Résumé
The thematic of menstruations and periodic protections are essential to the daily lives of half of the population on this planet. However, these have only rarely been studied in the scientific literature. Objective: the objective of this thesis was to identify the knowledge and representations of general practitioners on the menstrual cup. Method: a qualitative and exploratory study, based on a thematic analysis method, has been conducted. 13 physicians were consulted in a semi-directed interview between December 2018 and May 2019. The questions focused on their practices, their gynecological habits as well as on periodic protections, and especially on the menstrual cup. Result: in La Reunion, general practitioners often practice a gynecological activity. Sexual intercourses and pregnancies happen earlier than in metropolitan France. Menstruations are only approached from a medical point of view, in case of pathological functioning. Doctors know the existence of the menstrual cup, but they only make assumptions about how to use it, as well as its advantages and disadvantages. They are not aware of the risks involved, such as UID expulsion or toxic shock syndrome. Conclusion: physicians are not sufficiently informed about the use and risks of the menstrual cup. It is essential to change practices. In general medicine consultations, the thematic of menstruations and periodic protections need to be addressed more systematically. To do this, doctors must train regularly. They must also adapt to the demographics and cultural particularities of their place of practice.