Tag: Rely

Rely was a brand of superabsorbent tampons made by Procter & Gamble starting in 1975. It was recalled from the market in September 1980 because it was linked to toxic shock syndrome.

Following a controversial period of test marketing in Rochester and Fort Wayne, in August 1978 Procter and Gamble introduced superabsorbent Rely tampons to the United States market in response to women’s demands for tampons that could absorb more menstrual flow without leaking or replacement.
Unlike other tampons, which are made with cotton and rayon, Rely was unique: it used carboxymethylcellulose and compressed beads of polyester for absorption – the company released the new product with claims of having conducted extensive research on its safety. This tampon design could absorb nearly twenty times its own weight in fluid. Further, the tampon would “blossom” into a cup shape in the vagina in order to hold menstrual fluids. Because of this, its advertising slogan was “It even absorbs the worry!”, and…