McMaster University Innovates Menstrual Products with Smart Tablets

Researchers at McMaster University have developed innovative absorbent tablets designed to enhance the functionality of menstrual cups, addressing common concerns about their use. Led by Professor Zeinab Hosseinidoust from the department of chemical engineering, this project aims to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation while promoting eco-friendly menstrual products.

Despite nearly a quarter of the global population menstruating, advancements in menstrual products have been limited, according to Hosseinidoust. She stated, “This is a field ripe for innovation. There is so much that can be done, and very simple needs that are not met.” Working with Associate Professor Tohid Didar, Hosseinidoust and her team created tablets that work in conjunction with menstrual cups, aiming to alleviate concerns about messiness during use.

Addressing Period Stigma and Accessibility

Data from UN Women indicates that over two billion people worldwide menstruate. In Canada, research reveals that one in six individuals who menstruate experience period poverty, with the average person spending approximately $6,000 on menstrual products throughout their lifetime. Furthermore, a federal government study found that one in four Canadians believe menstruation is inherently dirty and unclean.

Menstrual cups have gained popularity for their environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness, as they can be reused for several years. However, concerns about mess have been a significant barrier to their adoption. Hosseinidoust examined social media comments where users expressed apprehension regarding the mess associated with these products. “A lot of them ask, ‘what about the mess?’ So there is that concern, whether it’s real or not,” she noted.

The tablets, crafted from biodegradable and flushable seaweed-based materials, offer a solution to this issue. They provide users a convenient way to change menstrual cups without needing to rinse them in a sink, especially in public restrooms. McMaster University student Dior David shared her enthusiasm for the product, stating, “It would honestly just make everything more convenient.”

Innovative Technology with Health Benefits

While the tablets are single-use, they are designed to minimize environmental impact and offer a cost-effective solution. Hosseinidoust highlighted the broader implications of the invention: “If the product can help people who menstruate become more willing to try a menstrual cup, it would be helping to reduce the billions of disposable menstrual products used worldwide on a daily basis, essentially hitting multiple birds with one stone.”

In addition to their primary purpose, the tablets have the potential to detect and prevent infections, such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis. The research team is also investigating the integration of bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial strains. Hosseinidoust remarked, “One of the things that we’re looking into is integrating these bacteriophages with some of these menstrual products to both detect and get rid of infections.”

This groundbreaking research not only addresses practical needs but also fosters conversation around menstrual health, thereby helping to destigmatize periods. Student Jennifer Abraham emphasized the importance of such innovations, stating, “It’s important that we have more products and more education about it, so that way people can choose an option that works best for them.”

Overall, the development of these absorbent tablets represents a significant step forward in menstrual health innovation, demonstrating the potential for positive change in a field that has long been neglected. Hosseinidoust described the experience of discovering such a substantial gap in menstrual product development as akin to finding a gold mine, yet she expressed frustration that such needs have been overlooked for so long.