American company Procter and Gamble has filed patents for a revolutionary feminine product: sanitary towels that advise women when they are pregnant, about to ovulate, have their period, or if they have HIV or thrush.

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The worldwide patents include panty-liners impregnated with a wood resin called guam guaiac, which turns blue in the presence of blood, and a sensor that turns blue when it comes into contact with an acidic substance.

These markers turn purple four hours ahead of menstruation, giving the wearer plenty of notice, the British weekly New Scientist reports.

Another panty-liner has a plastic film coated with soft silicone that changes thickness in response to changes in levels of oestrogen, the female ovulation hormone.

The thickness change alters the way light is reflected, creating a purple spot on a gold background, indicating that ovulation is imminent.

The patents also claim inventions that can test for pregnancy and detect infections like thrush, chlamydia and the Aids virus.

New Scientist says it is unclear when the smart products will reach the shops.

 

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