The effect of menstrual cup use on menstrual life and sleep quality

Background and Aim: Menstrual hygiene products used during menstruation affect women's menstrual life and sleep quality. This study was conducted to determine the effect of menstrual cup use on women's menstrual life and sleep quality. Material and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was completed with the participation of a total of 125 women in the menstrual cup (n=61) and menstrual pad (n=64) groups. The study data were collected between August 2024 and April 2025. A total of five follow-ups were conducted with the women participating in the study, including the initial interview and follow-ups at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. After the initial interview, the women were provided with menstrual pads or menstrual cups and training according to the group they were assigned to. Data were collected using the "Initial Interview Questionnaire," "Menstrual Cup Follow-Up Form," "Menstrual Pad Follow-Up Form," "Menstruation Impact Scale," and "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index". For the statistical analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Pearson chi-square test, and Mann Whitney U test were used. Results: Menstrual cup group, Menstrual Impact Scale (initial interview p=0.086, 1st month p=0.421; 2nd month p=0.935; 3rd month p=0.046; 6th month p=0.029) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (initial interview p=0.899, 1st month p=0.004; 2nd month p=0.091; 3rd month p=0.007; 6th month p=0.001) scores were found to be significantly lower during the follow-up period compared to the menstrual pad group. There were no differences between the groups in terms of comfort (p=0.121), leak-proofness (p=0.330), and overall satisfaction (p=0.179) with the menstrual hygiene product. It was determined that the menstrual cup group's scores for comfort, leak-proofness, eco-friendliness, ease of insertion and removal, cleaning and storage, and overall satisfaction increased over time during the follow-up period. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the incidence of genitourinary infections (initial interview p=0.720, 1st month p=0.327; 2nd month p=0.087; 3rd month p=0.437; 6th month p=0.107). 80.3% of women reported that they intended to continue using menstrual cups. Conclusion: In women who start using menstrual cups, compliance with menstrual cups increases over time. As compliance with menstrual cups increases in women, menstrual life and sleep quality are positively affected. Keywords: Menstrual hygiene products, menstrual cup, menstrual life, sleep quality Financial Support: The present study was supported by the Research Fund of Trakya University. Project No: 2024/25