Europe approves first saliva-based contraceptive — no pill required

A saliva-based fertility tracker has received regulatory approval for use as a contraceptive in Europe. Developed by Berlin-based startup Inne, the at-home testing device — called the “Minilab” — tracks daily changes in progesterone levels, a hormone that plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle. It’s billed as a non-invasive alternative to hormonal birth control methods like the pill — and early tests have shown promising results. A year-long clinical study involving 300 women over 1,500 cycles found Inne’s at-home fertility tracker to be 100% effective when used perfectly, and 92% effective for typical use. That’s similar to the…

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