New Sense in Nuisance - JaniPad

Background Information II
In order to obtain information on existing sanitary
protection and their construction, literature readings
and product examinations were performed. The
current situation for menstruating women in
developing countries was also reviewed, this through
literature studies and interviews.
Existing Female
Hygiene Products
Different types of absorbent materials for menstrual
protection have most likely been used for thousands
of years. Animal pelts, mosses, sea sponges, seaweed,
cotton, wool, rags and vegetable fibres are among
the many materials that have been used (Natural
Menstrual Products, 2009). The market for menstrual
protection products offers various solutions, ranging
from disposable to reusable products.
Sanitary Pads
Sanitary pads are worn outside the body and come
in many different lengths and thicknesses. The design
has varied through the years and before the disposable
sanitary pad, cloth or reusable pads were used. When
the modern and commercial disposable pads were
introduced in the late 19th century, they were held
in place by belts, suspenders or special underpants.
The belt-and-pad solution disappeared when adhesive
strips and smaller pads where introduced in the 1970s
(Museum of Menstruation and Women’s Health,
2009).
Tampons
Tampons are inserted into the body to absorb the
menstruation blood. Although the industrially
produced tampons were introduced in the 1930s, the
principle of an internal hygiene product is dated back
to the Ancient Egyptians, where the women formed
smooth pieces of papyrus into rolls. Tampons have
different rates of absorbance and can either be inserted
with a finger or an applicator (The Tampons Working
Group of Edana, 2006).
Menstrual Sponges
Menstrual sponges are inserted into the body and are a
natural alternative to tampons. Apart from absorbing
blood, the sponges have also been used for medication
and killing sperms (Museum of Menstruation and
Women’s Health, 2007). The sponges are made of
natural sea sponges that are found on the ocean floors.
They contain no synthetic materials and are reusable
(Centre for Young Women’s Health, 2009).
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are small cups of either rubber
or silicone that are internally placed to collect
menstruation blood within the body. The cups are
reusable and can last for several years (Centre for Young
Women’s Health, 2009). The commercial menstrual
cup has been available since the 1930s (Museum of
Menstruation and Women’s Health, 2008)
Sanitary Protection
in Developing
Countries
The lack of sanitary products has many implications on
women in developing countries. Rather than risk the
embarrassment of menstruating through their clothes,
many girls stay home from school during their periods
each month. This can lead to them falling behind in
their studies and possibly dropping out of school
altogether (Obae, 2008). Families may suffer from
increased poverty as women are unable to work during
their menstruation (ASA, 2009). Another issue is the
increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted
infections as women may resort to sex work to acquire
money to buy sanitary pads (Biriwasha, 2008).
Reality Studio 09 - New Sense in Nuisance
page 33 of 97