Close to 25% of the global population goes through menstruation, yet there has been limited innovation in menstrual products, according to a McMaster University researcher. Zeinab Hosseinidoust, a professor at McMaster University, highlighted the potential for innovation in this field, emphasizing unmet needs and simple solutions. Hosseinidoust, working in the chemical engineering department at the university in Hamilton, collaborated with associate professor Tohid Didar to develop smart tablets designed to enhance the user experience of menstrual cups and reduce associated inconveniences.
Global statistics from UN Women indicate that over 2 billion individuals worldwide menstruate. In Canada, one in six menstruating individuals has faced period poverty, with an average lifetime expenditure of approximately $6,000 on period products. Additionally, one in four Canadians holds negative perceptions about menstruation, viewing it as unclean. The rise in popularity of menstrual cups in recent years is attributed to their eco-friendly and cost-effective nature, as they can be reused for extended periods.
Hosseinidoust’s curiosity about the low adoption rate of menstrual cups led her to investigate social media comments. She discovered concerns about the perceived messiness associated with using menstrual cups, prompting her to address this issue through the development of absorbent tablets. These tablets aim to simplify the process and improve user convenience, particularly in public settings where changing menstrual cups can be challenging.
Feedback from McMaster University students, such as Dior David and Jennifer Abraham, reflects a positive reception to innovations in menstrual products. David praised the tablets for their potential to enhance convenience, especially in public restrooms. Abraham emphasized the importance of increasing product variety and education to empower individuals to choose suitable options, ultimately reducing stigma and promoting open discussions about menstruation.
Despite the tablets being single-use, thus deviating from the sustainability and cost-efficiency of menstrual cups, they offer biodegradability, flushability, and affordability, utilizing seaweed-based materials. Beyond their immediate benefits, the tablets have the capacity to detect infections like UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and staph infections, thanks to the incorporation of bacteriophages. Hosseinidoust’s ongoing research aims to leverage these advancements to enhance various menstrual products, potentially revolutionizing the industry and improving menstrual health outcomes globally.