Period Discomfort Forces Majority of Women to Change Their Outfits and Their Fitness Routines

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Softcup,  a leader in feminine protection, has released the results from its inaugural Softcup Comfort Index, a national survey uncovering new insights on the significant impact of menstruation on women's lives.  The survey shows that while younger women (18-34) report higher levels of discomfort, older women (45-54) tend to make more lifestyle adjustments during their menstrual cycle.  The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive among more than 1,000 women 18 and older.  

The Softcup Comfort Index shows that menstruation and its discomfort have a profound effect on a woman's daily life and routine.  From adjusting gym schedules and wardrobe choices, to inhibiting sex life, many women are making surprising changes to manage uncomfortable times of the month.  

The Softcup Comfort Index reported that a majority of women who menstruate (89%) experience at least some discomfort during their period.  Of that number, younger women (92%) are more likely to report discomfort compared to older women (84%).  Among those who experience discomfort:

• More than one-third (31%) would rather go to the dentist than have to experience the discomfort of their period.  
• Almost as many women (27%) would rather go to the gynecologist.  
• More than a quarter of women (26%) would rather walk in stilettos all day or report to jury duty.  

Uncomfortable Enough to Miss Work, Sex

Many women reported making changes in their lives to deal with the discomfort of their period.  

• 60% of women are uncomfortable having sex during their period.  This sentiment is more pronounced among older women, more than 70% of whom report that they are uncomfortable compared with just 51% of younger women.  
• More than a quarter of women have missed work because of their period.  Among older women, 30% report having missed work compared with 23% of younger women.    
• More than 80% of women alter their outfits during their period to avoid fashion disasters.  
• A majority (51%) change their usual fitness routine.  

Women Doubt Men's Ability to Cope

When asked, 83% of women said men would not be able to handle the discomfort of a period.  

High Levels of Discomfort with Feminine Protection

For some women, their preferred type of feminine protection isn't making their periods more comfortable.  A surprising number of women who use the most popular forms of protection experience physical discomfort.  

• Among women who use tampons, 37% say that they are physically uncomfortable
• Among women who use pads, 64% say they are physically uncomfortable

Toxic Shock Syndrome Is Familiar but Still Frightening

The survey probed women's knowledge about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a potentially fatal condition caused by a bacterial toxin.  An investigation around a troubling number of fatal cases of TSS in the 1980s revealed that higher absorbency of tampons was associated with an increased risk for TSS.  While TSS remains a relatively rare condition, there has been a rise in reported cases since the early 2000s.  

• 77% of women report knowing how TSS is caused
• 49% are afraid of getting it
• 68% try to actively prevent it

There is little question that the monthly period is uncomfortable and an inconvenience to women.  Softcup provides women with a safe, body-friendly, convenient alternative to pads and tampons.  Developed by a woman for women, Softcup has gained popularity for its many advantages over traditional methods of feminine protection including up to 12 hours of wear time, mess-free sex during menstruation and no association with TSS.  Softcup can help women enjoy their regular routines, no matter the time of the month -- be it making their weekly yoga class or enjoying a romantic night with their significant other.

About the Softcup Comfort Index

The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Softcup from October 25th-27th, 2011, among 1,086 female adults ages 18 and older.  This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.  

About Instead Softcup

Instead Softcup is a body-friendly, convenient alternative to pads and tampons. Designed by a woman, Softcup is a flexible menstrual cup worn internally, around the cervix, which collects rather than absorbs menstrual fluid.  Women can wear Softcup for up to 12 hours, making it perfect for moms, runners and athletes, college students, women with irregular periods, premenopausal women, or any busy woman.  It can be worn confidently during any type of activity, including sleeping, swimming and sports, and even during intercourse for mess-free sex.  Unlike tampons, Softcup doesn't change the body's natural pH balance or contain dioxins, and it's made of a non-irritating, latex-free, non-absorbent plastic material that isn't linked to toxic shock syndrome (TSS).  To find store locations, visit www.softcup.com.

Contact: Erin Weiss, Ogilvy PR
310-280-2465
[email protected]

SOURCE Instead Softcup