The bloody history of early women cope with menstruation

2018-02-18 14:30

The bloody history of early women cope with menstruation
The people of ancient times, from Mesopotamia to Rome, adhered to the same approach to the description of the period. To be precise — complete silence.

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For 4 thousand years of recorded history among a dozen different cultures people have left almost no information about how women managed to cope with the inconvenience.

To begin with, what period in ancient times and now — a little different phenomena. First of all, because a stable cycle was more of a rarity than the norm. Poor nutrition, lack of vitamins lead to hormonal imbalance, and this, in turn, led to the disruption of the menstrual cycle. My period would not stop if the woman was severely depleted, reports Rus.Media.

Tampons and Ancient Egypt

Very often in the Internet you can find the claim that tampons were known to the ancient Egyptians. Remember, in this context, and Hippocrates, the “father of medicine”, which allegedly mentioned a small wooden stick wrapped in soft linen, women inserted into the vagina.

Dr. Helen king, who is devoted to the study of menstruation in the historical context for many years, argues that the original quote of Hippocrates and was not found, but the myth was widely used in advertising campaigns for famous brands — manufacturers of personal care products for women.

The same applies to the allegations of tampons in Ancient Egypt and Greece. And here is the evidence that Roman women mounted on linen subligaculum — absorbent cotton pads — there.

The middle ages

If a very short answer to the question, what did women until the nineteenth century during menstruation, the answer is this: nothing. The majority of European women did not wear underwear, so to strengthen the fabric was nowhere.

However, exceptions were also. An alternative method “for the rich” was rag “strip”, which was fastened between the legs using a special belt that was fastened around the waist. For example, we know that Elizabeth I, Queen of England, had three black silk belts.

“Civilized” approach to its hygiene also included pieces of fabric that are put in the vagina to stop the bleeding. But most women just let the blood flow out of ourselves naturally. This, apparently, according to the records, no one was surprised.

Laura Klosterman Kidd (Laura Klosterman Kidd), an expert on the matter, studied 17 women’s diaries and letters with recommendations of what to pack for a trip. She did not see any mention of items that at least something could make life easier for women during this period.

1800

Nothing has changed. German doctor in 1899 wrote: “It is absolutely disgusting to bleed on his shirt, and then wear it four to eight days, this can easily lead to infections”.

So, some women have actually used “menstrual cloth”, but most women could not afford such an expensive pleasure.

The women “these days”, for example, were forbidden to work in factories, especially food, — it was thought that they can “poison” products.

1900

Linen is securely fastened to the so-called sanitary zone. The first ad, which shows a disposable cloth appeared in the US in 1888. Up to this point, any advertising that touches the subject of menstruation was considered taboo.

The product attracted the consumers and was discontinued.

One thousand nine hundred twenty

Women used hygienic belt, but this time agreed to a one-time pad. Nurses of the First world war discovered the absorbent properties of the special paper used to absorb blood from open wounds, but also menstrual blood, they are quite good.

Inspired by this idea, Kimberly Clark invented Kotex, the first disposable pads for menstruation.

1930

There are the first tampons with cardboard applicator. In 1934, the Tampax company brought to market its product. It is recommended to use only for married women because it’s commonly believed that tampons are only suitable to those women who have already lost their virginity.

One thousand nine hundred forty

War, women had to move a lot, no time for procrastination. So there is the first tampon without an applicator. In the period from 1936 to 1943, the consumption of tampons has increased five times.

1950

Time ago. And again the hygiene zone, and month — not a word. Women should remain silent about this awkward period of his life. But the justification for the waiver of domestic work, menstruation to be not had.

One thousand nine hundred sixty

Fabric pads that can be washed. The struggle for women’s rights, almost nothing has changed in regards to month.

1970

Be the first self-adhesive pads! It happened in 1972, and soon in the US has allowed their advertising.

1980

Superstitous invented the first tampons with plastic applicator, which is convenient to enter inside. And then there are quite rare, but still occurs the problem of toxic shock syndrome, which resulted in the death of 84. In 1985, the TV sound Is the Word “period.”

1990

Flew: pads with wings!

2010

For the first time on the market there is such a thing as a menstrual Cup. Although the first bowl appeared in the 1930s, 2010s, they are back in fashion. Their popularity is due to economic, environmental and other advantages.

Indeed, to live well in the twenty-first century! And if you’re namechaetsya about luxury points, remember that behind the gloss lurks a dirty life.