Technological tools that focus on women’s health are finally getting the attention they deserve. Read how it’s empowering to use technology to create new solutions to age-old problems.

Female technology or Fem Tech “is emerging as the next big disruptor in the global healthcare market” with the potential to hit $50 billion by 2025, according to a report released by market research firm Frost & Sullivan last year. In other words, technological tools that focus on women’s health are finally getting the attention they deserve!

Menstruation care, an important category in this segment, has recently seen a spike in interest for innovative products and marketing campaigns that are breaking taboos about “that time of the month”. From period-absorbing underwear and eco-friendly sanitary napkins to period-tracking apps and #HappyToBleed conversations, a growing tribe of startups are working on making menstruation a healthier and happier time.

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Ground reality

A majority of women though, especially in Asia, still use unhygienic or environmentally unsustainable alternatives. Blame it on lack of awareness or socio-cultural beliefs, poor menstrual hygiene is responsible for growing number of cases of reproductive or urinary tract infections as well as cervical cancer and hepatitis B.

Despite being aware of the many choices available today, it was only recently that I started making conscious efforts to reduce my dependence on disposable sanitary products. I tried the menstrual cup – and it was nothing like I expected! But before I get to the not-so-gory details of my experiments with the cup, here’s an interesting bit of trivia: The first menstrual cup was designed by American actor and author Leona Chalmers. It was patented in 1937.

First things first

For those who came in late, the menstrual cup is a type of reusable feminine hygiene product designed from medical-grade silicone. Worn inside the vagina – like a tampon – the funnel-shaped cup can supposedly hold more blood than other menstrual products. Also, they are eco-friendly.

I’ve been meaning to try the menstrual cup for quite some time. But then, the idea was too discomforting. Finally, I ordered the product online and it was home in 24 hours! After days of reading up on the product and countless user experiences online, one fine day, I took the plunge.

The pros>

Honestly, one of my biggest fears was about putting the cup the right way. In practice though, it was super easy. I recommend trying it on for the first time while you are not menstruating. Less mess, less stress. Remember to wash your hands and the cup with warm water before inserting it. This is important in terms of hygiene as well as lubrication.

I was surprised to find that I couldn’t feel the cup at all, once it was inserted. In fact, on the first day of my period, I did Zumba – jumping jacks, squats, and lots of dancing – without any mishaps. There was no reason to use the emergency sanitary napkin in my bag. Depending on your flow, you can wear the cup for up to 12 hours, say the manufacturers. Well, I had a good night’s sleep!

Perhaps because my conscience was clear, now that I wasn’t adding to the mounting plastic waste in the world. Menstrual cups offer a more environmentally-friendly approach to managing periods. What’s more, they are cost-effective. The reusable cup can be used for up to 10 years! Even if you use it for four months, it works out to be cheaper than pads or tampons.

And most importantly, the menstrual cup is safe. Unlike tampons, they don’t absorb blood – they simply collect it – evading the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare bacterial infection associated with tampon use.

The cons

Although it was easy to find menstrual cups for sale online, finding the right fit can be a challenge. The size recommendations are based on the user’s age and childbearing experience – which again differ from brand and to brand. So, it’s essentially guesswork. I was lucky to find the right fit in my first attempt; I’ve been told that’s not always the case.

In my experience, the most complicated thing about the menstrual cup is removing it. The first time was nerve-wracking. The cup seemed stuck; it refused to budge. After a couple of attempts, I figured out the technique. You need to pinch the base of the cup to release the airtight seal, before pulling it down. The seal helps prevent leaks.
But what if the ‘cup runneth over’? There’s nothing much you can do, other than finding a washroom to empty your cup and put it back in. Now, that’s a real challenge in many parts of the world, where access to clean toilets and water is not an easy as it should be.

All in all

It’s empowering to use technology to create new solutions to age-old problems. While menstrual cups have been around for decades, the shame associated with a natural physiological process like periods has prevented innumerable women from taking advantage of the Fem Tech innovation. Whether or not you endorse the product, it’s definitely worth a try.

In fact, the world’s first ‘smart’ menstrual cup (Looncup) that can pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth is all set to hit the markets soon. It’ll not only let you know how full the cup is but also analyse your cycle for early indication of issues such as uterine fibroids or premature menopause.

The new generation of Fem Tech products are rewriting the period story.