The first Australian patents for tampons appeared as early as 1908; the next in 1925. Fourteen patents for tampons were listed between 1940 to 1950.
Initially, tampons were not widely used and were often stigmatized due to cultural taboos around menstruation. However, the popularity of tampons began to grow in the 1960s and 1970s, as women became more vocal about their desire for greater freedom and mobility during their periods.
Up until the invention of the modern tampon in 1931, the majority of women throughout the world used various forms of menstrual pads, or pieces of cloth that were placed in a woman's undergarments to absorb her menstrual blood.
Before the 1970's, tampons were only available in one size, making it necessary to buy numerous boxes for coverage. In the 1970's, Procter & Gamble developed the first ever “ultra absorbent” tampon called Rely. These tampons were highly absorbent and made with a blend of polyester and carboxymethyl cellulose.
In the 1980s, versions of modern maxi pads and pads with wings hit the market. Tampons continued to increase in popularity. But a massive health concern about them made news when over 5,000 cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) were reported between 1979 and 1996 (7).
Therefore, while women continued most of their daily work, they avoided activities they believed could halt the flow. The most salient precaution was avoiding getting chilled, whether by bathing, doing the wash in cold water, or working outside in cold, damp weather.
In the early 1970's a breakthrough in disposable pads was made. An adhesive strip was placed at the bottom of pads and could easily be stuck to women's underwear and removed when ready to be discarded. Scented pads were also introduced to the market around this time.
Product History
Ancient Egyptians sued rolled Papyrus leaves to make primitive tampons. Ancient Tribes used natural materials, usually grasses, moss etc. The modern sanitary towel/pad was invented during the early part of the last century.
Modern maxi pads and pads with wings first appeared on the market throughout the 1980s. Tampons' popularity continues to grow.
What Did People Do before Pads and Tampons? The short answer is that most people with periods used cloth rags as a kind of DIY sanitary pad. Linen was a particularly good material for that purpose. But there's also evidence that some people used a particularly absorbent type of bog moss.
Earle Haas patented the first modern tampon, Tampax, with the tube-within-a-tube applicator. Gertrude Schulte Tenderich (née Voss) bought the patent rights to her company trademark Tampax and started as a seller, manufacturer, and spokesperson in 1933.
If you notice your tampons get soaked through in a couple hours, or you see blood on the string when you change it after a short time, you might need a larger size. You may need to size down if the tampon is mostly dry after wearing it for a few hours.
While tampons were actually patented in the 1930s, use did not become popular until the 1960s because people were afraid that using a tampon would cause them to lose their virginity. The menstrual cup was also invented around the same time, but did not become popular until the 1980s.
Women have an average of 456 periods in their life, which translates to 9,120 tampons used. At an average price of seven dollars for a box of 36 tampons, the total amount women spend on tampons is approximately $1,773.33.
Even though they may not look any different than brand new ones, expired tampons shouldn't be used. Obviously, tampons won't deteriorate immediately once five years is up, but bacteria and small particles of mould can find their way into your tampons after they've expired.
Among Australian aboriginal, Polynesian, African, and Native American peoples, the first menstruation of a girl was often observed with seclusion in a separate dwelling, accompanied by female-only ritual practices and practical support from other women.
The most consistent term used by women, which is largely age-typed, almost universally used by American women under thirty-five years of age, is the curse, while for men speaking it is the rag, or she's got the rag on.
A woman's monthly bleeding, otherwise known as “courses”, was believed to be the womb ridding itself of excess blood. If this did not happen the womb could become overrun with blood and could possibly drown the woman .
Women also used herbs and tinctures to regulate their menstrual cycle in order to better track when pregnancy was possible. They also breastfed—sometimes against the slaveholders demands to stop—in hopes of lessening the chance of becoming pregnant.
1940s: Ads for period products emphasized women's role in the war effort. With many materials in high demand during WWII, women used “health sponges” to soak up menstrual blood. 1950s: Modess sanitary napkins released ads that showed American women embracing femininity.
In the Victorian Era, rags were commonly used as pads which coined the term, “on the rag”. These 'rags' were reusable and commonly homemade from flannels or woven fabric.
The reasons for this aversion to tampons are myriad, including traditional beliefs about cleanliness and virginity, as well as concerns of Toxic Shock Syndrome and other health problems.
Safety is first
But still, there are chances of getting TSS when you're using a sanitary pad, but the risk is the same as not using any feminine hygiene protection. But tampons can increase your chances of TSS compared to pads, so better know the symptoms and what to do if you think you have it.
Plastic versus cardboard applicators
Enter cardboard applicators – not only do they allow for gentle insertion, but they're also completely biodegradable, reducing your carbon footprint with each menstrual period.