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. 2023 Apr 1;141(4):666-673.
doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005126. Epub 2023 Feb 15.

Menstrual Technology Innovations and the Implications for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Abigail Liberty  1 , Bethany Samuelson Bannow, Kristen Matteson, Alison Edelman, Alyssa Colwill
Affiliations

Menstrual Technology Innovations and the Implications for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Abigail Liberty et al. Obstet Gynecol. .

Abstract

Menstruation is a personal and cultural experience with financial and health implications. Menstruation historically has been managed with disposable commodities, including tampons and pads. New technologies, including underwear and menstrual cups and discs, have emerged to address diverse menstrual needs such as prioritization of sustainability, discretion, and inclusivity. New technologies are not routinely integrated into history taking or validated questionnaires, which currently rely on traditional tampon and pad use for identifying individuals with heavy menstrual bleeding. Review of menstrual technologies and accessories provides insight to empower gynecologists and other clinicians to take comprehensive menstrual histories, including strategies for identification of heavy menstrual bleeding and troubleshooting menstrual disturbances, within the context of new menstrual technologies.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial Disclosure Alison Edelman reports honoraria and travel reimbursement from ACOG, WHO, and Gynuity for committee activities and honoraria for peer review from the Karolinska Institute. She receives royalties from Up to Date, Inc. Oregon Health & Science University receives research funding from OHSU Foundation, Merck, HRA Pharma, and NIH, where Dr. Edelman is the principal investigator. The other authors did not report any potential conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.. Components of reusable internal menstrual products. Menstrual cup (left) and menstrual disc (right). A. Rim. B. Channels for suction release. C. Cup. D. Stem. E. Disc reservoir.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.. Example of menstrual cup insertion device (left) and menstrual cup removal device (right).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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