“Freedom From Discomfort, Freedom From Embarrassment:” Tampons and Menstrual Cups

Sanitary napkins did not fulfill their marketed promises to “keep women’s secret,” so companies tried to develop new ways to contain menstrual flow. Internal devices, such as tampons and menstrual cups, were intended to contain blood and odor while fitting seamlessly into the female body. These “invisible” products promised women freedom from the discomfort of belts and shifting pads, and promised greater privacy and protection because of the internal fit.