Menstrual Products Are Only Just Being Tested On Blood: What Do We Know

For decades, menstrual products have been a crucial part of the lives of people around the world. With a history dating back to the 19th century, these products have evolved to meet the diverse needs of menstruating individuals. 

However, despite their widespread use and constant innovation, a significant gap existed in our understanding of how well these products truly perform, particularly when it comes to their advertised absorption capabilities.

Historical reports reveal that patents for menstrual products were granted between 1854 and 1915, showcasing the long-established significance of these essentials. 

What's fascinating is that while these products claimed remarkable absorption capabilities, they were never rigorously tested using real human menstrual blood until very recently. 

This historical oversight left a significant gap in our understanding of the actual efficacy of these products, as traditional testing methods relied on substitutes such as water and saline - substances that bear little resemblance to the true complexity of menstrual blood considering neither is nearly as viscous as menstrual blood, which contains not only blood cells, but also secretions and tissue from the shed endometrial lining.

Revolutionising Research: Real Blood, Real Insights

The dawn of a new era in menstrual product research arrived with the publication of a groundbreaking study in the British Medical Journal's Sexual and Reproductive Health. 

This study shattered the existing norms by utilising real human blood to assess the performance of various menstrual hygiene products. 

The significance of this breakthrough cannot be overstated, as it promises to provide individuals with unprecedented insights into the products they rely on month after month.

Traditionally, research on menstrual product absorption involved water or saline substitutes, which failed to capture the intricacies of menstrual blood. 

um? I assumed those commercials used water because they couldn’t show blood but it’s really because no one…thought to test actual blood? pic.twitter.com/Clq3u0roW8

— alana 🦋 (@alanaauston) August 14, 2023

The study authors recognized the limitations of these methods and boldly embarked on trials involving real human blood. These trials aimed to bridge the gap between laboratory simulations and the actual experiences of menstruating individuals. 

The study involved two trials, one using O+ blood that had expired 33 days prior and another utilizing the same unit of blood that had expired 58 days ago. The results yielded compelling findings that could reshape the way menstruators select their preferred protection methods.

The results were illuminating, pointing towards the potential superiority of menstrual discs in managing heavy flows compared to conventional pads, tampons, and period underwear.

This data is poised to empower menstruators to make more informed choices tailored to their unique menstrual protection needs, potentially alleviating financial burdens associated with purchasing various products that might not meet their requirements.

Societal Perception Of Menstruation

The study's implications extend beyond product efficacy and choices. It underscores the long-standing lack of comprehensive research in the field of menstrual products, which have historically been viewed through a narrow lens due to the disproportionate focus on women's health. 

A case in point is the delayed acknowledgment of toxic chemicals present in popular sanitary pads, despite the significant health risks they pose to consumers. The study underscores the importance of addressing such critical knowledge gaps.

Intriguingly, the historical lack of accurate research on menstrual products seems to mirror broader societal trends. Even as advertisements highlighted the blood-absorption capacity of menstrual products, many brands avoided depicting menstrual blood as red until recently. 

India, for instance, had to wait until 2020 for its first advertisement that accurately portrayed menstrual blood. Afshan Shaikh, the director of the Indian ad, emphasised the importance of normalising the portrayal of blood to remove stigma.

The study's revelations echo the larger pattern of delayed research on menstrual products, leading to potential health risks for users. 

In a shocking revelation, a report from the previous year exposed toxic chemicals present in several popular sanitary pads in India, raising concerns about consumer health. Despite the significant market size of the sanitary napkin industry, such crucial information had long remained hidden from the public.

The perceived gendered nature of menstruation and historical biases in medical research have contributed to this research gap.

In recent times, even the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on menstrual health took substantial public outcry and expert intervention before gaining the attention it deserved.

In a world where menstruation has often been treated as a "women's issue," this study challenges existing norms and paves the way for a future where menstrual health is given the attention and research it truly deserves. 

As society moves towards greater awareness and acceptance of menstruation, this research serves as a critical step in normalising discussions around menstrual health. 

By addressing historical gaps and leveraging innovative testing methods, researchers are not only enhancing our understanding of menstrual products but also affirming the importance of accurate and meaningful research in areas that directly impact the well-being of individuals.

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