I have a very vivid not-so-fond-but-also-not-terrible memory of my mom showing me how to use a tampon when I had my first period around the age of 13. She demonstrated using her hand, a tampon and a tear in her eye as I was “becoming a woman.” I don’t even know if, at that time, I knew how many holes were down there.
For the years that I used tampons (I currently use and have used menstrual cups for a long time), I would have just assumed that period products were tested with menstrual blood….or at least blood.
It wasn’t until my 30’s (!!!!) after having kids that I learned these products aren’t tested using any variety of blood, but instead saline. For my not-an-MD mind, saline solution is what I put my contacts in, not what comes out of the body once a month for 40+ years.
Did you know that for decades the science behind the trusty tampon relied on a surprising substitute: saline solution. That's right, the absorbency of tampons, a product designed to absorb menstrual blood, was typically tested with a simple salt-water mix. But recent studies are shaking things up by using real blood, and this switch could have significant implications for your period care.
Saline vs. Blood: Why the Change?
Saline solution is a safe, readily available liquid, making it a seemingly logical choice for testing. However, there's a key difference between saline and blood: viscosity. Blood is thicker and contains clotting factors, while saline flows freely like water. This difference can significantly impact how a tampon absorbs.
Imagine soaking up a spill. Water would spread quickly and be easily absorbed by a towel. Now, picture trying to soak up honey. It would be slower and require a different approach from the towel. Similarly, blood's thickness and clotting properties can influence how it interacts with tampon materials.
A More Accurate Picture
By using real blood, researchers can get a more accurate picture of a tampon's performance. This can lead to:
Improved absorbency ratings: Saline might underestimate a tampon's ability to absorb real blood, potentially leading to inaccurate claims or women choosing tampons that aren't sufficient for their flow.
Better product development: Understanding how tampons interact with blood can inform the design of new materials and technologies to optimize comfort and performance.
Acknowledgement that a menstruating body needs to be the source of research on a menstruating body?
A 2023 study by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a prime example. Their research, the first to use human blood for tampon absorbency testing, highlighted discrepancies between advertised absorbency and real-world performance. This newfound knowledge can empower women to make informed choices about their menstrual products.
The Period Conversation Continues
The shift towards blood-based testing is a positive step in menstrual health research. It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of using scientifically sound methods to evaluate products specifically designed for menstruation.
By openly discussing menstruation and using real blood in research, we can normalize periods and encourage a more open dialogue about female reproductive health. This can empower women to make informed choices and seek medical help if needed.
The move towards blood-based testing signifies a shift towards more accurate and user-centric research in menstrual health products. This has the potential to improve women's experiences with their periods and contribute to their overall reproductive well-being.
As research continues to evolve, we can expect even more advancements in tampon technology and a deeper understanding of women's menstrual health needs. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a more open and informed conversation about periods.
My fave menstrual cups (not sponsored - I don’t do any affiliate marketing, speaking only from my personal experience with use):
And, if you search menstrual cups on Amazon, you can find all types of options at different price points.
** one additional note on conventional tampons and the environment:
Conventional tampons may contain a blend of materials, including synthetic fibers in the core for absorbency and a plastic applicator or wrapper. These can take significantly longer to decompose than organic tampons, with estimates ranging from 500 to 800 years in landfills.
Ok, that’s all for now. We’ll chat again soon.
xo,
Erin