Periods have existed throughout all generations, yet the response of human culture has progressively changed since previous centuries.
The development of menstrual products has gone too far, and it tells the story of ever-changing technology with a blend of human thinking towards menstrual products. So, have you ever thought about what women did before women pads were invented? When were tampons invented?? Thinking like this leads many questions to surface in your mind while keeping things straightforward.
We exist to resolve any questions you may have about menstrual products. Proceed to read the following information by scrolling down to learn about traditional tales along with historical facts.
What Methods Did Women Use in the Past for Menstruation?
So, how did women back then deal with periods? How do they avoid stains?
Reviewing history reveals the minimal options available to manage menstrual health during that period.
How did women deal with periods in the 1800s? During ancient times, along with the 19th century, women relied on utilizable materials such as fabric and cloth pieces as their period solutions. Sanitary pads with belt were also introduced back then. However, the temporary products needed multiple uses after washing the material for reuse. Without any limitations in place, people had no access to absorbency testing, sanitary disposal, or odor control methods.
Periods were treated with complete secrecy in multiple cultural societies, so women maintained their menstrual cycle by using limited resources.
19th Century Period Pads in the 1800s
The management strategies employed by women during their periods in the 1800s are a real talk. Let’s read out what did ladies use before pads.
Women during the 19th century started making their own cloth-based period pads. New technology in period product management developed into the structured 19th-century period pad made from absorbent fabric pieces that women attached to their underwear through pins.
The period belt became a reality as a final development in menstrual care. Women used these devices to secure their (cloth pads) sanitary pads with belt by strapping them on their waist. These period belt attachments from this early stage were not perfect, yet they provided increased security compared to free-flowing clothes.
When Were Pads Invented?
The manufacturing industry of menstrual products started its operations during the late 1800s. The accurate timeline of the pad invention becomes a curiosity of modern history.
The initial disposable sanitary pad on the market in 1888 in England was through Southall’s brand. Modern menstrual products have remained unpopular since manufacturers sold them at a high price with limited promotion.
Kimberly-Clark introduced the first commercial sanitary pad to the market in 1921, named Kotex. However, the sanitary pads with belt system maintained their use because they needed additional support for positioning.
When Were Tampons Invented?
The commercial success of menstrual pads accelerated just when a breakthrough innovation began to reshape the world of menstrual care.
When were tampons invented? Historical evidence shows that the idea of internal absorbent devices reached back to ancient times and tampons emerged in 1931 thanks to the invention of Dr. Earle Haas.
He created an applicable tampon structure which became known commercially as “Tampax.” The commercial availability of Tampax tampons marked the year 1936 as United States women gained a private and freeing alternative for their menstrual needs.
The initial doubts regarding tampons led to increased popularity throughout the years.
So, how did women back then deal with periods?
Women primarily relied on:
- Cloth rags or “period rags”
- Animal skin, wool,
- Grass in some cultures
- Paper or stuffing cotton in pouches
- Lint
Women continued using these solutions repeatedly, yet they felt uneasy, and sanitary practices were insufficient. Women had to face barriers in their involvement with educational, working and social environments because of these products.
Modern Menstrual Products
Period products have evolved considerably from the 19th-century period pads of the 1800s to the various environmentally friendly and inclusive products available today, such as,
- Disposable pads
- Tampons
- Menstrual cups
- Period underwear
- Reusable options
Conclusion
The growth of menstrual products from traditional management to the current wide range of choices shows human progress over time.
So, when were tampons invented? In 1931. When were pads invented? They were invented in the late 1800s in 1888. However, the major developments in the history of period products happened in the 1920s and 1980s. The development of menstruation management materials advanced because people required more comfort, better convenience, and dignity.
Besides this, modern yet environmentally friendly Embrace Sanitary pads provide women with double protection while guaranteeing their comfort throughout their menstrual cycle. Get yours to have worry-free periods now!
