The History of Menstrual Cups and Discs: From Past to Present

Menstrual cups and discs may seem like modern innovations, but their roots stretch back nearly a century. From humble beginnings as rubber receptacles to today's medical-grade silicone designs, these reusable period products have a rich history that reflects changing attitudes toward women's health and sustainability.

In this article, we'll trace the timeline of menstrual cups and discs, highlighting key inventions and milestones. We'll also see how brands like Saalt are carrying forward the legacy of reusable period care with modern designs that prioritize comfort, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Early Beginnings: The First Menstrual Cup Patents

The concept of a menstrual cup dates back to the 1860s, but it wasn't until the 1930s that the first commercially available cup hit the market. In 1932, American actress Leona Chalmers patented a latex rubber cup that could be worn internally to collect menstrual fluid. Her design included a stem for easy removal and a flexible rim to create a seal—features that are still found in modern cups.

Chalmers's invention was revolutionary, but it faced challenges. The rubber material was stiff and uncomfortable, and the cup was not widely adopted due to cultural taboos and lack of marketing. Production ceased during World War II as rubber was rationed, and it wasn't until the 1960s that the cup saw a resurgence with improved materials.

• Leona Chalmers patented the first successful menstrual cup in 1932.
• Early cups were made of latex rubber, which could cause allergies and discomfort.
• World War II halted production due to rubber shortages.

The Rise of Modern Menstrual Cups: The 1980s and Beyond

The modern menstrual cup era began in 1987 when the Keeper, made of natural rubber, was introduced in the United States. This was followed by the Mooncup in the UK in 2002, which used medical-grade silicone—a hypoallergenic, flexible, and durable material. Silicone quickly became the standard, allowing cups to be softer and more comfortable.

As awareness of environmental issues grew in the 2000s and 2010s, menstrual cups gained popularity as a zero-waste alternative to tampons and pads. Brands like Saalt emerged, offering cups in various sizes and firmness levels to suit different bodies and flows. The Saalt Soft Duo Pack, for example, includes two soft cups for sensitive muscles, making reusable period care accessible to more people.

• The Keeper (1987) and Mooncup (2002) were early modern cups.
• Medical-grade silicone replaced rubber, improving comfort and safety.
• Environmental concerns drove the reusable period movement in the 21st century.

The Evolution of Menstrual Discs: A Different Shape

Menstrual discs, also known as menstrual diaphragms, have a separate but parallel history. Unlike cups, which collect fluid in a bell-shaped reservoir, discs are shallow bowls that sit in the vaginal fornix and collect fluid at the cervix. The first disposable disc, Instead, was introduced in the 1990s, offering a new option for internal period care.

Reusable discs entered the market later, with brands like Nixit and Lumma popularizing the design. Discs are praised for their ability to be worn during sex and for their high capacity. Saalt's Welcome to the Cup/Disc Life guide helps users navigate the differences and choose the right product for their anatomy, highlighting the brand's commitment to education.

• Disposable discs (Instead) appeared in the 1990s.
• Reusable discs gained popularity in the 2010s.
• Discs can be worn during intimacy and often have higher capacity.

Saalt's Role in the Reusable Period Movement

Saalt, founded in 2017, entered the market with a mission to provide comfortable, safe, and sustainable period care. The brand quickly became known for its soft, medical-grade silicone cups and its commitment to giving back—a portion of profits funds menstrual health education and access in developing countries.

In addition to cups and discs, Saalt expanded into leakproof underwear, offering styles like the Leakproof Seamless Bikini and the Leakproof French Cut High Waist. These products complement cups and discs as backup or standalone options, giving users a full suite of reusable period care. Saalt's heritage is rooted in innovation and social impact, continuing the legacy of early pioneers.

• Saalt was founded in 2017 with a focus on comfort and sustainability.
• The brand offers a range of cups, discs, and leakproof underwear.
• Saalt's social mission includes funding menstrual health initiatives.

Timeline of Key Milestones in Menstrual Cup and Disc History

To visualize the evolution, here's a concise timeline of major developments in menstrual cups and discs. This timeline highlights how far we've come and sets the stage for future innovations.

Understanding this history helps us appreciate the convenience and reliability of modern reusable period products. As we look to the future, we can expect even more personalized and sustainable options.

• 1860s: Early patents for menstrual receptacles.
• 1932: Leona Chalmers patents the first modern menstrual cup.
• 1960s: Rubber cups reappear with improved designs.
• 1987: The Keeper introduces natural rubber cups to the US.
• 2002: Mooncup popularizes medical-grade silicone.
• 2010s: Reusable discs gain traction.
• 2017: Saalt launches, combining cups, discs, and underwear.

From Leona Chalmers's early rubber cup to Saalt's modern silicone designs, menstrual cups and discs have come a long way. Their history is a testament to human ingenuity and the ongoing quest for comfortable, sustainable period care. Explore Saalt's collection to find the perfect reusable product for your needs and be part of the future of period care.