The Tassaway disposable cup was a menstrual product introduced to the USA market in 1970, but despite the claims of its manufacturer that it was 'the first menstrual product that doesn't absorb anything', it was based on an idea that was not new. Different kinds of menstrual cup have been manufactured since at least the 1930s, but generally have not been a marketing success.

An alternative to pads and tampons, menstrual cups collect menstrual fluids rather than absorb them. They are inserted into the vagina and fit over the cervix. The manufacturer's main claims for Tassette cups were that they were comfortable and invisible, there was no leakage or odour, and they only needed to be changed twice in 24 hours. Advertisements admitted that 'the whole idea might seem a little strange to you' but offered money back if women tried them and didn't find them better than what they were already using.

It was not long before Tassaway company ran into financial problems and it appears to have ceased operating in 1972. Since then, other brands of menstrual cup have appeared on the market from time to time.

Reference:
Museum of Menstruation
www.mum.org

Megan Hicks
Curator 2005