Judith Esser-Mittag facts for kids
Judith Esser-Mittag (Germany, 12 November 1921 – 1 May 2020), often known as Judith Esser, was a German doctor who specialized in women's health. Her detailed studies of the female body helped her greatly improve the design of a special type of tampon.
The o.b. Tampon Story
For hundreds of years, women have found ways to manage their periods. The first modern tampons were sold in the United States by Tampax starting in 1936. These tampons used a cardboard applicator to help put them in.
In 1947, a German car engineer named Carl Hahn and a lawyer named Heinz Mittag had an idea. They asked Dr. Esser-Mittag to make a better tampon. They wanted one that didn't need an applicator. This new kind of tampon could be put in using a person's fingers.
The new product was launched in 1950. It was named the "o.b. tampon". The name "o.b." comes from a German phrase, "ohne binde." This means "without napkin."
The o.b. tampon is made of rolled layers of fibers. It is designed to expand evenly from all sides. This helps it protect better against leaks. It uses cotton and rayon layers to soak up liquid.
Dr. Esser-Mittag wanted to create a product that worked well with a woman's body. She was an active swimmer and was not happy with the period products available. As a gynecologist, she was in a good position to find a better solution. She didn't like pads because they couldn't be worn in water. She also felt that tampons with applicators were uncomfortable. She thought they did not fit a woman's body well. A tampon without an applicator was easy to use, comfortable, and offered good protection.
Later Developments
After this new tampon was invented, it was made in large numbers. This happened throughout the mid-20th century with the help of the Carl Hahn Company in Germany. This company, along with the idea for the digital o.b. tampon, was later sold. It was eventually bought by Johnson and Johnson in 1974.
In 1984, an advertisement for o.b. tampons was shown on American television. It even featured the inventor, Dr. Esser-Mittag. Today, o.b. tampons come in different sizes and absorbencies. The o.b. brand still works with a team of women's health doctors and researchers. They continue Dr. Esser-Mittag's goal of finding new and better options for women.
By creating a tampon without an applicator, Dr. Esser-Mittag also made a product that was better for the environment.
See also
In Spanish: Judith Esser-Mittag para niños
