A Comparison of the Menstrual Cup and the Intrauterine Device: Attitudes and Future Intentions

Abstract

Stigma can affect the types of products women know about and feel comfortable using. In the present study, we examined the extent to which message framing, prior awareness, attitudes toward one’s own menstruation, and self-objectification predict attitudes toward two lesser-known reproductive health products: the menstrual cup and the intrauterine device (IUD). Female undergraduates (N = 128) were presented with either basic information or benefit-framed information about the menstrual cup or IUD, then asked questions about their attitudes toward the product, likelihood to use or recommend the product, attitudes toward menstruation, and self-objectification. Participants had significantly more positive attitudes toward the IUD than the menstrual cup. For both products, the benefit-framed information and prior awareness were associated with more positive attitudes. Positive emotions about menstruation predicted more positive attitudes toward the menstrual cup, but not the IUD. These findings have implications for how to increase positive attitudes and intentions toward lesser-known reproductive health products.

Keywords:

• Menstruation
• attitudes toward menstruation
• self-objectification
• menstrual cup
• intrauterine device
• reproductive health
• message framing

Acknowledgments

We dedicate this article in memory of Noelle Skrobola, a cherished member of our research team who will never be forgotten.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.