Guides We Use To Create Health Content at Flo
Flo is a place where millions of people from all over the world come to learn about their health and make informed decisions about their well-being. To support our users, we have a strict process to make sure our medical content is reliable, trustworthy, and relevant to everyone, no matter where they live.
Medical guidelines we use
Maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the health information on our platform is very important to us. That’s why, when we create our medical content, we use guidelines created by internationally recognized health organizations such as the World Health Organization and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), in addition to local medical authorities and acclaimed academic and research institutions, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists, National Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and others.
What we do when medical guidelines change
The field of medicine is constantly developing as researchers carry out studies to learn more about the human body, medical conditions, and innovative treatments. As advances are made, it’s natural for guidelines to shift to reflect new discoveries.
Our team of over 100 scientists, doctors, and health experts keep a close eye on developments in health care research and review and update our content when new information becomes available.
The same is true for health statistics. For example, when the WHO releases updated numbers on how common cervical cancer is around the world each year, we use the new figures to update all of our content on this topic.
“Our mission at Flo is to equip women and all those who menstruate with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to put their health first. A crucial piece of that is ensuring that everything they read, watch, and learn on our platform is based on reliable sources, checked for medical accuracy, and always up to date.” Anna Klepchukova, Chief Medical Officer
Our legal guidelines for medical information
Because guidelines and standards can vary worldwide, we consider such factors as age, ethical, and inclusivity requirements of readers when creating content to make sure it complies with international laws and regulations. We make it clear if we share medical information that is based on international health policies.
“To provide a secure health platform for our users worldwide, our legal team also goes over all Flo content with a fine-tooth comb so that it’s safe to each individual and compliant with applicable regulations.” Timofei Savitsky, Chief Legal Officer
How we manage controversial topics at Flo
At Flo, we don’t impose personal opinions or try to influence our users. Rather, we share facts, evidence, research data, expert knowledge, and professional experience.
Our team of content creators use Flo language guidelines to maintain an inclusive and consistent tone of voice when speaking to our users to make sure no one is left out of the discussion.
What is considered a controversial topic?
There are many ongoing debates in medicine that could be considered controversial or that differ from region to region depending on cultural values — for example, stem cell research, circumcision, and finding the G-spot, among others. Additionally, certain methods for treating various conditions, like alternative medicine or natural remedies, that haven’t been scientifically proven effective, could also be thought of as controversial.
What we do about these controversial topics
If our readers need to know about or are interested in certain controversial topics, we provide thoroughly researched scientific data and facts about what’s currently known about the topic.
What we don’t do is promote specific lifestyle choices or treatments or give advice or provide “how-to’s.” Instead, we aim to raise awareness about all areas of female health, because having access to accurate information is key to making decisions about your well-being.