Astronauts reveal secrets to managing periods in space; NASA tests new options

A recent report has now confirmed that menstruation functions normally in microgravity. Earlier, most female astronauts relied on hormonal suppression pills to skip their periods during missions.
By CNBCTV18
As space agencies gear up for long missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the question of how to manage menstruation has emerged as a real mission planning issue.
Space missions were traditionally designed for men, but with women now traveling to space, the challenges of menstruation became important.
In zero gravity, scientists weren't even sure if menstrual blood could leave the body properly.
Scientists were also uncertain how tampons or pads would function, as cleaning and disposal posed challenges with limited water and storage. As a result, most female astronauts relied on hormonal suppression pills to skip their periods during missions.
A recent report has now confirmed that menstruation functions normally in microgravity. This revelation has prompted scientists to search for reliable menstrual solutions that can handle launch pressures, water restrictions, and limited waste disposal options.
NASA is now looking at menstrual cups for future space missions. Unlike pads or tampons, a menstrual cup is small, reusable, takes up very little space and can handle the pressure and conditions of space. A single cup can reduce months of waste, which is really important because space missions have limited storage.
But before astronauts use them in space, researchers need to test them in real microgravity. They want to make sure astronauts can clean, insert, and remove the cup safely without gravity, and that it works well with life support systems.
Furthermore, menstrual cups are important for future space missions as astronauts won't have frequent opportunities to restock supplies. Menstrual systems must be safe, sustainable, and waste-efficient.
Good menstrual care also improves comfort and dignity for astronauts, which helps them perform their tasks better.
Before introducing menstrual cups in space, further research is needed to make sure that menstrual care is safe and effective.
Scientists must study the long-term effects of hormonal suppression in microgravity, how fluids behave in reusable menstrual devices without gravity, and develop infection control and safe sterilization methods suitable for spacecraft.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani )