Photo: fornStudio / Shutterstock
Heavy menstrual bleeding affects up to a third of menstruating women and has a negative impact on quality of life. The diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding is based primarily on history, which is highly dependent on traditional disposable menstrual products such as sanitary napkins and tampons. Only tampons undergo industry regulated testing for absorbency. As the use of alternative menstrual products increases, there is a need to understand how the performance of these products compares to that of standard products.
A variety of commercially available menstrual products (tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual cups and discs, and period underwear) were tested in the laboratory for their maximum absorbency or filling capacity using expired human red blood cell concentrates. The volume of blood necessary for saturation or filling of the product was recorded.
Of the 21 individual menstrual hygiene products tested, one menstrual disc (Ziggy, Jiangsu, China) contained the largest amount of blood of all the products (80 mL). The ice-activated perineal cold pack and menstruation underwear were the least durable (<3 mL each). Of the product categories tested, on average, menstrual discs had the largest capacity (61 mL) and period underwear contained the smallest (2 mL). Tampons, sanitary napkins (heavy/ultra) and menstrual cups contained similar amounts of blood (approximately 20 to 50 ml).
This study found considerable variability in the red blood cell volume capacity of menstrual products. This emphasizes the importance of asking people about the type of menstrual products they use and how they use them. Greater understanding of the capabilities of newer menstrual products may help physicians better quantify menstrual blood loss, identify individuals who may benefit from further evaluation, and monitor treatment.
Keep reading:
• Foods with melatonin that can help you sleep better
• What can you do to keep your kidneys healthy?
• Leprosy cases increase in Florida: CDC warns