Our research focuses on:
We undertook formative, qualitative research with a diverse range of people who menstruate in Victoria, Australia. We asked for their perspectives on the need for, and implementation of government initiatives to provide free menstrual products in public spaces.
Governments have announced free menstrual product provision policies. Our research aimed to inform these initiatives by understanding menstrual product insecurity amongst marginalised groups and their recommendations for product provision.
We are using surveys with young people in Australia to understand their menstrual product preferences, experiences, and what they need to support informed choice and menstrual health.
Through the annual Sex Drugs and Rock and Roll Survey we asked young people in Victoria about their use of menstrual products, experiences and motivations for using reusable menstrual products.
We surveyed young Australians who had ever tried using a reusable menstrual product (menstrual cups, reusable underwear or reusable pads) to understand their experiences, knowledge and support needs. Participants were recruited through the menstrual cycle tracking App Clue.
An annual survey of young people (aged 15–29) in Victoria, Australia asked questions about their menstrual product use, use of reusable materials, product priorities and preferences. Results demonstrate that many (48%) young people had tried or are using reusable products yet 37% reported not having enough information.
Menstrual cups offer a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable option for menstruation management. While clinical trials have shown their safety and effectiveness, until now no studies have investigated their performance in real-world use. Our study of 530 young Australian describes the acceptability and functionality of menstrual cups and investigated the role of product knowledge.
Menstrual cups have been found to be clinically effective and safe. We wanted to know about the experiences of young cup users, so we surveyed 530 Australians who had every used one. Our findings showed that users experience more difficulty than reported in clinical trials, and is consistent with other research that reports cup use improves over time.