I-Corps: Translation potential of a tampon-like menstrual cup and applicator system

I-Corps项目的更广泛影响是开发了一种在月经期间使用月经杯和涂抹器收集月经液的内部使用设备。 目前，女性平均每个周期在女性卫生产品上花费20美元，但在使用护垫和卫生棉条时经常会经历不必要的不适或尴尬。此外，这些常用的产品使他们患子宫内膜异位症，中毒性休克综合征和多囊卵巢综合征的风险更高。虽然月经杯在市场上有售，但由于产品令人生畏的尺寸和插入和移除的困难，许多月经杯不会从当前的解决方案转换。这项技术解决了这些问题，并可能弥合卫生棉条的便利性和月经杯的好处之间的差距。 女性报告说，月经杯可以提供更高的舒适度，更少的活动干扰，更少的刺激，减少气味，并且能够比垫或垫更长时间地佩戴杯子。 该技术可以提供一个可持续的和易于使用的月经杯，为用户提供一个安全的解决方案，持久的舒适和功能。这个I-Corps项目利用体验式学习加上对行业生态系统的第一手调查，以评估该技术的转化潜力。该技术基于先前开发的阴道内月经杯和用于收集月经液的涂抹器。该技术使用了一个钟形杯和环标签设计结合一个卫生棉条样涂抹器。该产品的钟形提供了最佳的能力，收集月经液，是符合人体工程学设计，以适应阴道腔内舒适。对于插入，该装置使用一种常见的折叠技术，称为C-折叠。将柔性硅胶器械插入聚碳酸酯柱塞-施加器中，以部署到阴道腔中。为了移除，杯底部的环为生物相容性和可调节的绳索提供了附接点。这种设计允许无混乱和容易提取。该杯已被证明具有更长的磨损时间，减少了频繁更换的需要。 该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact of this I-Corps project is the development of a device for internal use during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid using a menstrual cup and applicator. Currently, the average menstruator spends $20 on feminine hygiene products per cycle, but often experiences unnecessary discomfort or embarrassment when using pads and tampons. In addition, these commonly used products put them at a higher risk for developing endometriosis, toxic shock syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Although menstrual cups are available on the market, many menstruators won't convert from their current solutions due to the product's intimidating size and difficulty with insertion and removal. This technology addresses these concerns and may bridge the gap between the convenience of tampons and the benefits of menstrual cups. Women have reported that menstrual cups may provide increased comfort, less interference with activities, less irritation, decreased odor, and the ability to wear a cup for longer periods of time than a pad or tampon. The technology may offer a sustainable and easy-to-use menstrual cup that provides users a safe solution with long-lasting comfort and function.This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with a first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translational potential of the technology. The technology is based on the prior development of an intravaginal menstrual cup and applicator to collect menstrual fluid. The technology uses a bell-shaped cup and loop tab design in combination with a tampon-like applicator. The product’s bell-shape provides optimal capacity for collecting menstrual fluid and is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably within the vaginal canal. For insertion, the device uses a common folding technique, known as the C-fold. The flexible silicone device is inserted into the polycarbonate plunger-applicator to be deployed into the vaginal canal. For removal, a loop at the base of the cup provides an attachment point for a biocompatible and adjustable cord. This design allows for mess-free and easy extraction. The cup has been shown to have a longer wear time, reducing the need for frequent changes. In addition, the solution has an eco-friendly, reusable design that may result in a significant reduction in environmental waste.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.