Why I Created Leia: A Sustainable Alternative to Pads and Tampons

When considering menstrual products, the choice often comes down to menstrual cup vs pads. But for me, the journey to creating a better option started with two powerful realizations — one environmental, one medical.

This is the story of how Leia was born, and why I believe it represents a meaningful step forward in menstrual care.

The Environmental Wake-Up Call

One day, a friend sent me an article about disposable diapers. The statistics were staggering: 500–800 years to decompose, breaking down into microplastics that pollute our ecosystems.

This led me to ask: what about pads and tampons?

The answer was equally disturbing. Conventional pads and tampons also take 500–800 years to decompose. Every disposable menstrual product ever used is likely still sitting in a landfill somewhere, releasing toxins — phthalates, dioxins, and fragrances — into soil and water.

Even "eco-friendly" pads require specific industrial composting conditions that standard landfills rarely provide.

A Medical Wake-Up Call

Around the same time, a case of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) presented itself in my medical practice. A young woman developed a high fever, rash, and systemic symptoms from highly absorbent tampons.

Her life was saved because she had read the warning signs in the tampon leaflet. That moment crystallized something: women need safer, healthier options — not a constant dilemma between comfort, health, and the environment.

From Idea to Reality: The Birth of Leia

I turned to my brother, Konstantin Dolgan, an engineer and founder of LA NPDT. What began as an idea evolved into nearly 10,000 hours of work — countless prototypes, material explorations, and modifications.

Designing for Real Bodies

As an OB-GYN, I understood the nuances of female anatomy and common challenges like pelvic floor weakness after childbirth. So I enlisted the most discerning testers: my colleagues — many who had given birth and experienced pelvic floor dysfunction firsthand.

Their honest, constructive feedback on insertion ease, comfort, leakage prevention, and user experience was invaluable in shaping the final design.

What Makes a Medical-Grade Menstrual Cup Different

Not all cups are created equal. Here's what we prioritized:

Safe for vaginal microflora — doesn't absorb or disrupt natural bacterial balance
Reduced TSS risk — collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it
Designed for weak pelvic floors — comfortable, secure fit for postpartum bodies
Significant cost savings — replaces thousands of disposable products over its lifetime
Minimal environmental impact — one cup, years of use

Why Making the Switch Matters

Choosing a reusable menstrual cup is more than a personal preference — it's a decision that impacts your health, your wallet, and the planet.

If you're considering making the switch — whether for environmental, health, or comfort reasons — start by understanding your body. Learn your cervix height, assess your flow, and choose a cup that's designed with anatomy in mind.

It's a small change with a huge, positive impact.

With love,

Elena Dolgan, M.D.

Learn more about the medical-grade silicone that makes Leia safe. Ready to try? Find your perfect size or explore the product.