Almost all astronauts that have flown are men (almost 90%). When spaceflight began, menstruation was used as a reason for why women could not become astronauts. In 1964, researchers “feared that microgravity might increase the incidence of retrograde menstruation.” “Blood might flow up the fallopian tubes into the abdomen, causing pain and other health problems. No one actually did any experiments to see if this really would be a problem, so there weren't any data to support or refute these fears.” (NPR) The research failure of scientists on this issue created the iconic moment when Sally Ride was given 100 tampons for a one-week flight. Current research lacks equitable data that provides biometrics and safety for future female astronauts. The amount of research done on women’s health on earth is already staggeringly low. The research done on women’s health in space is but a fraction of that. While the currently leading research on mitigating the effects of mensuration in space is focused on pharmaceutical strategies, there are side effects on contraceptives. The current approach to mitigating menstruation is existing contraceptives. The current research is overwhelmingly focused on alternative pharmaceuticals. Both of these have damaging side effects. Therefore, more extensive research needs to be done on safe, contained and effective external devices and materials to naturally contain and mitigate mensuration in long term space flight. That’s what my research at @iias_nlc focuses on. Can’t wait to share more on it. Thanks for following along!