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

I-Corps项目的更广泛影响是研制了一种月经期间内部使用的装置，使用月经杯和涂抹器收集月经液。目前，月经来潮者平均每个月经周期在女性卫生用品上花费20美元，但在使用卫生巾和卫生棉条时往往会感到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，但许多月经者不会改变他们目前的解决方案，因为这种产品的尺寸令人生畏，而且难以插入和取出。这项技术解决了这些问题，并可能弥合卫生棉条的便利和月经杯的好处之间的差距。女性报告说，月经杯可以增加舒适度，减少对活动的干扰，减少刺激，减少气味，并且可以比卫生巾或卫生棉条戴更长的时间。这项技术可能会提供一个可持续的、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。I-Corps项目利用体验式学习和对行业生态系统的第一手调查来评估该技术的转化潜力。该技术是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。该技术使用钟形杯和环状标签设计，并结合卫生棉条样的涂抹器。该产品的钟形提供了收集月经液体的最佳能力，并符合人体工程学设计，以适应舒适的阴道管。为了插入，该设备使用了一种常见的折叠技术，称为c折叠。所述柔性硅胶装置插入所述聚碳酸酯柱塞-涂抹器中以部署到阴道管中。移除时，杯底的环为生物相容性和可调节的脐带提供附着点。这种设计允许无混乱和容易提取。研究表明，这种杯子的佩戴时间更长，减少了频繁更换的需要。此外，该解决方案具有环保，可重复使用的设计，可能会显著减少环境浪费。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，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.