The disclosure relates to a catamenial protection device for absorbing menstrual fluid when positioned inside a vagina. A shell is arranged to enclose an inner body of the catamenial protection device. The shelf includes at least one elongated portion arranged such that the shell is enabled to expand or retract.

Tampon packaging and disposal systems and methods are disclosed. The packaging has a flexible mitten and an optional attached tampon enclosure. The tampon enclosure can package a tampon and the flexible mitten wraps around the tampon enclosure. When unwrapped, the tampon enclosure is detachable from the mitten and the tampon can be used by a user. The mitten is used for removing the used tampon worn by the user and disposing of the used tampon after removal.

A device for collection of vaginal discharge or menstrual blood as an analyte of medical testing, comprising a filter configured to separate cells of interest from other material and a nanomaterial cartridge comprising a nanomaterial configured to passively adsorb DNA and segregate cells of different sizes. The nanomaterial is a silica sol gel with templated macropores

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.

A tampon having an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon includes a primary absorbent, disposed toward the insertion end, a secondary absorbent, and a withdrawal member. The secondary absorbent may have a mean length from the primary absorbent and at least three segments each having a mean segment mass. The mean segment mass may be selected such that the secondary absorbent tapers as the secondary absorbent material extends from the primary absorbent. The primary absorbent including at least one of rayon fibers and cotton fibers and having improved fluid handling due to dynamic expansion of the tampon at a relatively reduced dry tampon mass.

A tampon having an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon includes a primary absorbent, disposed toward the insertion end, a secondary absorbent, and a withdrawal member. The secondary absorbent may have a mean length from the primary absorbent and at least three segments each having a mean segment mass. The mean segment mass may be selected such that the secondary absorbent tapers as the secondary absorbent material extends from the primary absorbent.