Close to 25% of the global population experiences menstruation, yet advancements in menstrual products have been limited, according to a researcher at McMaster University. Zeinab Hosseinidoust, a professor in the chemical engineering department at the university, highlighted the potential for innovation in this field and the unmet basic needs within it.
Hosseinidoust collaborated with associate professor Tohid Didar to develop smart tablets that can enhance the usability of menstrual cups and minimize the potential mess associated with them. These tablets aim to address concerns and make the use of menstrual cups more convenient.
Statistics from UN Women reveal that over 2 billion individuals worldwide menstruate, with period poverty affecting one in six menstruators in Canada. The average person spends approximately $6,000 on period products in their lifetime, and a quarter of Canadians associate periods with being dirty and unclean, as per federal government research.
The popularity of menstrual cups has risen due to their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness, as they can be reused for years. Hosseinidoust’s inspiration for the smart tablets stemmed from observing social media comments questioning the mess associated with menstrual cups.
McMaster University students expressed positive views on the innovation, with Dior David appreciating the convenience the tablets offer in public settings. Jennifer Abraham praised the importance of menstrual product innovations and education to empower individuals to choose the best options for themselves.
The smart tablets, made from seaweed-based materials, are biodegradable, flushable, and affordable. Hosseinidoust emphasized that these tablets not only aim to enhance the adoption of menstrual cups but also have the potential to detect and prevent infections like UTIs and bacterial vaginosis.
The integration of bacteriophages in menstrual products for infection detection and treatment is an ongoing area of research led by Hosseinidoust. This innovative approach could revolutionize various menstrual products, offering a comprehensive solution for menstrual health.
Hosseinidoust described the discovery of the gap in menstrual product innovation both as a researcher’s gold mine and a reflection on the neglect in addressing crucial menstrual health issues.
