Q:When Did China Have Sanitary Napkins?

Sanitary napkins were introduced to China in the early 20th century, with the first modern disposable versions becoming available in the 1920s and 1930s. Initially, they were imported from Western countries and were quite expensive, limiting their use to urban elites. Before this, women in China relied on traditional methods like cloth rags or homemade pads, which were reusable but less hygienic.

It wasn't until the 1980s that sanitary napkins became more widespread in China, thanks to economic reforms and increased production. Brands like Whisper and Sofy entered the market, making them more accessible to the general population. This shift marked a significant improvement in women's health and convenience, reducing the stigma around menstruation.

In the 1990s, China saw a boom in local sanitary napkin manufacturing, with companies like ABC and Libang emerging. This made products cheaper and more available in rural areas. Today, China is one of the largest markets for menstrual hygiene products, with innovations like organic and reusable options gaining popularity.

While disposable sanitary napkins became common in China from the late 20th century, there's now a growing trend toward eco-friendly alternatives, such as menstrual cups and cloth pads, due to environmental concerns. This reflects a global shift, but the history shows how far China has come in women's hygiene since the early days.