An Innovative, Reusable Menstrual Cup that Enhances the Quality of Women’s Lives during Menstruation

Abstract

Objective: A) To evaluate the acceptability of a unique, Cost-effective, reusable, and environmentally safe device for menstrual blood collection among culturally diverse women. B) To enhance the quality of life for women during menstruation. Methods: The first author developed a unique, reusable menstrual collection device as an alternative to sanitary pads and tampons. After successful research and development, the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), as well as the European Union and Health Canada, granted their approval for the device. The first author and five co-investigators recruited 146 women of diverse cultural and national backgrounds to evaluate the FemmyCycle. Women were instructed to use the FemmyCycle for three cycles, report any side effects and compare their experiences using the FemmyCycle with other sanitary products. Results: Among all participants who used this new device for three cycles, 84% preferred the FemmyCycle over prior methods used for menstrual hygiene. These women rated the device superior to previously-used methods and safer for the environment than pads and tampons. Conclusions: The majority of women preferred the FemmyCycle over their previous feminine sanitary protection methods. The device can protect the environment and enhance the quality of women’s lives during menstruation, particularly working and athletic women. This is due to the longer duration of protection, prevention of leakage, activity compatibility, as well as elimination of the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. This device may fill a major void in menstrual hygiene products and women’s reproductive health worldwide.