From papyrus to pads: How well do you know the history of period products?

Periods are a natural bodily function that usually start around the age of 12, but this varies from person to person. Periods are caused by the hormones changing in your body as part of a cycle (called a menstrual cycle), and it happens as you grow.

Over the years, the design world has been very innovative in coming up with products that work for people. Historically, menstruating people have tried all sorts of options during their period to make their cycle comfortable and practical for their lifestyle. From papyrus to sanitary pads – are you ready to learn about the history of period products? 

Question 1Question 1 out of 10:

What would people use during their period in Ancient Greece?

A: Lint wrapped around wood to work as a tampon B: Absorbent moss C: A cotton tampon D: A sanitary belt worn on the waist, with a detachable sanitary pad

Question 2Question 2 out of 10:

The adjustable sanitary belt was a new invention in the 1950s. But who created it?

A: Thomas Alva Edison B: Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner C: Madam C. J. Walker D: Grace Hopper E: Not sure!

Question 3Question 3 out of 10:

In what year do you think the world’s first medical-grade silicone menstrual cup became available?

A: 1702 B: 2022 C: 2002 D: 1872

Question 4Question 4 out of 10:

A sanitary apron was once a must-have product…The apron was made from a rubber material to make it waterproof. It was marketed as a product that would make women feel comfortable in their clothes. Can you guess which decade this period product was used?

A: 1950s B: 1850s C: 1920s D: 1820s

Question 5Question 5 out of 10:

In 1969 a new period product became available, do you know which it was?

A: Adhesive pads which could be stuck inside underwear B: An organic tampon C: Reusable period pants which could be worn all day D: A menstrual cup

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Question 6Question 6 out of 10:

Which ancient civilisation used papyrus as a plant based period product?

A: Ancient Ethiopia B: Ancient Greece C: Ancient Egypt D: Ancient Rome

Question 7Question 7 out of 10:

Two brands have often fought over the title of the ‘first to create commercial sanitary towels’. Which two brands are they?

A: Mooncup and Dame B: Daye and Thinx C: Modibodi and AllMatters D: The Southalls and the Johnsons & Johnsons

Question 8Question 8 out of 10:

The tampon tax (sometimes known as the period tax) was added onto all menstrual products in the UK. It meant that consumers had to pay for the product, and they’d also have to pay an extra tax on top. But do you know when the tampon tax was first introduced?

A: 1900 B: 1953 C: 1973 D: 1923

Question 9Question 9 out of 10:

Periods have always been considered a taboo subject, even though it’s a very natural part of being human. Which company was revolutionary and the first to use the word “period” on a TV advert?

A: Always B: Tampax C: Kotex D: Natracare

Question 10Question 10 out of 10:

Arikara people are a native American tribe, what did the Arikara people use during their period?

A: Lion skin B: Buffalo skin C: Alligator skin D: Pig skin

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