The first modern menstrual cup was patented in 1937 by American actress Leona Chalmers, but it failed to gain popularity. Taboos around menstrual health, fear of insertion, and a lack of awareness made women hesitant to try reusable alternatives. Additionally, early menstrual cups were made of rubber, which was expensive and scarce during wartime, further limiting their adoption.
It wasn’t until the 2000s, with the rise of eco-consciousness, better materials, and open conversations about periods, that menstrual cups started gaining mainstream acceptance. Today, they are praised for being sustainable, cost-effective, and body-friendly—proving that sometimes, good ideas are just ahead of their time!