Short history of menstrual cups!

We often hear from people who say, “I wish I’d known about Lunette sooner!” And we get it - menstrual cups are life-changing. But here’s something that might surprise you: menstrual cups aren’t new. In fact, they’ve been around for over a century.

History of the menstrual cup

In the United States, the first menstrual cup prototypes called catamenial sacks, were patented in the 1860s and 1870s. These early designs were inserted into the vagina and attached to a belt. While inventive, most never made it to market. By the early 1900s, more internal devices emerged, some with valves that allowed emptying without removal. These were the precursors to modern menstrual cups.

The modern menstrual cup era begins

In 1937, American actress Leona Chalmers patented the first menstrual cup made from latex rubber. Her design promised comfort and discretion, allowing wearers to ditch bulky belts and pads. World War II caused a rubber shortage, halting production. But in the 1950s, Chalmers improved her design and re-patented it.

The Tass-ett brand was reintroduced in the late 1950s as Tassette, with a major advertising push. Thousands of samples were sent to nurses, but the idea of reusable internal protection was still taboo. Despite a loyal user base, Tassette struggled with sales, partly because satisfied customers didn’t need to repurchase. In the late 1960s, the company launched Tassaway, a disposable menstrual cup, to compete with emerging disposable products. But by the early 1970s, the company folded.

Menstrual cups made a comeback in the late 1980s with The Keeper, a latex rubber cup still sold today.

In the early 2000s, medical-grade silicone changed the game. This hypoallergenic material made menstrual cups safer for people with latex allergies and easier to clean - ushering in a new era of innovation.

In 2005, Finnish entrepreneur Heli Kurjanen founded Lunette. Frustrated by existing designs, she created a menstrual cup that was:

• Made from medical-grade silicone;
• Smooth inside for easy cleaning;
• Designed with a flat tab to prevent bacterial buildup;
• Shaped for maximum comfort across a wide range of users.

Lunette quickly became a global leader in menstrual care, known for its thoughtful design, sustainability, and commitment to menstrual equity.

From catamenial sacks to silicone innovation, menstrual cups have come a long way. Today, Lunette stands at the Forefront - empowering people to embrace their cycles with confidence, comfort, and care.

Pictures from USPTO patent applications and Tassette-ad from Museum of Menstruation, which Lunette highly recommends: mum.org

Check out our range on menstrual cups at Lunette, alongside our entire range of menstrual products.