repos are completely acceptable.
Free and Accessible
Recommended apps should be free to use, with no hidden costs or paywalls that restrict access to essential features. We also prefer apps that are accessible to users with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, or motor impairments. This includes support for screen readers, voice commands, and other assistive technologies. Further, accessibility on both major platforms, iOS and Android, is preferred. Localization and translation into multiple languages is also preferred, majorly, English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi or other major tongues spoken in India, and French, with additional languages being a plus. As a further recommendation, when applicable, Android applications should be made available as sideloadable APKs, and where available, iOS applications should be offered in third-party App Stores. Please refer to the European Union's Digital Markets Act for more information.
Tracking Requirements and Considerations
Applications should provide clear and accurate tracking of menstrual cycles, symptoms and sexual activity at minimum. Predictions of Menstrual Cycles, Ovulation and Fertility are preferred and should be based on user-provided data, and backed by established medical guidelines. Where predictions apply, at minimum the application should take into consideration PMS, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrom, previously known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS, and common menstrual cycle irregularities. Data analysis for algorithmic purposes should follow the above mentioned guidelines regarding privacy and data management. Developing an Period Tracking app and don't know where to start on algorithms? ULA Period Tracker's Predictive Engines are free to audit and use, click here.
No Replacement for Care
A tracking app can support awareness, but it should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, contraception counseling, or emergency healthcare.
OPEH's Application
ULA Period Tracker
OPEH is NOT sponsored by ULA Period Tracker. We have partnered with ULA Period Tracker's developer to provide a free, open-source, community made period tracking app that meets our guidelines for privacy, security, and accessibility. As of current, ULA Period Tracker is only available as a native iOS app on the Apple App Store, but an Android version is in active development and will be released in the near future. ULA is a simple, intuitive and privacy-focused period tracking app that allows users to track their cycles, symptoms and sexual activity without comprimising on privacy or security. It is auditable by the public at github.com/eacalahorra/ula-logic as a single-developer project it is currently in active development and will always be open to contributions from the public. ULA Period Tracker is free to use, with no hidden costs.
UPCOMING: As ULA is in Active Development, new updates are incoming. Features currently in development include a revamped, functional Notification System, refinements to the Predictive Algorithms, further functionality to the Apple Watch Companion App 'ULA Moodettes', basal temperature tracking, fertility tracking improvements, including Pregnancy Tracking. An Android version is also in development and will be released in the near future.
Visit ula-pt.com for further information ↗Feedback, Bugs, and Feature Ideas
If you notice a bug, have feedback, or want to recommend a feature, contact ULA Tracker on Instagram at @ulatracker or via email at ula@ainchilcalahorra.com.