Menstrual cups for economically vulnerable women to improve vaginal health and reduce sexually transmitted infections
Official title: Single arm trial of menstrual cups among economically vulnerable women to reduce Bacterial vaginosis and STIs through reduced harmful sexual and menstrual practices
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11587444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A single-arm study will test whether using menstrual cups helps economically vulnerable women reduce bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections by promoting safer menstrual practices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $112,055 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI170564-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11587444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Economically vulnerable women of reproductive age who experience period poverty and are willing to use menstrual cups.
✕Less likely to help
Women who do not experience period poverty or who are not open to using menstrual cups may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at menstrual health and infection risk among economically vulnerable women. It builds on previous research that shows menstrual cups can improve vaginal health and lower BV and STI risk in similar populations. Participants will use menstrual cups and receive guidance on safe menstrual practices, with outcomes focused on vaginal microbiome status and BV/ STI indicators. The study is centered on real-world use and aims to provide evidence that a simple, low-cost product could improve health and fertility outcomes for women who face period poverty.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer a low-cost option to reduce BV and STI risk and improve overall reproductive health.
How similar studies have gone: Related studies in Kenyan populations suggest menstrual cups can improve vaginal health and reduce BV and STIs, supporting potential benefit in similar settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehta, Supriya Dinesh — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mehta, Supriya Dinesh
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.