Special.1｜History of Menstrual Cups｜Why are they gaining popularity worldwide now?

“Menstrual cups are a recent invention, aren't they?”
Actually, no.

The history of menstrual cups goes back more than 100 years.
This time, we will explain the history of menstrual cups and why they are gaining popularity worldwide today, along with the social context.

History of Menstrual Cups: Born in the Same Era as Tampons

The patent for the prototype of the menstrual cup was filed in the late 19th century in the United States.
Then, in the 1930s, modern menstrual cups appeared around the same time as tampons.

In other words, the menstrual cup is not a "new invention."

So, why did tampons spread worldwide, while menstrual cups did not gain widespread adoption for a long time?

Why Tampons Spread and Menstrual Cups Did Not

The answer is very simple:

They were disposable, and there was an economic rationale for them.

The 20th century was an era of mass production and mass consumption.
Products that required monthly repurchases were convenient for both businesses and distribution, and advertising investment also progressed.

On the other hand, menstrual cups are reusable.
Once purchased, they can be used for a long time, making it difficult for them to expand as a business model.

The 2000s: Medical-Grade Silicone as a Turning Point

The re-evaluation of menstrual cups truly began in the early 2000s.

With the spread of medical-grade silicone, the following were achieved:

• ● Reduced risk of allergies
• ● Ease of cleaning
• ● Improved durability

From this point, menstrual cups returned to the market as a "realistic option."

The 2010s: Why They Spread in Europe

Around the mid-2010s, menstrual cups began to spread, primarily in Europe.

This was due to a combination of factors, including:

• ● Growing environmental awareness
• ● Plastic waste issues
• ● Introduction of reusable sanitary products by NGOs

In regions with limited access to resources and water, reusable menstrual cups became a practical choice.

The combination of increasing environmental awareness and the expansion of social media led to their rapid spread in Western countries.

Why Didn't They Catch On in Japan?

In Japan, menstrual cups were approved and registered as medical devices around 2012, but the market remained limited for a long time.

This was due to:

• ● Psychological hurdles regarding vaginal insertion
• ● Lack of information
• ● The strong culture of sanitary pads

One major turning point was the spread of absorbent period panties.

Period care, which used to be limited to sanitary pads, diversified, and the "waste-free choice" began to feel more realistic.

Recently, there has been an increasing number of voices saying, "I haven't bought sanitary products in a while."

Benefits of Menstrual Cups

Because menstrual cups are designed to collect menstrual fluid inside the body, the blood is less exposed to air, which helps reduce odor.

Additionally, they allow individuals to observe their menstrual flow and color, which can help them notice changes in their health.

※Please note that, similar to tampons, there are very rare reports of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) with menstrual cups. Adhering to usage times is crucial.

Dr. Amina's Perspective: Why They Are Needed in Japan Now

Looking back at the history of menstrual cups, one thing becomes clear:

The technology has been around for a long time.
But society wasn't ready to accept it.

Menstrual cups are not a new invention.
The reason they didn't catch on for so long was likely more a matter of culture and psychology than a problem with the product's completeness.

Periods were meant to be as discreet as possible.
Blood was to be hidden.
Odors were to be eliminated.

Within such premises,
the act of seeing, touching, washing, and reusing one's own menstrual blood
deviates somewhat from conventional norms.

And one more thing.

Touching one's own vagina.
Inserting something into the vagina.
Many people feel vague anxiety or tension about this itself.

With little taught in school, and not knowing "what is normal,"

people naturally keep a bit of distance from the unknown.

That's why menstrual cups,
are not just a sanitary product,
but a choice that re-examines "one's relationship with their own body."

But now, things are slowly changing.

With the spread of absorbent period panties,
the term "femtech" becoming known,
and talking about periods becoming more natural than before.

Menstrual cups are not just "environmentally friendly" products.

They represent:
Understanding your own body.
Understanding your monthly rhythm.
And choosing for yourself, rather than following methods dictated by others.

From an era of disposables to an era of choice.
I believe menstrual cups are one of the choices that symbolize this change.