Show HN: My first published app – track contraception ring cycle https://ift.tt/N8HEDnx

Show HN: My first published app—track contraception ring cycle My wife said she wished there was a big widget on her phone that told her when to take her Nuvaring out. So I vibe coded one. What other problems can it solve? https://ift.tt/5WxbSqV November 25, 2025, at 12:43AM

Lunella – Contraceptive Ring Tracker

 Overview

• App Name: Lunella

• Developer: Aaron Edell

• Platform: iOS (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

• Category: Health & Lifestyle

• Core Purpose: Helps users track NuvaRing® or other 28-day contraceptive ring cycles with a discreet, privacy-first widget that reduces mental load and ensures confidence in cycle management.

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 Key Features (Expanded)

• At-a-glance IN/OUT widget
  
  

• Large, clear home screen widget showing whether the ring is currently in or out.

• Designed for quick reassurance without opening the app.

• Automatic cycle tracking
  
  

• Default cycle: 21 days in, 7 days out.

• Smart notifications for removal and reinsertion.

• Handles irregular starts or skipped cycles gracefully.

• Privacy-first design
  
  

• No accounts, logins, or cloud sync.

• All data is stored locally on the device.

• The widget and app interface are discreet, avoiding explicit medical terminology.

• Elegant usability
  
  

• Minimalist interface with calming visuals.

• Designed for ease of use by people who want simple, reliable reminders.

• Works seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac with Apple’s ecosystem integration.

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 Potential Future Enhancements

• Customizable cycle lengths
  
  

• Support for alternative contraceptive schedules (extended cycles, flexible regimens).

• Health integration
  
  

• Sync with Apple Health for broader reproductive health tracking.

• Combine with period tracking apps for holistic cycle management.

• Partner notifications
  
  

• Optional shared reminders with a trusted partner.

• Accessibility features
  
  

• VoiceOver support for visually impaired users.

• Haptic feedback reminders.

• Expanded use cases
  
  

• Could be adapted for other cyclical routines:

• Fertility awareness methods

• Hormone therapy schedules

• Medication cycles (thyroid, migraine prevention, etc.)

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 Why It Matters

• Reduces cognitive load: Users don’t have to remember exact dates.

• Supports autonomy: Empowers people to manage contraception privately.

• Fills a gap: Few apps focus specifically on ring-based contraception.

• Discreet design: Avoids stigma or embarrassment by blending into everyday phone use.

👉 In short, Lunella is more than a tracker—it’s a confidence tool for reproductive health, designed with privacy and simplicity at its core.