Boots menopause advice for "people with a vagina"

[Givemepickles]

On their menopause support page, where apparently they want to normalise the menopause...

https://www.boots.com/health-pharmacy/womenshealth/menopause-support

"The menopause is a natural process which people with a vagina go through as they get older however, in some cases, is medically induced. As oestrogen levels start to drop, periods become less frequent and eventually stop altogether. For some, their periods stop quickly, but for others, it can take a few months or a few years. Everyone is different.

Menopause signs and symptoms are different for everyone and usually begin between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age for people in the UK being 51. Whilst some choose to seek treatment plans from their GP, others will look for other solutions to help manage signs & symptoms."

I'm so sick of this. I'm not defined by having a vagina! I am a woman. Piss off Boots.

I have written to complain. I hope more people do.

Are they fixing it? I get contact lenses from them, I was going to look for a new provider.

Boots' ED page is quite funny:

"Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the term used to describe the difficulty of getting and maintaining an erection firm enough for sex. Although people are more likely to experience ED as they get older, most will experience it at some point in their lives. ...
Not all people experience the symptoms of erectile dysfunction in the same way. Some people can’t get an erection at all [yeah, especially people who don't have a penis], some people lose their erection before sex, and others can’t get an erection hard enough for sex. If you can’t get or keep an erection long enough for sex, you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction. You aren’t alone; 4.3 million men [oops, surely "people with a penis"] in the UK have experienced erectile dysfunction symptoms.*"

I suppose some people-without-a-penis do 'experience' ED when their partner-with-a-penis can't maintain an erection, but I don't think that's what they meant.

Who wrote..and agreed...this?!?! Are they Stonewall bods per chance?!

It seems to say women now - at least, it does for me!

The link now reads 'women'. Well done Boots, very good to see they have responded so promptly to complaints. Back on the shopping list again!!

I read that too, @yetanotherusernameAgain, and I'm wondering if I should go to the Dr as I've never in my whole life had an erection.

Yes really good news.

It’s quite simple.
It’s done so as not to confuse the “women” with a penis.
😉😁😁.

Wow that was quick!! Well done to the people who emailed and brought this to their attention.
I hope whoever wrote /agreed it has been given a bollocking (aka MENS bollocks balls or testicles or a telling off)

Great news. If they alienate women, they won't sell much, so this'll be a panic about their profits. Still pleased though!

Yes, it says “women” for me, too.

Well done for giving feedback to Boots, MNetters.

The menopause is a natural process which women go through as they get older however, in some cases, is medically induced.

Presumably the odd sentence structure is because they have changed it in a hurry.

At least they're not just inflicting this language on women like what usually happens. I was quite surprised to see "people with testicles" amongst all the other bollocks.

Aww, I was halfway though composing a stern email. Never mind, good to see they have taken their telling off on board.

People with vaginas indeed. What utter, utter codswallop.

Never thought about it precisely like this. Yes it's never clitoris haver is it. Always the function or the bit of interest to men. Utterly dehumanising.

Interesting thread all round.

I wonder what Boots customer demographic is? Percentage of customers who are women to men? 🤔

Ooh, I think the bottom of the page needs updating.

Edit - probably that is the last time the Pharmacy team reviewed it. Today’s changes will have been made by someone with a different focus. 😉

I've just composed and sent mine - Sebastian can 'ave it! May there be a torrent of complaints.
Good Bye Boots

Oh bloody well done, Mumsnetters!

Glad I skipped straight to the last page of this thread after reading the first, I was feeling pretty fucking furious!

Boots.com - clients are 64% women

https://www.similarweb.com/website/boots.com/#demographics

That's good it's been changed, but I want a fucking apology.

They’ve only changed the first reference. They’ve still got “people” throughout the rest.

Thank you

There is not one use of the word 'woman' on the pregnancy page, for example.

https://www.boots.com/healthhub/womens-health/pregnancy

The page on the pill:

'Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects a person’s periods, fertility, hormones and your physical appearance. Some people with PCOS may be prescribed the contraceptive pill to help regulate their hormonal imbalance and menstrual cycle.'

https://www.boots.com/inspiration-advice/health/womens-health-advice/contraceptive-pill-common-question

Periods:

'A period is the part of the menstrual cycle when a person passes blood from their vagina for several days. The length of a menstrual cycle varies from person to person but on average lasts around 28 days.'