Periods Online

I recently had a conversation with my friends about the availability of resources now versus in the past. It led us to discuss the different ways we discovered period products, symptoms, and how menstruators all had to learn to navigate the world of periods one way or another. The one thing that kept coming up during this conversation was how much the internet was used to search for information related to periods and menstruating.

With the power of the internet, information is more available now than ever before. In seconds a curious mind with a burning question can be satisfied with an answer just by using any search engine. That is why search engines play a large role in how many of us access information about menstruating. From finding new period products to searching for blogs of people sharing their stories, the information is endless. The internet also allowed for menstruators to create a sense of community and empowerment. Menstruators were able to create platforms and use their voices to advocate for equity and equality. It has brought worldly attention to problems such as taxes on period products, lack of access, and education. While there are many positives to this, there are also negatives as well.

With the availability of information online, there is also misinformation as well. It becomes very easy for anyone to feel like they have found the answer to their questions but have they actually? When reading anything online, it is important to keep in mind that it may not be professional advice and therefore it may not be accurate. Our bodies are all different and have different needs. Something that works for one person may not work for someone else who is experiencing a similar problem which is why being skeptical of online posts is important.

Aside from using search engines, period tracking apps have also risen in popularity and many have informative sections integrated into them. While the tracking parts of the apps are personalized to you, as you are directly inputting your data, it is important to remember that the rest of the information available through the app is not. Checking the sources that the app pulls its information from can help you determine if it is accurate or not.

Just like everything else on the internet, it is important to proceed with caution. The internet has done wonders for menstruators but it also has its downfalls. The downfalls could be addressed with adequate education for youth where questions can be answered by professionals. Menstruation education should be integrated into school systems similar to how healthy eating is introduced. This requires programs, planning, and funding in order to be successful. With basic understanding, the internet can be better used to deepen understanding instead of causing more confusion.