wREAL-WORLD PERSPECTIVE ON WEARABLE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY AS A COMPLEMENT TO TRADITIONAL FERTILITY SERVICES AND AN EMPLOYER-COVERED BENEFIT

One in eight women have difficulty conceiving. Fertility services can cost over $50,000 and not be covered by health insurance. We examined whether cheaper wearable device technology could help subfertile conceive may serve as an employer-subsidized alternative to fertility treatments. Prior purchasers of a (WFD; Ava Tracker) answered online survey about their trying (TTC) journey, service usage, insurance coverage employer benefits. Via 3 sensors, the medical-grade WFD measures 5 biophysical parameters every 10 seconds pairs with smartphone app provide machine learning algorithm detecting user’s real-time fertile window. used descriptive statistics determine how WFDs complement traditional treatments real-world sample’s receptivity its inclusion Of 1756 respondents (mean age = 32.5 years, standard deviation [SD]=4.0), most (n=947) had been using for less than 6 months; 62% were currently TTC. Almost 90% rated easy use (5-point scale, 1= very hard use; mean 1.8, SD=0.7). Among postpartum or pregnant who conceived WFD, 21% (n=118) reported they undergo when became pregnant. An additional 10% opting because too expensive burdensome. Regardless conception status, participants underwent (n=449) average out pocket (OOP) costs equal $7,657 (SD=$15,818; range $0-$150,000). Most (76%) relied on own insurance—not partner’s—to cover treatments, 30% having pay all OOP. Participants feeling frustrated (57%), stressed (54%), sad (32%) OOP treatment costs. Over 56% indicated would more likely join stay at company that offered free benefit. Women saw employers caring (66%), progressive (61%), innovative (41%), inclusive (38%), smart (34%), “like cared [her] health” (64%). Our findings reveal women’s self-reliance consideration benefits Further, interest some self-reported conceptive success.