The history and evolution of menstrual cups

Menstrual cups are a new thing, right?

Actually, these little lifesavers have been around longer than you might think! Menstrual cups have actually been in the making for almost 100 years!

Before menstrual cups and tampons women had to survive their periods with rags and a “sanitary belt.” When tampons were introduced, many people hoped that the quest for a period solution was now complete. As time went on, however, people were educated on the potential risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and massive amounts of waste associated with tampons.

Thankfully, the menstrual cup was already being perfected.

The very first menstrual cup was patented in 1932 by the midwifery group of McGlasson and Perkins. In 1937, the first useable commercial cup was patented by an American actress named Leona Chalmers. This patent was so well designed that many similar, bell-shaped cups still exist today, including the Pixie Cup!

The menstrual cup, although designed in the 30’s, has not always been a popular period option. First of all, advertising was difficult in the early 1900’s, because periods were a taboo subject! Secondly, the “rubber” cup was intimidating because it was not reusable and people were not comfortable with cleaning the cup. Finally, the cup was not well received by those who erroneously believed that they would lose their virginity by using the cup.

In the later 1980’s, the menstrual cup was reintroduced, and this time it was well accepted! In the early 2000’s the rubber cup gave way to silicone and the rest is… well, history!

“The issue we now face is making the cup available to women in need.”

The menstrual cup is becoming more and more popular all the time as women recognize its benefits as an eco-friendly, budget-friendly, good-for-your-body period option! The issue we now face is making the cup available to women in need in the United States of America and around the world, many of whom do not have access to any period products at all.

That is where Pixie Cup comes in. We offer you something extra special. Not only do we provide several styles and sizes of cups for different body types, but for every cup purchased we give one away to a woman in need! When you buy a Pixie Cup, you are purchasing period freedom for someone else. Give back so you AND someone else can live free.

That’s how you make a difference, one cup at a time. ????