INTRAVAGINAL CATAMENIAL DEVICE FOR BLOOD LEAKAGE PREVENTION

摘要

An intravaginal catamenial device (1) for prevention of leaking of menstrual blood composed of an absorbent member (3) and of an inflatable menstrual cup (2). The tampon absorbs menstrual blood while the inflatable menstrual cup (2) has the dual function, once inflated, of collecting menstrual blood within its cavity or reservoir (14) and of providing sealable closure of the vaginal canal for the prevention of exit through the vaginal orifice of menstrual blood escaped to the absorption of the tampon. By being inflatable, menstrual cup (2) allows an easy insertion and an easy removal of the device when deflated and it is also capable, upon extraction and disposal, of sealing off the blood collected, closing its opening (16) around tampon (3). The inflation of the menstrual cup (2) can be conveniently initiated during or just prior to insertion into the vagina by the user due to activation of a simple and safe chemical reaction which generates a gas such as CO2. The apparatus of inflation (10) is conveniently housed within inflatable menstrual cup (2). No external pneumatic sources are needed. Completion of inflation of the menstrual cup (2) occurs without operator intervention with the device already inserted into the vagina. Deflation of the menstrual cup (2) and extraction of the device from the vagina is carried out by the operator by pulling on a string (70) connected to the device. Pulling on the string (70), deflates the menstrual cup (2) and allows easy removal of the device. The device is user friendly, easy to insert and remove and comfortable to wear.