Have you ever wondered what was out there before condoms, KY Jelly and underwear? What did women use for menstrual and female vaginal care in the old days? How were gynecological exams performed? Here are a few interesting facts from our vaginal history.

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1. The first pads

The most common method for absorbing menstrual flow for centuries was rags that were washed after every use. The first pad was introduced in 1896 by Johnson & Johnson but it failed to gain popularity. It wasn’t until World War I when nurses started using bandages for menstrual flow that the design and absorbency of the pad was redone. The first successful disposal napkin was introduced by Kimberly Clark in 1921. These early female vaginal pads were used only by a small portion of the population and they were far from carefree. They had no adhesive backing and had to be fastened with pins.

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Points: 18

2. The first tampons

The ancient Egyptians made tampons from softened papyrus. The ancient Greeks created tampons from lint wrapped around a small piece of wood. Other materials used through the centuries included wool, paper, vegetable fibers, sponges, grass, and later cotton. The applicator tampon with removal cord was invented in 1929.

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Points: 15

3. The speculum

The speculum is a very old tool and in its initial form it looked like a leaden tube. The first speculum that we have on record today from our vaginal history was found in Pompeii and is believed to be from 79 AD. In the late nineteenth century, the vaginal speculum was considered a controversial medical instrument as it was believed to stimulate orgasm in women. Tales were circulating around women who could not wait to have a female vaginal exam and were climaxing on the examining chair once the speculum was inserted in their vagina.

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Points: 12

4. Venereal disease

Another term for Sexually Transmitted Diseases is “venereal disease”. While this term is somewhat outdated in the United States, it is still widely used around the world and originates from the name of Venus, the ancient Roman Goddess of Love.

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Points: 10

5. Vibrating fun

The portable, mechanized vibrator was invented by a physician in England in the early 1880s. By the beginning of the 19th century, at least a dozen American manufacturers jumped into the production of vibrators.

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Points: 8

6. Chastity belts

Chastity belts were very popular in the middle ages and served to ensure the wife’s faithfulness during her husband’s longer trips. The belts were designed to partially cover the vulva with a metal plate, leaving only a small opening for urination. There was another more restrictive “model” as well that blocked access to the anal opening, except for a small slit for defecation.

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Points: 7

7. Ancient lubricants

KY Jelly has not always been around but people had other options when it came to increasing sexual lubrication. The ancient Romans used olive oil profusely both as a sexual lubricant and a body lotion to increase sexual pleasure and sensations. In addition, some cultures have been applying different oils to the female vaginal area to reduce irritation associated with using alcohol as spermicides.

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Points: 6

8. Underpants

Mass production of undergarments did not begin until the early 1900s. Before the 1860s, women did not wear underpants - they had only slips and corsets.

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Points: 5

9. Vaginal fumigator

The most common form of treatment for female vaginal issues from ancient Egyptian times to the late 18th century was fumigation – the application of smoke or medication to the vagina. The fumigator was a big vessel that could hold several gallons of fluid and herbs. It was placed over a fire until the medication began to vaporize and then a small tube was inserted in the vaginal area to transport the healing evaporations and treat the condition.

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Points: 4

10. Treating hysteria

In the Victorian era, women who were diagnosed with excessive nervousness, insomnia or irritability were dubbed “hysteric” and were treated with a pelvic massage resulting in what was called “paroxysm” or orgasm.

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Points: 3

1 MORE USER SUGGESTION

1. Less menstruation (by tara)

Premodern women often menstruated less than women today. The reason? Being pregnant or breast-feeding for a larger proportion of their fertile lives.

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Points: 3

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