August 8, 2023 – A brand new study shows that modern recent period products like discs can absorb greater than twice as much as probably the most absorbent tampon, while period underwear has only a fraction of the absorption capability of a pad.
The findings of the researchers at Oregon Health & Science University are necessary because medical professionals must know when a girl's period is heavy enough that it may very well be an indication of a serious medical problem.
From period underwear to menstrual discs and cups, the menstrual product market offers more decisions than ever before. But the variability makes it difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose whether their patients have a condition called heavy menstrual bleeding. That's because the results of those recent products haven't been well documented. Traditional pads and tampons are regulated or well-known, so patients can tell their doctors that they use a certain variety of products every day, and the quantity of menstrual blood may be easily calculated.
The recent Comparison of 21 period products was published on Monday in the web edition of BMJ Sexual and reproductive health.
The products tested included pads and tampons with different absorbency levels, several brands and sizes of tampons, three sizes of cups and three sizes of period underwear. Size S held just 3 milliliters, and sizes M and L held even less.
High-capacity tampons held between 31 and 34 milliliters, depending on the brand. The highest-capacity pads held between 31 and 50 milliliters, depending on the brand. Of the cups tested, the biggest size held 35 milliliters. The capability of the discs ranged from 40 milliliters to 80 milliliters. The largest capability was present in the Ziggy brand of period discs.
One in three women and teenage girls suffers from heavy menstrual bleeding, the authors write. The condition is often characterised by having to vary a pad or tampon after lower than two hours or by passing blood clots the scale of 1 / 4 or larger. Anyone experiencing one of these menstrual bleeding should see a health care provider. CDC says.