LEIA: Sustainable Menstrual Cup Design for Period Care

The client

Enter Dr. Elena Dolgan, an OB/GYN with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by menstruating individuals. Aware of the shortcomings of existing products, Dr. Dolgan had a vision—to create a menstrual solution that was both inclusive and sustainable.

Partnering with LA New Product Development Team, a union of technical expertise and clinical insight was forged. Our team, an FDA-registered manufacturing facility, combined its prowess in product design, development, prototyping, and manufacturing with Dr. Dolgan’s extensive medical knowledge. This collaboration aimed to tackle the glaring issues in menstrual care and provide a solution that could truly make a difference.

The challenge

In the vast world of menstrual care, there existed a significant problem—a majority of products in the market did not cater to everyone. Individuals with a low cervix or weakened pelvic floor muscles were often left searching for solutions that could provide both comfort and reliability. Moreover, the environmental toll of disposable menstrual products was adding up. Every year, millions of pads and tampons end up in landfills, contributing significantly to environmental degradation.

LEIA cup shown next to its carrying case and sterilizing container

Size and stem variations developed for users with a low cervix

Our solution

During the initial phases, it was evident that creating such a product wasn’t just about using different materials—it was about rethinking the design and function entirely. Multiple prototypes were developed, tested, and refined. Feedback was continually sourced, ensuring the final product would genuinely meet the diverse needs of its users.

The result

The outcome? The LEIA menstrual cup—a game-changing solution in period care. Crafted using 100% medical-grade silicone rubber treated with a special coating, the cup offers a velvet-like feel, providing the comfort so many were seeking. Its design caters to varying cervical positions, ensuring inclusivity. And not just that, the LEIA cup lasts up to 15 years. Imagine the impact—each cup potentially prevents 4,500 single-use items from reaching our landfills during its lifetime.

Such a monumental feat was only possible through collaboration. Dr. Dolgan’s expertise in gynecology and LA NPDT’s comprehensive suite of services ensured that not only was the LEIA cup developed, but it was also efficiently manufactured and brought to market.

As environmental concerns become increasingly central to consumers, products like LEIA are not just options; they’re necessities.

They represent a future where products are designed not just for immediate needs but with a broader vision of sustainability and inclusivity.

Customer testimonial

“Partnering with LA NPDT to bring LEIA to life was a game-changer. Their blend of market analysis, design expertise, prototyping, and manufacturing streamlined my vision into a tangible solution.

LEIA, Dr. Elena Dolgan

As LEIA now positively impacts users worldwide by significantly reducing waste, I can’t emphasize enough the pivotal role LA NPDT played. For medical professionals with a product idea, there’s no team I’d recommend more.”

Dr. Elena Dolgan, Founder, LEIA Cup

Retail packaging and product photography for the LEIA menstrual cup

Services provided

Market and user research

Before the journey began with LEIA, we delved deep into the menstrual care industry to understand the existing solutions, gaps, and the particular needs of individuals. It became clear that there was a significant portion of menstruating individuals, particularly those with a low cervix or weakened pelvic floor muscles, underserved by current offerings. This understanding provided a foundational direction for the entire project.

Concept design with clinical input

Given the unique needs identified, Dr. Elena Dolgan’s medical insights merged seamlessly with our technical product design expertise. Together, we envisioned an all-encompassing menstrual solution, prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity. From choosing medical-grade silicone rubber for its durability and comfort to innovating a design that could adjust its shape for diverse bodies, every aspect of LEIA was meticulously designed.

Prototyping and validation

An idea, no matter how revolutionary, is only as good as its practical application. This is where prototyping played a critical role. For LEIA, over 50 prototypes were crafted, ensuring the end product was not just a menstrual cup, but an experience of comfort and reliability. Each iteration was an improvement over the last, culminating in a product that promises both sustainability and unparalleled functionality.

FDA-registered manufacturing

Being an FDA-registered manufacturing facility gave us the distinct advantage of overseeing the project from ideation right through to production. This end-to-end involvement ensured the highest quality standards were met, ensuring LEIA wasn’t just another product in the market, but a superior menstrual solution. Every LEIA cup is a testament to a combination of medical expertise, innovative design, rigorous testing, and premium manufacturing practices.