Menstruation was a largely taboo subject in many societies. Open discussion about menstruation was often discouraged, and myths and misconceptions were prevalent. This made it difficult for Chalmers to promote her product effectively.

Disposable sanitary napkins gained popularity and widespread use, becoming the dominant form of menstrual hygiene product. This made it challenging for Chalmers to compete with established brands and the perceived convenience of disposable options.

Environmental concerns related to disposable products were not widely recognized during this period. This meant that the reusable aspect of the menstrual cup was not as compelling a selling point as it would be in later decades.

In later decades, societal attitudes toward menstruation became more open, and environmental awareness increased. This created a more favorable environment for the acceptance of menstrual cups, leading to a resurgence in their popularity.