Many women prefer the cup method to absorption. And for years the rubber version has been the standard method of dealing with the monthly flow.

Take The Keeper

Manufactured from soft gum rubber, this cup is inserted during your period to collect menstrual fluid. It will collect around an ounce, which is about an average day’s loss. Owners empty and wash the Keeper before replacing it. It was used by the female scientists living in the closed environment of Biosphere 1 back in 1992 as their preferred form of feminine hygiene. The Keeper is claimed to be easy to insert and remove and so comfortable, odorless and leak-proof that users report running miles, swimming, wearing white and generally not worrying about the time of month. In addition, it is great for women with allergies, toxic shock, concerns about dioxins in tampons, or owners of septic tanks. As the Keeper can be used for many years there are economic and environmental aspects to consider. The Keeper eliminates the monthly need for those expensive cotton and paper products that generate a lot of waste. Available in before and after childbirth models.

But now the Internet of Everything has gotten involved. 

LOONCUP believes that understanding their periods can help women keep track of their overall health. The reusable cup has a discrete built-in sensor that connects to a companion app via Bluetooth. Throughout the user’s menstrual cycle, the app receives information about flow-rate, fluid color and how full the cup is — a countdown timer is included to inform women of when the cup will need to be emptied. The cup is then simply hand-washed and reused.

By storing data each month, the LOONCUP learns when the user’s period is about to begin and alerts them to prepare. The cup is made of medical grade silicon, making it comfortable, easy to insert, and reducing the risk of toxic shock syndrome associated with tampon use. The battery is sealed within the cup to prevent leakage, giving each cup a 6-month lifespan. Crowdfunding now and launching in January 2016, LOONCUP also plan to expand their device’s medical usage, offering cups to track hemoglobin levels in anaemia and blood sugar levels for diabetics.

From their Kickstarter page

It’s no secret: menstruation is not fun. But what if we could relieve the monthly stress and take back our freedom? What if we could learn something important about our periods that makes life better? Sounds good, right?

Actually, a healthy period means our body is doing what it’s supposed to. It can even give us valuable health info, and with a LOONCUP, we can take advantage of that. Think of it as your monthly period partner, a good friend who drops by when you need her, helping you feel better yourself, and making sure you take care of your body during this special time.

We know, it’s strange to call your period a special time but isn’t it about time we redefine what menstruation is all about? A LOONCUP can do so much more than a tampon, pad, or even a regular menstrual cup. It’s the world’s first smart menstruation cup, and you’ll love the way it tells you how full it is, and when it’s time to refresh. LOONCUP can

We believe that each tiny LOONCUP can make a huge impact on the lives of women around the world, and we need your help. LOONCUP is safe, convenient and so smart, with a securely embedded sensor that talks to your smartphone. We continue to test and enhance the LOONCUP, and with your support, we can do it, helping women worldwide to win back their freedom and live happier, more enjoyable lives. Are you in? Click the leader or the photo to go to their Kickstarter page.