End To Period Poverty
Women across the globe and across timelines, have been dealing with menstruation. It has existed since the beginning of time, quite literally, and yet, the availability of easy-to-use and hygienic menstrual products took a long time to come into existence. If you’ve ever asked your mother or grandmother about the products that they used during their cycles, I’m sure you would have gotten the shock of your lives. “My naani (maternal grandmother) said, they used to make their pads at home. They used to place cotton balls between soft cotton cloth to make the pads. I was shocked because it doesn’t sound leak proof at all,” expressed Anita Ghosh, student. There are a variety of menstrual products available in the marketplace today, but first, let’s find out how and when they came into being.
Evolution of Menstrual Products
The evolution of menstrual products is quite fascinating and reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of women throughout history. In ancient Greece, women crafted homemade solutions using lightweight wood, creating primitive tampon shapes known as 'motos.' These were wrapped with lint to form absorbent plugs, possibly used for contraception rather than menstrual flow management. Moving forward, Roman women turned to woven cotton and sheep's wool for makeshift pads. While wool was less absorbent, it served its purpose despite being thicker and heavier, often carrying the strong odor of blood. The ancient Egyptians, pioneers in many areas, used softened papyrus to create tampon-shaped devices for menstrual blood absorption. In ancient Africa, women crafted rolls of grass or grass mats to manage menstrual flow. Fast forward to 17th-century Europe, where menstruation became a taboo topic. Women, under societal pressure, created homemade pads from natural ingredients such as cotton fibres, oil silk, wood, wool wadding, and linen. The late 19th century marked a turning point with concerns about unsanitary conditions and the risk of infection. Enter the Hoosier Sanitary Belt in 1879, a revolutionary invention that pinned washable cloth pads to a belt. This innovation gained popularity from the late 1800s to the 1920s, offering a more hygienic and convenient solution for women. In the late 19th century, sea sponges discreetly entered the menstrual product scene as an alternative to the washable napkins of the time. Marketed to combat the foul smells associated with traditional napkins, sea sponges were placed in a net with a string for easier insertion and removal. Their advantage lay in requiring less rigorous cleaning, being easily boiled for reuse.
The disposable sanitary pads we know today trace their origins back to World War I when nurses sought a battlefield solution for bleeding. The first absorbent pads were made from wood pulp bandages called Cellucotton, found in hospitals by French nurses. In 1896, Johnson & Johnson introduced Lister's Towel: Sanitary Towels for Ladies, accompanied by Lister’s belts. However, due to societal discomfort and high prices, the product failed, and homemade options persisted. The 1920s saw the emergence of commercially marketed tampons with Fax tampons leading the way. Absorbent material wrapped in gauze, these tampons lacked applicators and strings. While more sanitary, leakage remained a significant concern. Kotex addressed this issue and successfully commercialised disposable sanitary napkins. These were made from absorbent cellucotton bandages and advertised as "leakage-free." Advertising menstrual products became more accepted, leading to increased comfort for women in asking for and purchasing these items. Kotex, leveraging the absorbent bandages, developed disposable sanitary napkins. Rectangular piles of creped cellucotton were hand-wrapped in gauze, paving the way for the acceptance of disposable pads as a normal part of a menstruating woman's life. For those who couldn't afford disposable napkins, the sanitary apron emerged as an alternative. However, its effectiveness was limited, acting as a protective barrier but falling short in terms of hygiene and overall performance. In 1929, Dr. Earle C. Haas revolutionised menstrual hygiene by inventing the modern tampon with an applicator. This innovation was prompted by Haas's discovery that a friend was using a small sponge during menstruation, inspiring him to create a more comfortable option for women. The taboo surrounding intimate contact with vaginas and menstrual blood made the invention quite groundbreaking. By 1931, Haas had finalised the design and patented the tampon, naming it "Tampax" (Tampon + Vaginal Pack = Tampax). The introduction of the first tampon with an applicator marked a significant step forward in menstrual product evolution. Meanwhile, menstrual cups, designed to collect blood throughout the day, had their modern beginnings in 1937. The first patented cup, made from latex rubber, aimed to provide comfort and discretion without belts or pads. However, World War II led to a shortage of latex rubber, causing production shutdowns. Despite a comeback in the late '60s, menstrual cups failed to gain widespread attention and faded into obscurity. In 1950, O.B. released disposable tampons without applicators in Europe, becoming a popular choice due to their smaller size and discreet portability. The U.S. saw their release in the '70s. The early 1970s brought a breakthrough in disposable pads—a bottom adhesive strip allowed easy attachment to underwear. Scented pads also entered the market, and women quickly embraced the belt-free option. By the 1980s, belted sanitary napkins were nearly obsolete. In the '90s, the introduction of innovative absorbent gels embedded in sanitary pads marked a breakthrough in comfort and hygiene.
