Unveiling the Troubled Past of Tampon Testing and Period Products
The history of tampon testing reveals a deep-rooted discomfort with menstrual blood in American culture. Early tampons were tested with blue-dyed saline solution instead of actual blood, leading to a lack of knowledge about the absorbency of period products. This lack of reliable testing has implications for diagnosing conditions like endometriosis and understanding bleeding disorders. The stigma surrounding menstruation has also hindered research and medical advancements in the field. The absence of standardized testing for menstrual products has resulted in underdiagnoses of heavy menstrual bleeding and a lack of understanding about what is considered normal or abnormal. However, a new generation of scholars is challenging the taboo and working to advance the study of menstruation and period blood.
