Mensbarometern
Survey quality guide

A period survey is only useful when you can inspect the edges.

Before sharing a statistic about menstruation or period products, check whether the source gives enough context to understand what the number can and cannot mean.

Read MonthlyCup size guidanceNext: limitations
Layered survey notes on a warm desk

The five checks that matter first.

A trustworthy period survey should make its own construction visible. Readers need to know who answered, how they were recruited, when the answers were collected, what the exact questions were and which limitations apply.

If those details are missing, the result may still be interesting, but it should not be treated as a broad fact about all people who menstruate.

  • Sample source: Was it a customer list, social media poll, panel, school group or another defined population?
  • Question wording: Did the survey ask neutrally, or did it lead the respondent toward an answer?
  • Timeframe: Was the survey about one cycle, a typical year, first periods or current product use?
  • Non-response: Who might be missing because they did not see, understand or choose to answer?
  • Publisher interest: Is the sender a brand, a public body, a researcher, an advocacy group or a media outlet?

Red flags in period survey headlines.

Red flags do not automatically mean a survey is useless. They mean the reader should slow down before repeating the result.

“Everyone” language

Words like everyone, most or proven need documented scope. A survey of a narrow audience cannot describe every menstruating person.

Missing base numbers

A percentage without the number of respondents can be hard to interpret. A share can look precise while being based on a small or unclear group.

Product leap

A survey about preference should not be used as proof of medical suitability, guaranteed fit or guaranteed performance for every user.

Connect survey reading to product choice.

Public health information from the NHS describes pads, tampons, cups and reusable period underwear as period product options. It also notes that cups collect flow and can be washed and reused, while pads and tampons absorb flow. Choosing between options is personal, and products like cups can take practice.

Source boundary: NHS period information is general information, not a brand endorsement or individual diagnosis.