Efficacy, Practicality, Intimal Health, and Sustainability of Menstrual Cups use among Undergraduate Medical Students: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Introduction Women need effective, safe, and affordable menstrual hygiene products. The menstrual cup is an alternative method. Objective To identify the prevalence of menstrual cups among the medical students and the independent variables associated with their use adherence. Methods a cross-sectional study with an online survey applied to regularly matriculate women from FEMA Medical School in January 2021. Results Of 277 women, 164 participated. The mean age was 22.26 (SD 3.21). 136 preferred external pads, 60 internal pads, 28 menstrual cups, and 11 did not use. Using a 1-10 scale, price, efficacy, sustain, practice, intimal health status, hygiene, and importance of internal genitalia integrity were questioned. 37 (22,56%) women related the use of menstrual cups in the last year. Using any method to reduce menstruation had an odds ratio adjusted of 0.310 (95%CI 0.122-0.787). Concern about the environmental biodegradation had ORadj of 6.369 (95%CI 1.372-29.562); Intimal Health, ORadj of 1.996 (95%CI 1.183-3.368); internal genital integrity, ORadj of 0.824 (95%CI 0.682-0.995), for menstrual cups use. Conclusion women using a method to reduce their menstrual flow, concerning about biodegradation, concerning with intimal health, and with no concerns about manipulating their genitalia were significant independent factors for the adherence of menstrual cups.