Taboo or not Taboo: Tell FabLittleBag how you really feel about periods. £300 voucher to be won! NOW CLOSED

[JustineBMumsnet]

FabLittleBag is interested in finding out how you feel about your periods and have a few questions for you to answer on the topic.

Here’s what FabLittleBag have to say: “At FabLittleBag, we talk to lots of women about periods. We’re always surprised at the different attitudes and experiences. Not a frequently discussed topic, we often assume everyone feels and does the same as us. We're working with Anglian Water who are spreading the word about keeping unflushables out of the toilet and our pipes clear. So with your help, let’s lift the lid and shed some light on the subject…

FabLittleBag is on a mission to help women and girls feel more relaxed about periods and disposal in particular, as it is an ignored part of the process and one which sometimes feels awkward or embarrassing. We believe discussion is the way forward. With your help as experienced women in this area, some of you with daughters, you can make a HUGE difference to how periods are perceived for the future generations. It’s good to talk - so let the chat begin!”

Here are a few questions from FabLittleBag!

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
  
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
  
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
  
• Are you a flusher or a binner?
  
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
  
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
  
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
  
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
  

Everyone who posts will be entered into a prize draw and one person will win a £300 voucher.

Standard Insight T&Cs apply.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

[BadlyWrittenPoem]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

No not really.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

I use a mooncup so I have nothing to hide.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

No idea.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner on the occasions that I use disposable sanitary products.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

No because I don't flush.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

No.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Neutral.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No.

[ShatnersBassoon]

Ooh, check your title, MNHQ

I'll come back and answer in a bit...

[RiaOverTheRainbow]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
  

not particularly

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
  

I don't actively hide it, but it doesn't come up often

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
  

no idea

• Are you a flusher or a binner?
  

I use a mooncup so no rubbish

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
  

cutting down on pollution was part of the reason i switched to a mooncup

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
  

I had both in my teens and I missed school fairly often. Now OTC painkillers are usually enough to manage the cramps, and some months I don't need them.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
  

'urgh, again?'

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
  

no

[ShatnersBassoon]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
  

Yes. I suppose nobody wants to talk about bleeding from the vagina unless it's absolutely necessary. It doesn't really affect me.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
  

I try to be discreet, but don't try to hide it as such.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
  

I've no idea.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?
  

Usually a binner, although I have very heavy periods and sometimes struggle to get a sodden massive tampon into a bag/bin without making a mess. The odd tampon gets dropped in the loo.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
  

Yes, so I try not to use tampons when I'm not confident I'll be able to dispose of them ie away from home.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
  

Yes, my periods affect me and my choices every single month.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
  

Resigned to the misery of it.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
  

No.

[NerrSnerr]

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
No I don't think they're taboo.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

I don't go out of my way to hide them but I probably wouldn't stand around at work chatting with a sanitary towel in my hand.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

I assume bin but disposal of waste (any kind) is not top on our conversation list!

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Bin

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

No because I don't flush

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

N/a periods are light or none existent

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Inconsequential

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Yes

[OhHolyFuck]

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

No, but then I work in an all-female environment

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

Again, no, don't really care who knows

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

I don't know...I presume binners? I will ask...

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

Nope, I don't flush

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Yeah, sometimes feel too crappy to do anything but lie somewhere quietly

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Inconvenient, I'm not ttc

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Nope

[aggga8]

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? I had big headache

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) yes
  
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? binners
  
• Are you a flusher or a binner?binner
  
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? yes always
  
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? yes
  
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? nightmare, worst time:)
  
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? yes sometimes

[yaela123]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

Not really

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

No

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

No idea

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

Not really thought about it

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Have less energy and dont feel great but not drastic changes

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Fed up

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Not as a result of periods

[TheHeartOfTeFiti]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? They are for lots not for me though
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) no
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? No though I do know who uses reusable
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Neither I use reusable on the rare time I don't I bin
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? No I don't flush
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? No
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? A fact of life & womanhood.
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? Yes though no San pro related

[1004Rise]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? In some instances yes, but this doesn't affect me.
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) Depends on where I am, generally I am discreet
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? Don't know
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Binner
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? Yes
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? No
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Inconvenience
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No

[PeoniesGinandBags]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? - it shouldn't be but yes, with some people at work it is.
  

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) - yes. I have them in my bag but tuck them into clothes before heading to the loo (I work in a school)
  

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? not sure
  

• Are you a flusher or a binner? - if there is a bin I will use it otherwise I flush
  

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? yes
  

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? yes - I've had to miss work before
  

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? hormonal
  

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? yes

[StepAwayFromCake]

As far as I am concerned, sanpro is like bog roll: you wouldn't wave used stuff around, but deal with it discreetly. Similarly, you wouldn't hide unused stuff, unless you did not want people to know that you were on your way to the toilet.

