A Journey Back in Time
The evolution of period products is a fascinating journey that mirrors the progress of women’s rights, societal norms, and technological advancements. From the present day, back to the late 19th century, the ways in which women have managed menstruation have changed significantly. Let’s review a brief history of how period products have changed and aided women.
2020s – 2000s: The Age of Innovation and Sustainability
The dawn of the new millennium marked a significant shift in menstrual care, characterized by a blend of innovation and a renewed commitment to sustainability. This era also coincided with a renewed emphasis on women’s rights, with movements advocating for gender equality and environmental responsibility. As women globally marched for their rights and the planet, the menstrual care industry responded with sustainable innovations. In the last two decades, there has been a notable surge in innovative menstrual products.
Menstrual cups, crafted from materials like medical-grade silicone, rubber, latex, or elastomer, emerged as a favorite for their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Their long-lasting nature presented a stark contrast to disposable products, like tampons, aligning with the global push towards reducing waste. First invented in the 1930s, these cups didn’t gain popularity until the late 2010s.
But the eco-revolution didn’t stop with menstrual cups. Period underwear and reusable cloth pads made a triumphant return, appealing to the environmentally conscious. These products, with their updated modern designs and advanced fabric technologies, offered both comfort and efficacy. Additionally, the market saw the introduction of biodegradable pads and organic tampons, catering to a growing demand for health-conscious and sustainable options. This era, defined by its emphasis on health, environment, and choice, showcased the ever-evolving journey of menstrual care, adapting to the needs and values of contemporary society.
1990s – 1980s: The Rise of Convenience
The late 20th century saw the widespread acceptance of tampons, with applicator designs improving for ease of use. This period, infused with the ‘girl power’ spirit of the 90s, saw women breaking more societal barriers. As the second wave of feminism gained momentum, the acceptance of tampons and advancements in pads mirrored women’s increasing autonomy and empowerment. The stigma surrounding tampons began to wane, and they became a staple in many women’s menstrual management routines.
But tampons weren’t the only products undergoing a revolution. Pads, which had been a mainstay for years, embraced innovation. The market saw the introduction of ultra-thin designs, ensuring discretion without compromising on absorption. The addition of wings was a game-changer, offering enhanced protection and preventing side leaks. This era, characterized by its emphasis on convenience and empowerment, reflected a society that was becoming more open in its discussions about menstruation and more innovative in its solutions.
1960s – 1970s: The Era of Liberation
The era of peace and love also witnessed groundbreaking changes in menstrual care. While tampons were gaining popularity, the sanitary belt still held its ground. This time, marked by the civil rights movement and second-wave feminism, saw women demanding equal rights in all spheres. As they raised their voices for liberation, menstrual care evolved, with products like the sanitary belt reflecting the era’s spirit of innovation and empowerment.
Enter Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, an Black inventor who, in the 1950s, patented an adjustable sanitary belt with an inbuilt moisture-proof napkin pocket. However, due to racial discrimination, her innovative design didn’t hit the market until the 1960s. This invention was a precursor to the adhesive strip that would eventually eliminate the need for belts altogether.
Kenner’s contribution, though overlooked for years, showcased the spirit of innovation during this period. And while the menstrual cup made its first appearance, it was the tampon, with its rich history, that continued to evolve and cater to the needs of women.
1940s – 1950s: War and Change
As the world transitioned into the 1940s and 1950s, the first disposable pads emerged, influenced by these wartime discoveries, leading to mass access. The backdrop of World War II saw women stepping into roles traditionally held by men, especially in factories supporting the war effort. As they broke workplace barriers, menstrual care innovations emerged to support their new roles, reflecting the era’s dual narrative of change.
The shift from pads to tampons seemed irreversible for many. Medical and marketing insights revealed that most women, once acquainted with the correct tampon insertion technique, rarely reverted to pads. Yet, societal apprehensions loomed large. Many communities hesitated to embrace tampons, clouded by moral concerns surrounding virginity, masturbation, and potential contraceptive effects.
During the 1940s, two German physicians collaborated to create a tampon without an applicator that could expand multi-directionally, offering enhanced leakage protection. These tampons were compact, denser, and designed with a concave base, facilitating easier insertion by pressing on it.
The challenges and innovations of this era not only transformed the world of menstrual products but also sparked societal debates, reflecting the complexities of intertwining health, culture, and progress.
1920s – 1930s: The Advent of Commercial Products
The Roaring Twenties and the subsequent decade marked a significant turning point in menstrual care. This era also witnessed the culmination of the suffrage movement, with white American women securing the right to vote in 1920. As they marked their political presence, the world of menstrual care responded with the debut of disposable pads and commercial tampons, offering women more choices. As industries boomed and consumerism took root, the first disposable pads made their debut. These pads, reminiscent of a sanitary belt, were essentially elongated cotton strips anchored in place by a belt.
But the era had another groundbreaking introduction up its sleeve: the commercial tampon. The 1930s witnessed a burst of creativity in period product offerings. The modern disposable tampon was patented in 1933, proudly bearing the name “Tampax.” These tampons were not just a product of innovation but also a response to health concerns. The medical community, wary of the hygiene risks posed by pads due to their proximity to fecal bacteria, generally considered tampons a healthier alternative.
For the first time, women had an internal means of managing their periods, a precursor to the more refined designs that would emerge in the following decades.
Before the 1920s: What Did We Use Before Tampons?
Before the commercialization of period products, women relied on homemade solutions. In the backdrop of societal taboos, women showcased resilience and adaptability. As they navigated a world without the right to vote and limited societal roles, their menstrual care solutions reflected their resourcefulness. Cloth pads, made from old rags or other absorbent materials, were commonly used and washed for reuse. In some cultures, moss, animal skins, and other natural materials were used as makeshift pads.
Venturing back to the tumultuous times of the First World War, a serendipitous discovery was made. Nurses on the battlefield observed that cellulose was remarkably more effective at absorbing blood than traditional cloth bandages. This insight led to the birth of the first cellulose Kotex sanitary napkin, crafted from surplus high-absorption war bandages, which hit the market in 1918. By 1921, Kotex had etched its name in history as the first successfully mass-marketed sanitary napkin.
But the war’s influence on menstrual care didn’t end there. As the conflict raged on, women were called upon to contribute to factory production like never before. The message was clear: women were encouraged to “toughen up” and work through their monthly cycles. Ironically, while factory employers pushed for this resilience, there remained societal biases. Female pilots, for instance, were advised against working during “that time of the month” due to doubts about the
Reflecting on Menstrual Milestones
The history of periods during these times was marked by resourcefulness and adaptability. It was not just about the evolution of menstrual products but also about the broader journey of women breaking barriers, challenging societal norms, and navigating the complex tapestry of menstruation’s history.
From homemade solutions to modern eco-friendly products, menstrual history reflects the journey of women through the ages, adapting and evolving with the times. As we reflect on our history, it’s essential to support initiatives that ensure every woman has access to period supplies. If you’d like to make a donation to support the Alliance for Period Supplies, you can do so here. In some states, period supplies are taxed like luxuries. You can also visit our advocacy page for tips on how to write your representative about menstrual equity. For those in need or seeking a local period supply bank, please visit our Allied Programs page.
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