Menstrual cups to help economically vulnerable women stay healthier
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-11421416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A single-arm study tests whether using menstrual cups can reduce vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections among economically vulnerable women.
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) | $440,765 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170564-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421416 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Economically vulnerable women of reproductive age who may have limited access to menstrual products and who are willing to use menstrual cups.
✕Less likely to help
Women who cannot or prefer not to use menstrual cups may not experience benefits and could have different health experiences.
What this research studies
This study focuses on women who may not have easy access to menstrual products and who experience period poverty. It builds on prior evidence from Kenya suggesting menstrual cups can improve vaginal health and reduce infections. The researchers will implement a one-arm protocol at Rush University Medical Center to see if cups are feasible and acceptable in the target population and monitor health outcomes over time. This patient-facing plan aims to provide a practical, low-cost option that could improve overall sexual and reproductive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lower rates of BV and STIs and improve menstrual health for vulnerable women.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in Kenyan populations showed improved vaginal health and reduced BV with menstrual cups, suggesting potential benefit in other 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
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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.