Although there are a lot of products to choose from, the most popularly used menstrual product in India remains to be the Sanitary Napkin/Pads. Sanitary Pads are hygienic, come with various absorbency levels and are easily available. But there still are downsides to using them. Some disposable pads may contain chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that could cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, prolonged use of sanitary pads can lead to discomfort and chafing, especially in hot and humid conditions, some may have leakage issues, some might struggle with odour. Sanitary Pads are not economical, neither environment friendly. While individual pads may seem affordable, the cumulative cost over a woman's reproductive years can be significant and let’s not even talk about the negative impact it has on the environment because they’re often made with plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, leading to long decomposition times. To combat these issues, India is seeing a surge in reusable menstrual products and the one leading the way today are menstrual cups.
What are menstrual cups?
Menstrual cups sanitary products designed to collect and manage menstrual blood. These cups are typically made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, latex, or elastomer and are shaped like a bell or funnel. Unlike tampons or pads, which absorb or catch menstrual flow, menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina to collect blood. As we have already discussed, they were invented in 1937 in the US but due to a shortage of latex during World War II, their production was stopped.
How do menstrual cups work?
The cup is folded and inserted into the vagina, similar to how a tampon is inserted. Once inside, it unfolds and creates a seal against the vaginal walls. The cup creates a seal, preventing leaks and allowing blood to be collected in the cup. Menstrual cups collect menstrual blood rather than absorbing it. After several hours (depending on the cup size and individual flow), the cup needs to be removed for emptying. Users can simply pinch the base of the cup to break the seal and pull it out gently. They are reusable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water before being reinserted. Some cups can be used for several years with proper care.
Are menstrual cups better?
Menstrual cups offer several advantages over disposable menstrual products, making them a preferred choice for many individuals. Some reasons why menstrual cups are considered better are that they are reusable and have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to disposable pads and tampons. They reduce the amount of waste generated, contributing to a more sustainable menstrual hygiene option. While the upfront cost of a menstrual cup may be higher, its long lifespan (often several years) makes it more cost-effective in the long run compared to regularly purchasing disposable products. “I recently bought a Sirona Menstrual Cup, and it has literally changed my life. It costs around 260 rupees and can be used for 5 years, can you imagine the amount of money I am saving? Sanitary pads are expensive and as a student who is working part time, saving up this money helps me a lot,” said Tripsha Das. Menstrual cups collect blood inside the body, minimising exposure to air and reducing the likelihood of unpleasant odours associated with menstrual flow, which can occur with disposable pads. Many users find menstrual cups to be comfortable once properly inserted. Unlike pads, there's no bulkiness or chafing, providing a more comfortable experience during daily activities. Disposable pads and tampons may contain chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. Menstrual cups, made from medical-grade materials, reduce the risk of exposure to potentially irritating substances. When properly inserted and sealed, menstrual cups are less prone to leaks compared to pads and tampons. This can provide users with increased confidence and peace of mind during their menstrual cycle. “Sanitary pads come with different sizes and absorbency levels, but people who deal with a heavy flow like mine still face leakage issues. We have to frequently change pads and it’s uncomfortable to sit through 7-8 hours at the office with continuous flow. I was sceptical at first, but now that I have switched to cups, the only thing that I have to be worried about are my excruciating cramps,” said Sweta Mishra, a working professional. Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on flow and cup size. This means fewer changes throughout the day compared to disposable products, which may need more frequent replacement. Unlike pads and tampons, menstrual cups have not been associated with an increased risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a condition linked to high-absorbency tampons or pads. Using a cup poses a lower risk of this rare but serious condition. “The insertion process is a little overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it, there is not a chance you’ll ever want to go back to using those pads. There are a lot of ways to insert the cup. One should choose the way in which they are the most comfortable,” shared Nivedita Patnaik, who has been using the cup since 3 years.
