What women used before their period pads appeared

In ancient times, people believed that menstrual blood could drive dogs crazy. So, all talk about menstruation and how to deal with it was taboo. And before modern pads were created, women used materials ranging from papyrus to diaper-like pants.

We decided to look at how women manage the menstrual cycle at different times before modern products were introduced.

7 PHOTOS

1. Papyrus, wood, and sea sponges.

Although there is almost no information on how women coped in ancient history, historians believe that women during the period 3000 BC. - The 5th century used various natural materials for menstruation. For example, Egyptian women used papyrus, the paper they used to write on at the time. They impregnated it to make it soft. Greek women, according to Hippocrates, used nap wrapping of pieces of wood as tampons. It is believed that some use sea sponges to absorb blood during menstruation.

2. Rags.

Women used flannel or woven fabric.

3. Disposable wipes.

In 1897, Johnson & Johnson developed the first version of sanitary napkins - disposable napkins called Listers. Towels become the first commercial product for menstruation. However, menstruation was still considered taboo and women were reluctant to go to stores to buy them openly, so the product ultimately failed in the market.

4. Sanitary apron.

The sanitary apron was a rubber apron with a strip running between the legs to prevent blood from entering women's skirts and seats. Basically, the apron was created in order to protect furniture from stains, but this was an unpleasant decision.

5. Menstrual belts.

Menstrual belts became an early version of sanitary napkins in the 1900s and were a popular method for managing menstruation. It was a silk elastic belt that women would use with cotton pads and then use. Belts remained somewhat of a diaper and remained popular until the first adhesive tape was introduced.

6. Sanitary trousers.

Sanitary trousers were vintage trousers or rubber-lined underwear from the 1920s. The rubber pants were made from the same material as baby diapers.

7. Aluminum and rubber cups.

Although the menstrual cup is gaining popularity now, the first cup was invented long ago (1930) and was made of aluminum or hard rubber. In 1956, Leona Chalmers updated the product using softer materials. The cup was intended for collecting blood but was not successful in the market at the time.