User:CabralN/Menstrual hygiene management

The historical narrative of menstrual products has unfolded as a testament to the evolving relationship between women, society, and hygiene. The evolution of these products is intertwined with cultural shifts and the enduring stigma surrounding menstruation.

Ultimately, accounting for early records of period care proves challenging due to a lack of written history. The oldest known records of menstrual hygiene products date back to ancient Egypt, where people utilized softened papyrus as a means of absorbing menstrual blood. In resource-constrained Indigenous communities, organic materials were likely employed for this purpose. For instance, there is speculation that Vikings used bog moss.

It is likely that people turned to strips of rags, which could be washed and reused. In the late 19th century, there was speculation that menstruation was considered a form of illness. Doctors like Edward Clark believed that attending school during menstruation could potentially delay the development of reproductive organs

In 1897, Johnson & Johnson added sanitary napkins to its price list following a suggestion by Dr. Joseph Brown Cook. Despite the limited acceptance of this product, it was historically significant as the first commercially available sanitary protection product for women in the United States. These sanitary napkins were advertised minimally and in small print to maintain a sense of ‘modesty’.

Sfag-Na-Kins, developed by the Sphagnum Moss Products Company, transformed sphagnum moss into sanitary napkins with the ability to absorb over 20 times their dry weight in fluids

In 1920, Johnson & Johnson introduced the discreetly named and plainly packaged Nupak brand, allowing women to make purchases inconspicuously.

The success of Kotex napkins in 1921 can be attributed to extensive advertising in women's magazines and the use of cellucotton enclosed within a gauze sheath.

In 1928, Johnson & Johnson innovatively introduced silent purchase coupons in magazine ads for MODESS sanitary napkins, providing women with a discreet means of acquiring products without engaging with salespeople.

Turning to tampons, E.C. Haas filed a patent in 1931 for the Tampaz tampons, featuring a paper-tube applicator. Notably, tampons were initially used in medical practice to control bleeding in deep wounds.

In 1957, Mary Davidson Kenner presented a patent for an adjustable sanitary belt designed to secure the pad, prevent menstrual blood leakage, and avoid stains. However, racial discrimination thwarted the approval of her patent, as Kenner, a black woman, faced systemic barriers.

The popularity of belted sanitary napkins waned in the early 1980s with the advent of adhesive strips positioned on the bottom of sanitary pads, facilitating attachment to underwear linings. Since then, menstrual products have undergone substantial transformations, evolving to be more ergonomic, thinner, and incorporating diverse materials to enhance absorption.