when were tampons invented

Modern tampons, as we know them today, were invented in 1931 by Dr. Earle Haas, an American physician. He developed and patented the first modern applicator tampon, made of tightly compacted absorbent cotton with a string for easy removal. The tampon design was later commercialized by Gertrude Tendrich, who started the Tampax brand in the 1930s. Historically, tampon-like devices date back much further, with ancient women using materials like papyrus in Egypt (around the 5th century B.C.), wool in Rome, and other natural fibers in various cultures for menstrual management. However, the modern cotton tampon with an applicator emerged in the early 20th century, specifically in 1931, followed by its commercial sale starting in the mid-1930s.