High-Level Project Summary
Can a person menstruate in space without relying on LARCs or pills? We designed a menstrual tube that acts as a conduit for menstrual blood directly from the body into the toilet bowl. We hope this can allow people to menstruate in the same way they do a poo. The Menstrual Tube acts as a menstrual collector for storing and draining menses that can hold the blood securely for up to 8 hrs. It comes with a long tube that can drain the blood directly from the body, leaving no mess during removal. Just like how people poo, users simply untwirl the tube, place the open end into the toilet, and untwirl it to release blood into the toilet bowl.
Link to Final Project
Link to Project "Demo"
Detailed Project Description
Aziel is a reusable menstrual device collector with a significantly smaller mass and volume for application and removal. It can hold the blood securely for up to 8 hrs with the maximum volume of ml and can drain clots readily in case of a heavy period. Users could empty the menses without removing them, it comes with a long flexible tube that can be used to drain the blood directly from the body. There are no suction problems as seen in menstrual cups and the ultra-thin material would be able to alert the sensation of fullness inside the vagina to users. After draining the blood, simply wipe it with a wet tissue and put it back into the body and you are good to go.
It is an alternative to the current available menstrual products/methods such as tampons, pads, IUD, or pills for female astronauts that are dealing with their period every month. According to the research, hauling a 3 years supply of birth control pills for period suppression into space is not really practical. A 3 years exploration class mission is predicted to require approximately 1,100 pills, whose packaging would add mass disposal requirements for the flight. Aziel is also invented to be a sustainable product that can be used for up to 5 years if it is handled gently every time after use. Its small volume would not take up space and it is easily stored and cleaned. This helps to reduce unnecessary waste and lasts for a long period of time, and most importantly, it can be used under specific special conditions, even in space.
Space Agency Data
According to<Menstrual Cycle Control And Venous Thromboembolism Risk In Female Astronauts>, the 3 most common methods for menstrual cycle control or period suppression are pills, IUDs, and implants and each of them has their associated risk for long-term use in female astronauts. This inspired us to come to this idea that would not bring any side effects to the female astronauts or create any additional waste for disposal.
Talking about the water disposal system, it was not designed to handle menstrual blood. However, in this case, the blood can be released directly into the toilet bowl and flushed together with the poop, which makes it a lot easier to handle. Also, with the limited water supplies and shower facilities, the special material of Aziel allows it to be cleaned with just a simple wipe. Users do not need lots of water to wash or clean it and it can be reused again next month.
Hackathon Journey
We understand there are some people who don't want to use LARCs or pills. Going to space is essentially, then, very difficult. That is why we designed the Menstrual Tube (called "Aziel").
Making something to be utilized in a place where we will never have the chance to travel is a really unique experience for us. Hopefully, though, our creation will be delivered there and make the most of the situation.
Menstruation should not be a barrier. While it is often criticized by cultures and societies, which somewhat affects women and girls negatively. Gender inequality, and stigma attached to menstruation have silenced most women, who often face exclusion while menstruating. This restricts their participation in certain activities in which they were less able to participate in public life.
Aziel aims to empower women and girls to understand, accept and be amazed by the magic of their own body.
References
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20150001648
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20150008176
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/space/how-do-women-deal-with-having-a-period-in-space
Tags
#menstruation