There was once a time (and I'm old enough to remember it) when such things weren't talked about. At all. In any fashion. If "sanitary products" were advertised at all, it was with indecipherable euphemisms and the assumption that women already know what they need to know. We kids wondered what it was about this amazing product that would make us suddenly able to swim and ride horses. But that was when there was only one brand of tampon, and one for "sanitary napkins". Now, tampons and pads must compete for your attention and brand recognition, so advertising is a must. There us still some of the "women will know what we're talking about" thing going on, but the imagery includes dams, swimming pools, and, um, beavers. See 10 Great Tampon Ads From Around the World at InventorSpot.
Did you guys know that a tampon is also a stiff bristled brush used by glass sketchers? I saw a sign next to a picture in the New York Public Library that told me so. I can send you a pic of it.