Historically what would women do for their periods before the maxi pad was invented?

Answer 1

Angel's right. They used rags, which they washed and reused. That's why having your period is, or used to be, referred to "being on the rag" (Now aren't you glad you live in modern times?)

There has also been some references to ancient Egyptians using a type of tampon.

Go here for lots of interesting info: http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~obsidian/clothpads/padhistory.html
you can also try: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloth_menstrual_pad
also go to :http://www.mum.org/pastgerm.htm

Answer 2

In ancient times they used everything from raw wool to strips of leather that held dried herbivore dung (Also used as baby wadding) shredded bark to cattail fluff... If it was absorbent and plentiful then it was used. In the more civilized times... they wore bigass belts that held thick wads of cloth that, like diapers, were washed and reused. It was like wearing a diaper... The belt went around your waist and between your legs like underwear but it wasn't designed by a woman so it wasn't conferrable... You had to wear a VERY loose skirt or dress because of how thick this thing was... It could be seen from a mile away... Modern Maxi Pads and Tampons are THE greatest invention to ever come from the hands of woman-kind. There should be a shrine in every woman's home to the great inventers that freed us from the horrors of the past!

Answer 3

they use rags. gross eh?

however i also read about a time when women had to lay in bed the entire time and I'm assuming they just bled there? Since it never mentioned anything about rags, tampons, or pads.

We are lucky! We have pads, tampons, cups, and birth control pills so we can even skip periods!!

Answer 4

Along time ago I read that used strips of rags, hence the term "is she on the rag", and would wash them out every time. And then I read that some tribal women in Africa would use some type of leaves or moss as a type of tampon.

xxx

Answer 5

I read somewhere the women didn't have their periods as often as we do now due to poor living conditions and nutrition. However when they did get it they used old rags (hence the term being on your rag)

Answer 6

A giant band-aid
thats what a maxi pad is basically is a giant band-aid to stop the bleeding

Answer 7

Isn't it wonderful to live in this day and age. How did we
manage before computers, even to ask this question?
I guess the women didn't wear anything underneath their
leather hides, until cotton was discovered. They only had dirt
floors back then anyway. <}:-})

Answer 8

we just learned this in my sexuality class, women used rags, and after they were used, they would put them under their beds until wash day, sick huh?

Answer 9

When were they "invented"? How long ago?