USER RESEARCH

APPLICATION
Mid Term Project

Presented by - Parul Gautam Submitted to - Ar Urooj Aziz sir

HEALTHCARE
MENSTRUAL
nstrual hygiene Management
Me
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The menstrual cycle is a monthly process in females
where the uterus sheds its lining (menstruation),
prepares for possible pregnancy by releasing an egg
(ovulation), and then readies the uterus for
implantation (luteal phase). If pregnancy doesn't
occur, the cycle restarts. Hormones like estrogen and
progesterone regulate this cycle, which typically lasts
around 28 days but can vary
Variety of Products available for managing
Menstruation
A diverse range of products exists for managing
menstruation, catering to individual preferences,
comfort levels, and lifestyle choices. From traditional
options like menstrual pads to innovative alternatives
such as tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear,
and menstrual discs, there are numerous choices
available to suit different needs. Each product offers
unique features, benefits, and considerations, allowing
individuals to select the option that best fits their
preferences, budget, and environmental concerns.
Popular Products
Mentrual Pads
External absorbent materials worn
to collect menstrual flow, available
in various sizes and absorbencies
for comfort and convenience
Mentrual Cup
Flexible, bell-shaped cups inserted
into the vagina to collect menstrual
blood, reusable and eco-friendly,
providing long-lasting protection
and sustainability.
Tampons
Cylindrical absorbent products
inserted into the vagina to collect
menstrual flow, offering discreet
protection and freedom of
movement.
Comparision table
Material Used in Pros Cons

Natural, absorbent,
Cotton Tampons May cause irritation
generally comfortable
Synthetic fiber, may
Rayon Tampons Absorbent not be as comfortable
as cotton
Flexible,
Medical-Grade
Menstrual cups hypoallergenic,
Silicone
durable, comfortable

Can cause allergic

Latex Menstrual cups Flexible
reactions
Thermoplastic
Elastomer (TPE) Similar to silicone, Newer material, less
Menstrual cups potentially less user experience data
flexible available
Reusable Menstrual Products: A Sustainable
and Cost-Effective Option
Sustainable Choice: Cost-Effective:

Lasting for Years Lower Long-Term

Expenses
A single menstrual cup can
last for up to 10 years with the reusability factor makes
proper care, while washable them significantly cheaper in
Reduced Period
Reduced Waste pads can last 1-5 years the long run.
Poverty Burden
Disposable menstrual
By offering a long-lasting and
products create a
affordable option, reusable
significant amount of
products can help alleviate the
landfill waste.
financial strain
Reusable Menstrual Products: A Sustainable
and Cost-Effective Option
Other Advantages

Variety of Options
Reusable menstrual
products come in different
sizes, materials, and
Comfort and Leak absorbency levels to suit
Protection individual needs

Many users find menstrual

cups and washable pads
comfortable and leak-proof
when used correctly.
Manufacturing of products
As of October 26, 2023, there are currently no major Indian
companies manufacturing tampons domestically. The Indian
market for tampons is primarily dominated by multinational
corporations (MNCs) that manufacture them abroad and then
sell them under their Indian brand names.

Indian brands selling imported tampons:

Stayfree (manufactured by Johnson & Johnson)
Whisper (manufactured by Procter & Gamble)

Domestically manufactured menstrual cups:

Sirona Hygiene Pvt. Ltd.
Pee Safe
HeyCup
Freedom Cups
Nykaa
Top 10 Sanitary Napkins Manufacturers in
India
Silk Treasure
Jayaashree Industries
HLL Lifecare Limited
Nine
Saathi
Carmesi
Procter & Gamble’s
purganics
Vivanion
RSPL Group

https://stsanitarynapkins.com/top-10-sanitary-napkins-manufacturers-in-india/
Some Facts
Predominance of Sanitary Pads: Sanitary pads are the most
common menstrual hygiene product used in India. Studies
suggest around 77% of women aged 15-24 rely on sanitary pads
Disposable vs. Reusable: The majority of pad users (over 98%)
opt for disposable pads, with a very low percentage (around
0.3%) using menstrual cups, which are reusable.
Biodegradability Awareness: A significant portion of women
(over 50%) using disposable pads are unaware of the
environmental impact, and many use non-biodegradable options.
Regional Variations: Usage patterns differ across regions.
Gujarat and Meghalaya have shown higher rates of period
product usage (around 65%) compared to the national average .

