The menstrual cup, a flexible, bell-shaped device inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual flow, appears to be a recent development in feminine hygiene, yet its history is surprisingly long. Its current popularity as a reusable, environmentally friendly alternative to pads and tampons is the result of decades of attempts and material science advancements. The true origin of the cup is not a single moment of invention but a series of patented designs that evolved into the product recognized today. Several early innovators were involved, but one figure is consistently credited with creating the first commercially viable model.
Early Conceptions and Precursors
The idea of using an internal device to collect menstrual fluid dates back to the late 19th century. Early American patents for “catamenial receptacles” were filed in the 1860s and 1870s, though most never made it to market. These conceptual designs often featured a small rubber pouch or sack attached to a belt. This construction was often bulky and uncomfortable, bearing little resemblance to the modern cup.
By the early 20th century, other inventors filed patents for cup-like devices, including a 1932 design for a recognizable, bell-shaped cup likely sold by Dainty Maid. These early versions were generally made of natural or hard rubber, making them rigid and less comfortable. The designs were structurally innovative but failed to gain widespread commercial success due to material limitations and prevailing social attitudes toward internal menstrual protection.
The Recognized Inventor, Leona Chalmers
The individual most often credited with inventing the first commercially sold design for the modern menstrual cup is Leona Chalmers, an American actress and inventor. Chalmers filed her patent in 1937 for a bell-shaped menstrual appliance, which was a significant step forward from earlier, cumbersome precursors. Her US Patent (D. 110,030) described a reusable, belt-free device held in place by the vaginal muscles, mirroring the principle of cups used today.
Chalmers’ primary motivation was to offer a hygienic and reusable alternative to the disposable menstrual products available, such as bulky external pads. The product she brought to market was the “Tass-ette” cup, made from vulcanized rubber, also known as latex. The use of vulcanized rubber gave the cup flexibility, a marked improvement over the hard rubber of previous patents. Her design was considered a commercial model because it was actively manufactured and sold, and closely resembled the shape that became the standard.
Market Rejection and the Mid-Century Halt
Despite its innovative design, the menstrual cup failed to achieve sustained commercial success immediately following its invention. A major contributing factor was the onset of World War II, which caused a significant shortage of raw rubber and latex, the material Chalmers’ cup was made from. This resource rationing effectively halted the mass production of non-military rubber goods, including the Tass-ette cup.
Beyond material limitations, the product also faced significant cultural resistance. In the mid-20th century, public discussion of menstruation was heavily shrouded in social taboos, and internal menstrual protection was considered controversial. Many women were uncomfortable with inserting a reusable device and having to handle their own menstrual blood for cleaning. The growing popularity of disposable pads and tampons, which offered the convenience of being thrown away, provided fierce competition.
The concept was briefly revived in the late 1950s and 1960s when the Tassette company was re-launched, and later with the introduction of a disposable cup called Tassaway. Even with extensive advertising, these attempts failed to capture the mainstream market. The Tassette company ultimately ceased operations in the early 1970s, marking the end of the cup’s first commercial era.
The Resurgence of the Modern Cup
The menstrual cup began its path to mainstream popularity in the late 1980s, spurred by growing consumer interest in reusable products and heightened environmental awareness. The Keeper, a latex rubber cup introduced in 1987, was among the first products to successfully re-enter the market, capitalizing on this new wave of eco-consciousness.
A shift occurred around the turn of the 21st century with the widespread adoption of medical-grade silicone. This material solved many issues associated with earlier rubber versions, as it is hypoallergenic, more flexible, and durable. The introduction of silicone made the cup more comfortable to insert and wear, eliminating allergy concerns related to latex. Key modern brands, such as DivaCup and the UK-based MoonCup, began manufacturing silicone cups in the early 2000s, which helped normalize the product. The combined appeal of cost-effectiveness, comfort, and a significant reduction in waste finally allowed the menstrual cup to gain the widespread consumer acceptance that eluded its early inventors.