Canadian Startup Reya Health Introduces App for Birth Control Matching

Canada-based Reya Health has launched a birth control education and support app aimed at helping individuals with ovaries find suitable contraceptive options. The app, available from February 4, 2025, employs smart algorithms to match users with birth control methods through a personalized questionnaire. This initiative aims to tackle common challenges associated with birth control selection, with Reya Health reporting that over 70% of contraceptive users have negative experiences and around 50% of Gen-Z menstruators have discontinued birth control due to side effects. Furthermore, 45% of unplanned pregnancies are attributed to non-adherence to birth control.

The founder and CEO of Reya Health, Dallas Barnes, emphasizes the failures within the healthcare system that persistently affect women and those with ovaries. Drawing from her own struggles in identifying the right birth control—which led her to the emergency room twice due to severe reactions—Barnes points out that the trial-and-error process can span two years for many individuals. During this time, users often suffer from unwanted side effects and inadequate support from healthcare providers.

The app's method has received endorsement from medical professionals. Dr. Thara Vayali, ND and medical advisor at Reya Health, highlights the lack of precision in the current methods of providing birth control options. She believes Reya's solution could revolutionize patient experiences by personalizing contraceptive choices. Another physician on the Reya team, Dr. Rahima Alani, shares her excitement about the app serving as a reliable resource for individuals assessing their best birth control options based on their medical history and personal needs.

The app will be accessible to Canadian users on Google Play and Apple App Stores. Users can choose to access the app independently or through insurance providers and benefit plans, broadening its reach and making it more user-friendly.

Beyond just an app, Barnes expresses that Reya Health's mission aligns with a larger goal of addressing systemic issues in women’s health. She articulates that women's health care solutions have historically been deemed "good enough," leaving many to cope with challenges alone. With Reya's introduction, Barnes hopes to contribute to health innovations that positively impact entire communities and enhance women's safety and well-being on a global scale.

With a focus on personalized healthcare solutions, Reya Health aims to empower individuals with the resources and information they need to make informed contraceptive choices. By addressing the gaps in women's health and emphasizing patient-centered care, the app represents a step toward transforming the experience of finding and using birth control in Canada. Through collaboration with healthcare professionals and leveraging technology, Reya Health seeks to provide essential support in reproductive health, responding to the urgent need for improved contraceptive options and a better understanding of individual health needs.