Image caption: This image is from a 1950s educational film about menstruation and demonstrates the use of a sanitary napkin and belt.
Menstruation is a natural part of life that has existed throughout human history. This article looks back at how women managed menstruation in the past, traces the evolution of menstrual products, and explores the effects of industrialization and cultural change—along with the more comfortable and convenient options made possible by modern innovation.
What Menstrual Products Did Women Use Throughout History?
Some anthropological and evolutionary biology studies have attempted to estimate the age at which puberty occurred in early human societies. However, because direct evidence is limited, the age of menarche among prehistoric women remains uncertain and widely debated.
Even before sanitary pads or modern underwear existed, people developed different ways to manage menstruation. As early as the Stone Age, women may have used creative—though often uncomfortable—forms of menstrual protection.
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 traditions, menstruation was associated with ocean tides and regarded as a sacred natural phenomenon connected to life force. Menstrual blood was sometimes reportedly used in rituals—for example, scattered on land during spring ceremonies as part of fertility practices.
Image caption: Women’s “sanitary items” from 1916.
Menstrual Care in Ancient Civilizations
Some women used reusable belts and absorbent materials made from papyrus, grass, cotton wool, or handmade cloth strips. These materials functioned as early forms of menstrual pads.
As religious systems became more influential and medical understanding remained limited, bleeding unrelated to injury was sometimes regarded as impure. Social attitudes toward menstruation became increasingly conservative and stigmatized, with beliefs that menstruation could negatively affect other people or the surrounding environment.
Under this mindset, exaggerated and superstitious claims spread, including beliefs that menstruation could cause:
- Crop damage
- Mirrors to darken
- Food to spoil
- Metal to corrode
These ideas intensified fear and added psychological pressure for women during their periods.
In practice, the available solutions were limited. Women often used cloth-filled pouches or natural materials such as moss for absorption. Some folk practices reportedly involved wearing objects containing animal materials around the waist in an attempt to reduce menstrual bleeding.
Social stigma also influenced behavior. Used cloths were generally cleaned discreetly, a practice sometimes associated with the origin of the phrase “on the rag.” These early methods were often uncomfortable, difficult to clean, and unreliable.
The Modern Era: 15th to 19th Century
During this period, menstruation remained highly private and taboo. Early menstrual pads existed, but their use was still basic and discreet.
Cloth pads, similar in structure to diapers, were secured according to personal preference and flow level. Cotton or flannel was placed inside underwear for absorption. These materials were not equally accessible to everyone, and some low-income women had to rely on their clothing to absorb menstrual blood.
Poor hygiene conditions made menstrual care particularly challenging. Rubber aprons were even introduced to help protect clothing.
During the 19th century, prevailing medical beliefs often portrayed women as nearly incapacitated during menstruation. Women were sometimes considered unfit for physical or mental activity and advised to rest completely.
Before disposable sanitary napkins became commercially available in the early 20th century, menstrual products presented several challenges:
- Rough fabrics could cause chafing and discomfort
- Wet materials could lead to irritation or pain
- Wearing methods were often complex and inconvenient
- Repeated washing and discreet drying created additional work and embarrassment
The 20th Century: Disposable Pads and Tampons
After World War I, highly absorbent cellulose material developed by Kimberly-Clark was introduced into women’s hygiene products. Initially used for surgical dressings, the material later became the basis for commercial menstrual products.
1921: The Commercial Disposable Sanitary Napkin
In 1921, Kotex launched one of the first widely commercialized modern disposable sanitary napkins, marking the beginning of large-scale disposable menstrual-product sales.
1931: The Modern Tampon
In 1931, Earl Haas invented and patented the modern tampon. Later promoted commercially by Tampax, tampons offered women another convenient menstrual-care option.
These products still had limitations. Pads required careful positioning, could shift during movement, and sometimes leaked, particularly during extended wear.
Menstrual Care Today
In the 21st century, menstrual care is no longer focused only on basic functionality. Modern products increasingly emphasize comfort, freedom of movement, convenience, and confidence.
In response to these evolving needs, period underwear has emerged as another option, combining absorption, leak protection, and wearability in a single product.
For some users, reusable period underwear still presents challenges such as washing, drying, and the practical or emotional burden associated with cleaning.
As a result, disposable period underwear has gained attention. It is straightforward to use—wear once and discard—with no washing required. It fits close to the body, stays in place, and feels more like regular underwear.
Compared with earlier menstrual-care solutions, modern disposable period underwear can simplify the experience and reduce the effect of menstruation on daily routines. Whether commuting, traveling, or resting at night, users have more options for managing their periods comfortably.
From Making Do to Having a Choice
Menstrual products have evolved from natural absorbent materials and reusable cloths to commercially manufactured pads, tampons, reusable period underwear, and disposable menstrual underwear.
From “making do” in the past to having the freedom to choose today, menstrual care has become simpler, more flexible, and more manageable.
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