“Alexa, what is a period?”

In a bid to encourage more families to have open conversations around menstruation, Amazon has released new Alexa utterances that include helpful information around how to manage periods. The new information comes as thousands of customers each month ask Alexa, “what is a period?”

‘Period Talks’ utterances are launched as over a third (37%) of families with teenagers admit they are too embarrassed to have open conversations about menstruation, with a further 30% revealing they struggle to talk about periods because they’re worried about saying the wrong thing, and over a quarter (26%) stating that they’re concerned about handling difficult questions on the subject. Yet, 80% believe that having open conversations with family members reduces embarrassment and stigma of such sensitive subjects.

The guide itself has been formed using insights from British teens, who have identified the most prominent issues teenagers face when dealing with menstruation. This has been supported by new research conducted with over 1,000 families with teenagers, commissioned by Amazon to better understand the reasons why families are embarrassed to openly discuss periods.

Amazon worked with period poverty charity Freedom4Girls to develop the new Alexa experience, utilising the charity’s research guides to teach Alexa the key information around the subject, including key information around period poverty and where lower income families can have access to period products in the UK. When information about periods is requested, Alexa will also continue to answer using information from the NHS website.

From today, households around the UK will be able to use Alexa to help guide these conversations about periods through a series of utterances. This comes as nearly two thirds (65%) claim that having easier access to quality information around periods would make them more comfortable having these types of conversations with their family.

“It’s so important that teenagers and parents alike can communicate with each other properly about periods, which is why we’re happy to be working with Amazon’s Alexa to ensure the correct resources are readily available to more families around the country,” said Tina Leslie, founder of Freedom4Girls. “The new features will be useful for anyone – whether you’re embarking on your first menstrual cycle, or if you’re helping someone you know prepare for their experience.”

“Alexa can now act as a tool to help families navigate challenging conversations around menstruation” said Dennis Stansbury, UK Country Manager for Alexa. “The hope is that having useful and relevant information available on Alexa via voice will encourage an open environment for these discussions.”

For those seeking clarity around the subject of periods and menstruation, you can ask Alexa the below questions:

• “Alexa, what is regular period pain?”
• “Alexa, can periods affect my mental health?”
• “Alexa, how do you use period pads?”
• “Alexa, what is a typical age to start your period?” 
• “Alexa, what are reusable period products?”
• “Alexa, where can I get free period products?”
• “Alexa, are reusable period products cheaper?”

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