Relevance in India
Despite growing awareness about menstrual health among women in India, the latest report from the National Family Health Survey reveals that only 77.6% of women in the country use hygienic methods of menstrual protection. Among women aged 15-24, 64.4% use sanitary napkins, while 49.6% rely on cloth, and 15% use locally prepared napkins. Women in India continue to use unhygienic menstrual products for various reasons. Limited access to affordable and hygienic options, particularly in rural areas, forces many women to resort to unhygienic alternatives due to financial constraints or lack of availability. Lack of awareness and education about menstrual health and hygiene perpetuates the use of unhygienic products, as some women may not be aware of safer alternatives or the importance of proper menstrual hygiene. Cultural taboos surrounding menstruation further compound the issue, with discussions about menstrual hygiene often considered taboo or shameful, hindering efforts to promote better practices. Traditional beliefs and practices, inadequate infrastructure and facilities, and financial constraints also play significant roles. Menstrual cups are one of the cheapest options, costing between 200 to 2000 (INR) and lasting up to 10 years. However, the usage of the menstrual cups remains low in India, with only 0.3% of women aged 15–24 in India using menstrual cups. This is also because of lack of awareness among the masses and the taboos that come attached with it. “I remember I was advised against using menstrual cups by a friend of mine because she thought it might break the hymen,” said Smita Singh, a working professional in Bhubaneswar. To tackle these obstacles, numerous organisations and NGOs have initiated extensive awareness campaigns aimed at educating women about the benefits of menstrual cups while making them more accessible and affordable. One such example is SheCup, an Indian company committed to providing menstrual cups at subsidised prices along with comprehensive menstrual health education. Through their efforts, they aim to empower women with sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions while breaking down taboos and misconceptions surrounding menstruation. Governmental initiatives, such as the campaign launched by the government of Kerala, have been pivotal in distributing free menstrual cups to women in rural areas. The Kerala government has earmarked Rs 10 crore in the state budget for the 2023–24 fiscal year to conduct awareness campaigns to promote menstrual cup usage.
These efforts not only provide women with a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative but also foster a culture of openness and empowerment regarding menstrual health.
Ending Period Poverty
Period poverty, a prevalent issue in India, refers to the inability of many women and girls to afford menstrual hygiene products due to financial constraints. This often leads to the use of unhygienic alternatives or the absence of adequate menstrual products, which can have serious health implications and hinder women's participation in daily activities, education, and employment. Addressing these barriers requires multifaceted approaches aimed at improving access to affordable and hygienic products, increasing awareness and education, challenging cultural stigma, and improving infrastructure and facilities for menstrual hygiene management.
Menstrual cups offer a promising solution to period poverty in India. Unlike disposable pads and tampons, menstrual cups are reusable and have a lifespan of several years, making them a cost-effective option in the long run. By providing women with access to affordable menstrual cups and proper education on their usage, organisations and initiatives can empower women to manage their periods hygienically and affordably. Since the environmental sustainability of menstrual cups aligns with India's goals of promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing waste, the government of India should play its part in spreading awareness. Widespread adoption of menstrual cups has the potential to alleviate period poverty, improve menstrual health outcomes, and promote gender equality in India.
