Duet® for menstrual protection: a feasibility study in Zimbabwe

BackgroundManaging menses is a challenge for women in developing countries. Duet® is a cervical barrier being developed for contraception and STI prevention. We explored the hypothetical acceptability of using Duet as a menstrual cup, among Zimbabwean women.Study DesignA survey and focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with 43 women aged 18–45 years to gain information about their menstrual practices and attitudes regarding the use of Duet for menstrual protection.ResultsAll 43 women reported that if Duet were available, they would “definitely” try it, and that it was “very important” that Duet is low cost and easy to clean; 86% reported that using it would make a difference in their lives. FGD findings highlighted unhygienic practices due to the lack of affordable options for menstrual management and a genuine interest in Duet, including its potential use for multiple purposes (contraception, disease prevention and menstrual protection).ConclusionsAccessing affordable and hygienic menstrual protection was a problem for these Zimbabwean women. Duet appeared acceptable and it would be feasible to conduct a user-acceptability study of Duet as a menstrual cup in Zimbabwe.