IIT-D Boys Launch Roll-on Pain Reliever For Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps can cause unbearable pain for some women often leading to endometriosis. To help them tackle with the issue better, two IIT-Delhi boys launched ‘Sanfe period pain relief roll-on’ on International Women’s Day.

Sanfe, says the company, is made of a concoction of natural essential oils formulation and when applied on cramp-affected areas such as the lower abdomen, back and legs, works through a heating-cooling sensation therapy. It first cools the skin and then heats it, the product claims. This relieves the muscle and resolves cramps the company says. The roll-on comes in a 10 ml bottle which lasts up to three months and costs Rs 169.

Archit Agarwal (20) and Harry Sehrawat (19) are the two boys who invented this roll-on pain reliever. In 2018, they created ‘Sanfe stand and pee’ product allowing women to stand and urinate using a cup-like device rather than touching a dirty public toilet.

“We talk about women empowerment but basic issues that stop women from getting a fair chance in life often get neglected. During our research, we found that period of pain forces over 40 per cent of women to miss their daily routine,” Agarwal told IE. Both Agarwal and Sehrawat are students of fourth year BTech according to the report.

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The duo conducted trials on over 79 women after ethical approval from AIIMS, New Delhi. The product is now FDA approved.

“The aim of the product was to create a natural, side-effect free solution to a natural problem,” said Aggarwal to IE. “Thus, we took constant feedback. Earlier, women were skeptical that such a product would work but after a couple of trials many asked us for more testers to use for next cycles,” he added.

Period pains is one of the several issues due to which young girls have to miss school, said a survey done in Delhi’s government school. Conducted by an NGO Sachhi Saheli, according to a report, it found at least 66% of girls enrolled in government schools across the city either skip classes or take a half day’s leave when they are on their period. The survey was done on 10,000 girls in the academic year 2018-2019.

We talk about women empowerment but basic issues that stop women from getting a fair chance in life often get neglected. During our research, we found that period of pain forces over 40 per cent of women to miss their daily routine.

“It’s observed that a large number of girls do not get the necessary support from their families during their monthly cycle. There is a myth that one should not take medicine for period pains and most mothers do not allow their daughters to take any painkiller. However, there is no harm in consulting a doctor and taking pain medication. That’s why they have no option but to skip classes,” said Dr Surbhi Singh, the founder of Sachhi Saheli.

“Of the 10,000 girls who took the survey, 68% did not know about menstruation until they got their period. It clearly shows the stigma surrounding menstruation which remains with them throughout their lives and menstruation continues to be a thing of shame for them. It also makes them feel uncomfortable about changing sanitary pads during school hours,” Dr Singh, a gynaecologist, said.

Picture Credit- Indian Express

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