Updated: June 3, 2020 | Originally Published: January 18, 2020
How have women managed menstruation throughout history, long before the advent of contemporary products? This article delves into the intriguing past of periods.
From ancient times, the understanding of menstruation was shrouded in mystery. Early civilizations often remained silent about the topic, and the majority of historical records were penned by men, leading to various misconceptions. For instance, in ancient Rome, menstruating women were often deemed as dark witches. Pliny the Elder, a notable figure of the era, claimed that these women possessed the ability to manipulate nature—halting hailstorms, inciting madness in dogs, and even causing crops to wither.
In regions like Mali and Nepal, women were isolated in designated menstrual huts. Meanwhile, the French held a peculiar belief that engaging in sexual relations during menstruation could result in the birth of monsters, or worse, corrode the male anatomy. The idea of corrosion raises a perplexing image, as if one were referring to a steel pipe, which is quite far from reality.
During medieval times, Europeans had conflicting views about menstrual blood; some believed it could cure leprosy, while others thought consuming it could lead to the disease. The Egyptians utilized softened papyrus as makeshift tampons, while in Ancient Greece, rudimentary tampons were crafted from wood and wrapped in lint, an odd combination that evokes thoughts of a vaginal campfire. The Romans opted for pads made of wool, which we know is less than ideal for comfort. Many women resorted to using rags or simply allowed menstrual blood to flow freely, often masking the scent with herbs worn around their necks or waists. Due to the unsanitary connotations of free-flowing blood, the late 19th century saw a rise in the use of sanitary napkins.
Interestingly, it took a global conflict to catalyze significant advancements. During World War I, French nurses discovered that the cellulose bandages designed for treating injuries could also absorb menstrual blood. This revelation proved that both wounds and menstruation had more in common than previously thought! By 1921, Kotex emerged as the first commercial menstrual product. However, it wasn’t until 1970 that pads featured sticky adhesive, as prior to this innovation, women relied on belts known as Hosier Sanitary Belts to secure their pads.
In 1929, inventor Dr. Earle Haas introduced a new device for menstruation, allowing for the insertion of a cotton plug via two cardboard tubes, which we now recognize as tampons. The manufacturing process was labor-intensive, requiring sewing and compression machines, and typically took about a month to produce a single batch.
Today, an array of feminine hygiene products exists, ranging from period underwear to menstrual cups. Thankfully, we have moved past the notion of being witches with supernatural powers concerning the weather. However, the journey is far from complete, as only a few states recognize menstrual products as tax-exempt necessities. For further insights on related topics, visit this link to our other blog post or check this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In conclusion, while the evolution of menstruation practices has come a long way, there’s still progress to be made in terms of accessibility and recognition of menstrual products as essential items. For those interested in home insemination, consider exploring Make a Mom’s authoritative guide for comprehensive information.
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