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 at McMaster University in the department of chemical engineering, highlighted the potential for innovation in menstrual products, emphasizing unmet needs and opportunities for improvement. Collaborating with associate professor Tohid Didar, they developed smart tablets designed to enhance the accessibility and cleanliness of menstrual cups.
The United Nations entity UN Women reports that over 2 billion individuals worldwide menstruate, with one in six menstruating individuals in Canada facing period poverty. The average person in Canada spends approximately $6,000 on period products throughout their lifetime, while a quarter of Canadians associate periods with being unclean.
Menstrual cups have gained popularity due to their eco-friendly and cost-effective nature, offering long-term reusability. Hosseinidoust investigated social media comments to address concerns about the mess associated with menstrual cups, leading to the development of the innovative tablets.
Dior David, a student at McMaster University, praised the tablets for their convenience, particularly in public settings where changing menstrual cups can be challenging. Similarly, Jennifer Abraham emphasized the importance of menstrual product innovations in providing choices for individuals and reducing stigmas surrounding menstruation.
The seaweed-based tablets, although single-use, offer biodegradability, affordability, and sustainability. In addition to enhancing the use of menstrual cups, the tablets have the potential to detect and prevent infections such as UTIs and bacterial vaginosis, showcasing a multifaceted impact on menstrual health.
Hosseinidoust’s research focuses on integrating bacteriophages into menstrual products to combat infections effectively without harming beneficial bacteria. This ongoing research aims to revolutionize various menstrual products beyond the current tablet innovation, addressing critical gaps in menstrual health innovation.
For Hosseinidoust, uncovering the lack of innovation in menstrual products presented both a professional opportunity for advancement and a personal reflection on the persistent neglect in menstrual health research.