Methods and devices for collection of fluids, including cells and cellular materials, from the uterus. A device having a central tubing member to which, at least, a flexible tubing member and an absorbable member are connected at least at one point. The absorbable member is connected to at least one portion of the central tubing member and to at least one portion of the flexible tubing member. The devices are useful in methods of collection of uterine fluids, including blood, cells and cellular material.

Generally, a vaginal insert device used to treat urinary incontinence is disclosed. The vaginal insert device includes a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end and a proximal end. In addition, the support portion has a plurality of foldable areas extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of foldable areas helically curve as the plurality of foldable areas extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest outer circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of foldable areas are compressed and foldable inward and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of foldable areas are extended outward into a maximum in-use diameter position. Desirably, the in-use diameter is larger than the insertion diameter.

A feminine hygiene assembly includes a pad that may be positioned against a labia. The pad is comprised of a fluid absorbent material to absorb menstrual fluids. A plug is coupled to the pad. The plug may be substantially inserted into a vaginal opening when the pad is positioned against the labia. Thus, the pad is inhibited from sliding on the labia. The plug is comprised of a fluid absorbent material to wick the menstrual fluids into the pad.

A disposable device for absorbing urine and/or bodily fluids in the urethra having a cylindrical body about 4-8 mm in diameter by about 3-5 cm in length and having a top and bottom end. The body is made of absorbent material that expands upon contact with urine and bodily fluids and includes a string connected to the bottom end of the body for removing the device from the urethra. The device can be used to treat urinary incontinence and/or erectile dysfunction by inserting into the urethra and removing the device after it has been impregnated with fluid. The device can be included in a kit with a plunger for insertion.

A pad body integrally molded from a thermoplastic resin foam material with high compressibility includes a foam absorbent body, an outer film layer formed on an outer portion of the foam absorbent body, and a pull string connected to the outer film layer. A tampon is also disclosed, and includes a tubular sleeve unit and the pad body. The tubular sleeve unit includes an outer tube and a push rod. The foam absorbent body and the outer film layer constitute an absorption section of the pad body. The absorption section is constrained by the outer tube in a compressed state, and is transformed to an expanded state when pushed by the push rod to move out of the receiving hole via the exit opening.

A personal hygiene device may have a main body with an absorbent material configured to absorb a fluid, a sensor disposed within the main body, and a controller configured to communicate with the sensor. The sensor has a conductor and an insulator containing at least a portion of the conductor, and the sensor is configured to detect a first electrical value and a second electrical value that is different from the first electrical value. The sensor is also configured to transmit a signal to the controller upon detection of the second electrical value.

A catamenial protection kit includes a tampon device having an applicator configured to house and eject a tampon plug for use. The tampon plug has a diameter in a range between ⅜ and ⅝ inches and is removably wrapped in a hygienic wrapping. The kit further includes an absorbent device which is adapted to be releasably affixed to an undergarment of a user. The absorbent device includes an absorbent zone, a non-absorbent peripheral zone circumscribing at least a portion of the absorbent zone, an adhesive provided on a surface opposite of the absorbent zone, and a foldable hygienic wrapper for retaining the absorbent device. The wrapped tampon device is emplaced within the foldable hygienic wrapper. A flexible outer wrapper is configured and dimensions to retain and seal the folded wrapper about the tampon device to form the catamenial protection kit.

Hemp-based absorbent articles are disclosed. The absorbent article can be a tampon or pad for feminine hygiene. The absorbent article can be flushable or compostable. In one example, the absorbent article is a flushable tampon for feminine hygiene having a nonwoven material comprising hemp with a hemp fiber length in a range of about 8 mm to about 15 mm. The nonwoven material can include an absorbent ribbon, a string, and an overwrap.

A tampon including a pledget, a wicking member and a withdrawal cord is disclosed. The pledget includes a mass of fibrous absorbent material disposed within or between one or more layers of an outer cover formed of a first nonwoven web material. The wicking member includes a second nonwoven web material distinct from the first nonwoven web material and the withdrawal cord. The wicking member is joined in direct contact with a surface of the pledget, and has a width less than the width of the pledget width.

In the manufacture of a tampon, an absorbent structure composed of an absorbent material can be formed into a tampon blank. In various embodiments, a withdrawal element can be attached to the absorbent structure either before or after the absorbent structure is formed into a tampon blank. The tampon blank can then undergo a compression step which can result in the pledget of the tampon. The pledget, and resultant tampon, can have at least one linear channel and at least one non-linear channel.