Menstrual Cup: A Sustainable Solution For Menstrual Hygiene

• Author(s):

  Tanusha Mahakal | Ganesh Patil | Princy Kumari | Sarthak Pawar

• Keywords:

  Menstrual Cup, Menstrual Hygiene Management, Sustainable Menstruation, Rural Health, Reusable Menstrual Products, Women's Health, Eco-friendly Hygiene

• Abstract:

  Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Remains A Critical Yet Under-addressed Public Health Challenge, Particularly In Rural And Peri-urban Communities Of Developing Nations. Inadequate Access To Safe, Affordable, And Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Products Continues To Affect The Health, Dignity, Education, And Socioeconomic Participation Of Millions Of Women And Girls. The Menstrual Cup, A Reusable Silicone-based Intravaginal Device Designed To Collect Menstrual Fluid, Has Emerged As A Promising Alternative To Conventional Disposable Products Such As Pads And Tampons. This Paper Presents A Comprehensive Research Study Examining The Menstrual Cup As A Sustainable Solution For Menstrual Hygiene Management. Through A Mixed-method Approach Encompassing A Structured Survey Of 200 Participants (comprising Rural And Urban Women Aged 15–45), Field Observations, And Literature Synthesis, The Study Evaluates Awareness Levels, Acceptability, Usage Patterns, Advantages, And Socio-cultural Barriers Associated With Menstrual Cup Adoption. Findings Indicate That While Awareness Of Menstrual Cups Remains Significantly Low In Rural Areas (approximately 18%), Urban Acceptance Is Comparatively Higher (approximately 62%). Key Advantages Identified Include Cost-effectiveness Over Long-term Use, Environmental Sustainability (reduction Of Menstrual Waste), Health Benefits (lower Risk Of Toxic Shock Syndrome And Infections), And Enhanced Convenience. Major Challenges Include Cultural Taboos, Lack Of Awareness, Initial Discomfort During Insertion/removal, And Limited Access To Clean Water For Maintenance. The Study Concludes With Evidence-based Recommendations For Policy Interventions, Community Outreach Programs, And Educational Campaigns To Foster Wider Adoption Of Menstrual Cups, Especially Among Underserved Populations.

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Other Details

• Paper id:

  IJSARTV12I6105579

• Published in:

  Volume: 12 Issue: 6 June 2026

• Publication Date:

  2026-06-01

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