The stigma surrounding gynecological health has long been a silent barrier for women. According to the New York Times post, 58% of women feel embarrassed during their menstrual periods, and 42% have experienced period-shaming. Besides shaming they were also faced with indifference. Another study found that 81% of young women aged 18-24 feel their pain is ignored or dismissed, compared to 73% of men in the same age group.
Not disclosing the topics widely in society also leads to further neglect of the issue. And what we talk about is just statistics in the developed world.
Valentina Milanova, the founder and CEO of Daye, aims to drive the needed change. Originally known for its CBD-infused tampons, Daye has since expanded into gynecological health solutions. Their latest product, the Diagnostic Tampon, allows women to screen for STIs, HPV, and other reproductive health concerns from the comfort of their own homes. In 2024, Daye’s product was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the greatest inventions of the year.
“It’s fantastic to see gynecological health innovation take a front-row seat in conversations about innovation,” Milanova shares in her recent interview for The Recursive, highlighting that products like tampons, which have long been seen as a taboo subject, are finally being viewed as part of a broader conversation about women’s health.
From creating CBD-infused tampons to developing diagnostic devices
Period pain affects up to 80% of women at some point in their lives, yet it is often dismissed as a “normal” part of being a woman. Similarly, vaginal infections, which impact most women at some stage, could remain underdiagnosed and undertreated, causing more complex issues. “If left untreated, STIs can reduce one’s fertility and cause chronic pelvic pain, while HPV can progress to cervical cancer,” explains Milanova.
“Period pain and vaginal infections have a lot in common – both conditions will affect the majority of women, yet they are also frequently seen as normal and the standard of care in both is poor,” shares Milanova. At least 15–20% of women suffer from chronic pelvic pain at least 14 days per month and is severe enough to cause functional limitations.
Moreover, HPV, a virus linked to cervical cancer, is another condition that remains under the radar, despite its potential to cause life-threatening complications. Aprox. 31.2% of women worldwide have never undergone cervical cancer screening. Of course, the percentage is lower in high-income countries.
Daye’s innovations aim to tackle these concerns head-on. Years before Valentina created the first prototype herself at home using a 3D printer and industrial hemp fibers. Today, Daye has a team of 38 professionals across Bulgaria, the UK, the US, and India.
“The evolution we have experienced has significantly impacted our approach to sales, distribution, and production,” says Milanova. “We’ve had to scale our operations to meet the growing demand for our diagnostic products while maintaining the high quality of our CBD tampons.”
Their other product, the Diagnostic Tampon, aims to detect a wide range of pathogens, including STIs and HPV; it appears as a non-invasive and easy-to-use option for individuals who may feel uncomfortable or unable to visit a doctor for traditional tests.
“We’ve also started working with US insurance providers, OBGYN and IVF clinics, public health systems like the National Health Service in the UK, and retailers like Boots and Walmart,” she shares.
Currently, the company’s core markets are the UK and the US, with plans to expand into the EU in 2025.
Helping women navigate their health journey
Valentina, at the time in her early twenties, came up with the idea of launching a research initiative focused on feminine hygiene and health while studying at the Harvard Affiliated Center at Sofia University in 2016. The goal was to help women safely and effectively manage periods, while also creating a product that could positively impact Bulgaria’s economy, particularly in more underdeveloped regions of the country.
“By researching and going deeper into the topic of female healthcare, I realized how monopolized the tampon industry is. I was negatively taken aback by the lack of clinical trials for the products for vaginal health and of testing on how different products affect the vaginal microbiome. These injustices motivated me to found a company that would introduce ethical innovation in the field of gynecological health,” shared Milanova in a previous interview for The Recursive.
This innovation comes at a critical time. According to the World Health Organization, the global rate of cervical cancer is expected to rise by 20% by 2040 unless proactive measures like early screening and vaccination are prioritized.
To date, Daye has provided support to over 5,000 patients through its Diagnostic Tampons, which screen for bacteria, fungi, STIs, and vaginal microbiome composition. The testing process is followed by a video consultation with a nurse or OB-GYN from Daye’s team.
“This year, we’re focusing on further developing our comprehensive digital platform for gynae health,” Milanova explains as the platform offers personalized aftercare, including prescription treatments and consultations with gynecological health specialists. “We aim to reduce pain, shame, and time wasted for women as they navigate their health journey from first period through to menopause,” says Valentina.
Projected growth in women’s health funding
In our conversation, we can not avoid discussing the topic of securing funding for a femtech startup with a female founder. It’s no secret that the gender funding gap in the startup ecosystem is a well-recognized issue, especially in the healthcare sector. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, in 2023, startups founded solely by women received just 2% or less of VC funding in both Europe and the US. Furthermore, a study highlighted by the Healthcare Appraisers indicates that only 11% of funding from the National Institutes of Health was allocated to research focused on women’s health.
“But there is a silver lining,” says Valentina. “VC investment in US and European women’s health companies has steadily increased, from $511 million in 2018 to an estimated $1.7 billion in 2031. This growth indicates a positive shift in recognizing the importance and potential of women’s health innovations.”
The total funding Daye has received to date amounts to €17.76 million, with investors including international funds like Klosha Ventures, MassMutual Ventures and Index Ventures.
“Balancing growth with maintaining our core values and quality is paramount here at Daye. We ensure this by adhering to rigorous scientific standards, publishing our clinical data in peer-reviewing journals,” says Milanova. “Daye is proud to go over and above legal requirements and we are the first tampon manufacturer certified to medical and pharma standards.”
Valentina also shares that at Daye, the company is committed to transparency, which is why they publish their clinical data and lab testing results on their website and maintain open communication with their customers.
“I feel strongly that solving for women’s health is one of the most important challenges we have to resolve within our lifetime,” concludes Milanova.
