Apple recently came out with the iPhone 6 and the iOS 8 operating system. One new feature of the operating system is Apple’s HealthKit, a health application which gathers health and wellness data from apps made by other companies. The applications within HealthKit are supposed to make for an easier, healthier life. These applications include being able to track dieting, personal training, sleep cycle and even meditation. What was surprising to me and many others was that a period tracker was not included in Apple’s HealthKit.

There are many applications on the App Store for tracking the menstrual cycle, so why did Apple exclude a feature that would be so beneficial to many of its users? And, while the app lacks a period tracker, it does include a sleep cycle tracker, nutrient tracker and overall health tracker. Why not a menstrual cycle tracker as well? Sexual and reproductive health is just as important as sleeping, eating and meditating.

I understand it may have slipped Apple’s mind, for sexual health and education are often placed on the back burner. But this app is an example of how sexual health also needs to become a daily priority. I say this because I find that often people look down upon or feel like they can’t talk about natural, sexual matters like the menstrual cycle. There is a lot of shame and stigma around periods, but there shouldn’t be. Periods are a normal part of a life. Apple should recognize their oversight and include a menstrual cycle tracker. Period.