Menstruation is a natural part of a woman's life that has persisted for thousands of years. This article looks back at how women managed this physiological process in the past, traces the evolution of menstrual products, and explores the impact of industrialization and cultural shifts—alongside the more comfortable and convenient solutions brought by modern innovation.
What menstrual products did women use in history?
Some anthropological and evolutionary biology studies have attempted to estimate the age at which puberty occurred in early human societies. However, due to the lack of direct evidence, the specific age of menarche for prehistoric women remains uncertain and remains widely debated.
Even in times without sanitary pads or underwear, people developed various ways to manage menstruation. As early as the Stone Age, there were already some “ingenious,” though often uncomfortable, solutions.
Prehistoric times
From approximately 30,000 BC to 3000 BC, women in the Stone Age may have used leather or linen wrapped around moss to create simple absorbent pads.
In some regional cultural records, menstruation was associated with ocean tides and regarded as a sacred natural phenomenon tied to life force. Menstrual blood was sometimes used in rituals—for example, scattered on land during spring ceremonies to pray for fertility.
Women's "Sanitary Items" from 1916
During ancient civilizations
Some women used reusable belts, as well as papyrus or grass-based materials resembling early sanitary pads. Others relied on cotton wool wrapped around wood or handmade cloth strips to absorb menstrual blood.
As religious systems strengthened and medical understanding remained limited, non-injury-related bleeding came to be seen as impure. Social attitudes toward menstruation grew increasingly conservative and stigmatized, with beliefs that it could negatively affect others’ health.
Under this mindset, exaggerated and superstitious claims spread, such as:
l Crops would be affected
l Mirrors would darken
l Food would spoil
l Metal would corrode
These ideas intensified fear and added psychological pressure for women during their periods.
In practice, available solutions were limited. Women often used cloth-filled pouches or natural materials like moss for absorption. Some folk practices even involved wearing items containing animal components (such as dried toads) around the waist in an attempt to “reduce menstrual blood.”
Social stigma also influenced behavior. Used cloths were typically cleaned discreetly, which is believed to be the origin of the phrase “on the rag.” However, these methods were often uncomfortable, unhygienic, and unreliable.
Modern Era (15th century – 19th century)
During this period, menstruation remained highly private and taboo. Early menstrual pads existed, but their use was still primitive and low-profile.
Cloth pads (similar in structure to diapers) were fixed in place according to personal habits and flow levels. Cotton or flannel was placed in underwear for absorption. However, such options were often unavailable to low-income women, who had to rely on their clothing to absorb menstrual blood.
Poor hygiene conditions made menstrual care particularly challenging. To protect clothing, rubber aprons were even introduced.
In the 19th century, medical beliefs suggested that women were nearly incapacitated during menstruation. They were considered unfit for both physical and mental activity and were advised to rest completely.
Before the introduction of disposable sanitary napkins in 1921, these early products presented several issues:
l Rough fabrics could cause chafing and discomfort
l Wet materials could lead to irritation or pain
l Wearing methods were complex and inconvenient
l Repeated washing and discreet drying added burden and embarrassment
In the 20th century
After World War I, highly absorbent cellulose material developed by Kimberly-Clark was introduced into women’s hygiene. Initially used for surgical dressings, it later became the basis for menstrual products.
In 1921, Kotex launched the first modern disposable sanitary napkin, marking the beginning of large-scale commercialization.
In 1931, Earl Haas invented and patented the modern tampon. With promotion from Tampax, tampons entered the market, offering women a more convenient option.
However, these products still had limitations. They required positioning, could shift during movement, and carried a risk of leakage—especially during extended use.
Today
Entering the 21st century, menstrual care is no longer just about basic functionality. It now emphasizes comfort, freedom, and a sense of security. In response to these evolving needs, menstrual underwear has emerged as a new solution, combining absorption, leak protection, and wearability in a single product.
For some users, however, reusable options still present challenges, including washing, drying, and associated inconvenience or psychological burden.
As a result, disposable menstrual underwear has gained attention. Its usage is straightforward—wear and discard—without the need for cleaning. It fits closely to the body, stays in place, and feels similar to regular underwear.
Compared to earlier solutions, it simplifies the experience and reduces the impact of menstruation on daily life. Whether commuting, traveling, or resting at night, it allows for a more manageable and comfortable routine.
From “making do” in the past to having the freedom to choose today, menstrual care has become simpler, more flexible, and more controllable.
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