Photo Credit: Dmytro

The following is a summary of “Menstrual product use patterns in a large digital cohort in the United States: Variations by sociodemographic, health, and menstrual characteristics,” published in the March 2025 issue of American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology by Wang et al. 

Menstrual product use is influenced by individual, social, and economic factors, with variations reported across demographics in specific United States (US) regions.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to examine menstrual product use patterns and variations by sociodemographic, health, and menstrual characteristics in a large US cohort.  

They analyzed data from 11,455 participants across the US from the Apple Women’s Health Study, an ongoing mobile application-based cohort. Participants provided consent, enrolled between 11/2019 and 1/2024, and completed relevant surveys. Data included age, race and ethnicity, ancestry, gender identity, socioeconomic status (SES), gynecological conditions, menstrual characteristics, and menstrual product use. Products assessed were panty liners, sanitary napkins or pads, regular tampons, super-absorbent tampons, a combination of pads or tampons (not used together), internal cup menstrual collection devices, period underwear, and other methods. Tampon users also reported whether they slept with a tampon. Percentages and 95% CIs were calculated for each product type, overall, and by various characteristics. Chi-square tests and 95% CIs were used to compare categorical characteristics.  

The results showed that regular tampon use was 48%, followed by pads (47%), panty liners (43%), super-absorbent tampons (36%), period underwear (20%), cups (18%), a combination of pads or tampons but not used together (18%), other products (2%), and no product use (4%). Among tampon users, 61% reported sleeping with a tampon. Individuals younger than 20 were more likely to use pads (57% [95% CI: 53-61]) and less likely to use cups (12% [95% CI: 10-15]) or period underwear (17% [95% CI: 14-20]) compared to those aged 30-39. Those aged 50 or older were less likely to use regular tampons (32% [95% CI: 28-36]). Tampon use was lower among Asian (37% [95% CI: 31-42]), Hispanic (39% [95% CI: 36-43]), and non-Hispanic Black individuals (31% [95% CI: 27-35]) compared to non-Hispanic White individuals (50% [95% CI: 49-51]). Cup use was also lower among Asian (15% [95% CI: 11-18]) and Hispanic individuals (15% [95% CI: 13-17]). Those with lower SES used pads more frequently (50% [95% CI: 48-52]) than those with high SES (42% [95% CI: 41-44]). Super-absorbent tampon use was higher in individuals with endometriosis (38% [95% CI: 35-41]) than those without gynecological conditions (33% [95% CI: 32-35]). Longer bleed days were associated with increased use of pads, super-absorbent tampons, and period underwear (P-values <.05).  

Investigators concluded that traditional menstrual products like tampons and pads were predominantly used by US adults, with usage patterns varying across sociodemographic and health factors. 

Source: ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(25)00145-0/fulltext