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10434932/
https://thewire.in/health/what-nfhs-5-data-tells-us-about-indian-womens-use-of-period-products
Pricing

Sanitary Pad (single): Menstrual Cup Tampons (single):

₹10 - ₹50 (reusable): ₹250 - ₹1000 ₹15 - ₹30
Pack of Sanitary Pads Pack of Tampons
(typical): ₹50 - ₹300 (typical): ₹100 -
₹250
Primary
Which brand of sanitary napkin do you prefer? Which method do you follow for the disposal of used sanitary
napkin?
dispose in sanitary bin
kotex 6%
11.3%

whisper
9.6%
stayfree
39.4%

sofy
wrap and throw in regular trash
39.6%
94%

What level of absorbency do you use? How comfortable are you changing your menstrual product in a
public restroom?
Overnight
Light
5% comfortable
12%
7%

Heavy somewhat comfortable

35%
42%

Not comfortable
58%
Regular
41%
Do you get any infection during or after your periods due to Where did you most often dispose of your used menstrual materials
sanitary napkin? when you were at home during your last menstrual period?
sanitary disposal bin
May be 8%
12%

yes
18%

no
70%

Regular trash
88%

On average, how much do you spend per month on menstrual How often do you change your menstrual product throughout the day?
products?
less frequently
9.6%

50-100 rs
24%

100-200 rs
41%

Every 4-6 hours

33.7%
Every 6-8 hours
56.7%

more than 100

35%
Survey Insights
88.2% prefer use-and-throw products while only 11.8% prefer reusable products.
Majority (94.1%) use pads, with only a few using tampons, menstrual cups, or period panties.
64.7% require 1-2 napkins per day, while 35.3% require 3-5.
94.1% wrap and throw used sanitary napkins in regular trash, while a few dispose of them in special bins.
29.4% prefer herbal treated and fragranced napkins, while 35.3% do not prefer them.
58.8% are not comfortable changing menstrual products in public restrooms.
17.6% have experienced infections due to sanitary napkin usage, while 11.8% haven't, and 70.6% are unsure.
35.3% spend between 100-200 Rs per month, while 41.2% spend more than 200 Rs
58.8% change menstrual products every 4-6 hours.
 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Despite reusable options, most users prefer disposable pads, raising concerns about
environmental impact, potential health risks, and financial burden. There's a need to promote
reusable products, menstrual health awareness, and improved public restroom facilities.
Painpoints
Discomfort in Public Restrooms: A majority of
respondents (58.8%) are not comfortable changing
menstrual products in public restrooms, highlighting
the lack of adequate facilities or privacy in public
spaces for managing menstrual hygiene
Limited Awareness of Environmental Impact:
Despite a significant proportion (41.2%) being aware
of the environmental impact of menstrual products,
there may be a lack of education or access to eco-
friendly alternatives, leading to continued reliance on
conventional, non-biodegradable options.
Infections and Rash: A notable percentage (29.4%)
of respondents experience rash or infections due to
sanitary napkin usage, indicating potential issues
with product quality, skin sensitivity, or hygiene
practices.
Disposal Challenges: While most respondents
dispose of used menstrual materials in regular trash
(88.2%), there may be insufficient access to proper
disposal facilities, such as special sanitary bins,
potentially contributing to hygiene and sanitation
issues.
Problems
Misconceptions and Stigma Hinder Healthy Period Management: A lack of awareness about menstrual cups and tampons
can lead to misconceptions and stigma surrounding their use. This can prevent women from exploring alternative
menstrual hygiene options that might better suit their needs in terms of comfort, sustainability, or cost-effectiveness

Disposable pads, while common, may not address all comfort needs or preferences for a sustainable lifestyle. There might
be a lack of awareness or accessibility to alternative menstrual products

Many women feel uncomfortable and lack privacy when changing menstrual products in public restrooms, hindering their
ability to participate confidently in daily activities.
SCENARIO
Rashi grew up in a bustling city household with her parents and younger brother. Periods were a hush-hush
topic, and information came from whispered conversations with her mother and friends. Her first period
arrived unexpectedly, leaving her confused and unprepared. Her mother rushed out to buy pads, the only
menstrual product Rashi knew about.
Since then, Rashi has relied on disposable pads for convenience. They're readily available, easy to use, and
discreet. However, discomfort during long school days and awkward restroom changes have made her wonder
if there are better options. She's heard whispers about tampons and menstrual cups but is hesitant to try
something unfamiliar.
Recently, Rashi noticed a growing conversation about reusable products and their environmental benefits.
While intrigued by the idea of saving money and being eco-friendly, she worries switching might disrupt her
routine. The occasional rash after using pads for long periods also makes her wonder if there's a healthier
alternative.
.
PERSONA USER DESCRIPTION:

Rashi, a bright-eyed 19-year-old, lives in a city.Her first experience was a confusing scramble,
with her elder sister whispering instructions on using, The lacked proper waste disposal, and her
family relied on infrequent trash collection. Burning or burying used pads felt wrong, but
throwing them in the overflowing communal bin attracted pests and unpleasant odors.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

Willing to learn Cooking

Solution-oriented Cycling

NEEDS & GOALS: CHALLENGES:

NAME Rashi Verma

Needs a safe and hygienic way to dispose
of used menstrual products.
AGE: 19 years old Wants to avoid attracting insects or
causing unpleasant odors.
Ideally, desires a disposal method that is
discreet and environmentally friendly
OCCUPATION: Student
Lacks access to proper disposal facilities
like sanitary bins.
Current disposal methods (regular trash)
might pose hygiene and sanitation risks.
Limited access to information about safe
disposal practices.

BEHAVIORS:-
LOCATION: Rajasthan

Uses disposable menstrual pads (likely due to limited access to alternatives).

Disposes of pads in regular trash due to lack of dedicated sanitary bins
"I want a safe and hygienic way to dispose of used menstrual Limited disposal options: "There are no sanitary bins available
products ." for me to use."

EMPATHY MAP
"I'm worried about attracting insects and causing unpleasant Overflowing communal bins: "The communal bins in
odors." my area are often overflowing with waste."

"I wish there was a disposal method that's discreet and eco- Lack of education: "I don't have access to
SAYS THINKS information about safe disposal practices."
friendly."

"I don't have access to proper disposal facilities like sanitary bins."
RASHI VERMA

Relies on current methods: "I continue to use the same disposal

methods, even though they're not ideal." Frustration
DOES FEELS

Seeks alternatives: "I'm open to finding a better way to dispose of Concern

my menstrual products."

Feels conflicted: "I'm torn between wanting to dispose of my Discomfort

products safely and the limited options available to me."
SCENARIO
Shikha Rajput, a dedicated teacher at Modern Public School, Fed up with leaks and discomfort from
disposable pads, she sought alternatives. her friend Maya, a marketer. Maya introduced her to reusable
menstrual products, explaining their benefits and simplicity.
Together, they embarked on a research journey, exploring options like menstrual cups and period underwear.
After careful consideration, Shikha decided to try a menstrual cup. With Maya's guidance, she ordered one
online, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
As Shikha nervously unpacked her new purchase, Maya reassured her with practical tips and encouragement.
Soon enough, She no longer worried about leaks or environmental impact, feeling empowered by her eco-
friendly choice.
Shikha shared her newfound knowledge with colleagues and students, sparking conversations about
sustainable menstruation. As she confidently navigated her period each month.

.
PERSONA USER DESCRIPTION:

Maya, a busy teacher at modern public school, juggles a demanding career and a vibrant social
life. Periods have always been a fact of life, managed with a routine of disposable pads and
tampons. While comfortable and convenient, she never really questioned their environmental
impact.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

Open-minded Cooking
Curious to lexplore new places Reading books

NEEDS & GOALS: CHALLENGES:

NAME Shikha Rajput Lacks knowledge about reusable menstrual

Needs a reliable and comfortable way to
products.
manage her period.
Might have misconceptions about reusables
Wants to avoid leaks and discomfort.
AGE: 27 years old being inconvenient, messy, or unhygienic.
Ideally, desires a product that is affordable
Feels hesitant to try something unfamiliar
and readily available.
due to a lack of understanding and
OCCUPATION: Teacher guidance.

Behaviors:-
LOCATION: Delhi

Uses disposable pads and tampons (most likely due to familiarity).

Not aware of the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products.
Open to trying new things if convinced of the benefits.
I need a reliable and comfortable way to manage my period." Familiarity with disposable pads and tampons: "I've been
using them for years because they're what I know."
EMPATHY MAP
Lack of awareness: "I didn't realize there were eco-
"I want to avoid leaks and discomfort."
friendly alternatives to disposable products."

"I ideally want a product that's affordable and easy to find." Limited options: "I haven't considered reusable options
SAYS THINKS like menstrual cups or period underwear."

Lack of awareness about eco-friendly menstrual products

SHIKHA RAJPUT

Relies on disposable pads and .They're convenient, even though Curiosity

they're not perfect. DOES FEELS

"Seeks solutions: "I'm open to trying new products if they offer Concern
benefits like reliability and comfort.

Values convenience: "I prefer products that are easy to find and
use." Uncertainity
BRAINSTORMING
 POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:-

Collaborative Art Projects Menstrual Cup Trials

Initiate collaborative art projects that raise Partner with local businesses, gyms, or
awareness about menstrual health and wellness centers to offer free or
sustainability. Invite women to contribute Print Ads and Posters discounted trials of menstrual cups.
artwork, poetry, or stories inspired by their Putting posters in malls, Set up designated trial stations where
experiences with menstruation and reusable cafes metro stations,bus women can receive personalized Game Design
products. Display the finished pieces in stops etc so that more guidance on cup selection and The game involves Cateogorizing
Social Media Challenges: insertion techniques.
galleries, community centers, or online people get more cards on menstrual taboos by themes
Create engaging social media challenges or awareness about reusable
platforms to spark conversations. and topics. Players sort unique images
campaigns centered around reusable products
menstrual products. Encourage participants or statements into piles based on their
to share photos, videos, or testimonials relevance , aimimg to understand and
about their experiences using reusable discuss different aspects of
products, using hashtags to amplify reach menstruation.
and foster community engagement.
SOLUTIONS