But it was very different when I was younger. I certainly felt that there was a degree of taboo about sanpro. I never discussed it with anyone other than my mother. Until I was in my late 20s, and then it was an alcohol-eased discussion among a small group of women.

I could never bring myself to change sanpro in front of my dc (or anyone, for that matter), and I was taught to store mine out of sight. But I will let the dds store theirs wherever works for them, whether that is hidden in a knicker drawer or openly on the bathroom shelf. I have told dh that I am being open and relaxed about sanpro with the dds. If they ask him a question or tell him anything, he is not to be embarrassed, he is not to shut them down, but to accept their trust and openness. Of course he can answer "Sorry, but I really don't know. You'll have to ask mum." But he is not to make them feel that they have transgressed a gender taboo. Similarly with the boys. Openess and honesty. Respect for privacy, but no taboos.

Oh, and wrap-and-bin, never flush. I had to re-educate my mum when modern sanpro came in!

[sharond101]

It's one of those let's not talk about it topics and Is prefer not to go into detail. I don't tell others and wouldn't know about flushers but I am a binner as I worry about blocking the toilet which luckily hasn't happened. I find cramps bad and makes my mood low.

[CL1982]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
  

Absolutely not. They are a fact of life and honestly, if people want to be offended i ignore them. i don't think they're something i like to chat about over dinner however!!

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
  

Yes - I have a little bag. Only to keep others from being uncomfortable not myself.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
  

I actually have never thought to ask....

• Are you a flusher or a binner?
  

People flush their sanitary towels?! What is wrong with people!

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
  

Yes but i also like a clean bathroom.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
  

Yes a few things but not hugely.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
  

Annoying but necessary

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
  

No

[Pigeonpea]

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? - It's a dirty open secret, that most girls have periods and there is, I think, a degree of stigma

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I try to be as discreet as possible
  
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?no idea, we've never discussed periods, full stop!
  
• Are you a flusher or a binner? - tampons, flush, pads, bin
  
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?YES
  
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? It's just a drag having heavy periods and knowing about them!
  
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Ugh!
  
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?no

[torthecatlady]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

As I've gotten older, no. But as a teenager, yes. I was unable to speak to friends about it because it seemed gross.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

With girlfriends, we know straight away when one of us is on our period. The chocolate, pjs and films come out. When I'm out with a group of friends including men, I do tend to keep any sanitary products either in my make up bag in my handbag or in a closed zip pocket. Not so much for my embarrassment, more theirs if they happen to see something.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

I know a couple who flush and a couple who bin. It's very evenly split.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

I used to be a flusher. But since discovering how bad it is, no longer do that if a bin is available.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

Yes. Always. But also landfill bothers me. I am contemplating using reusable pads for this reason.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Yes. I have endometriosis. Periods are hell for me. They severely impact on my way of life. Both at work and at home. Periods also make me want to bathe more.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

I hate them, mostly due to the pain, but also because of the inconvenience and also the mess of heavy bleeding.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No.

[ClashCityRocker]

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? Not really. Half the population will have had to deal with them at some point.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) No
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binned? Binners mostly, although most will admit to flushing if there isn't an easy disposal option
• Are you a flusher or a Binners? Binner.
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?no because I bin
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain yep you can guarantee at least one day of my period will be a duvet dda

[ClashCityRocker]

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? Not really. Half the population will have had to deal with them at some point.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) No
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binned? Binners mostly, although most will admit to flushing if there isn't an easy disposal option
• Are you a flusher or a Binners? Binner.
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?no because I bin
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain yep you can guarantee at least one day of my period will be a duvet dda

[UserThenLotsOfNumbers]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

Not for me personally, but I often hear people talking about "women's problems" in hushed tones so I would say talking about periods is still fairly taboo.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

I neither hide nor advertise the fact. If say a tampon fell out of my bag, I wouldn't be embarrassed but I also wouldn't go waving it about in someone's face! In the same way that I don't advertise that I'm going to the toilet etc. because actually who cares or wants to know.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

I don't know but I really hope they are binners!

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner!

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

No because I always bin sanitary products.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Yes a heavy flow does, I really need to see the doctor about it. I just have to pad up more a few days a month.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Inconvenient.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No.

[youlemming]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? Depends on the group or person you are talking to, close friends and family is fine but it's not a subject I would discuss say at work
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) Yes, I will carry in my pocket or tuck it out of sight, I also don't carry my bag into toilets when at work as it makes it pretty obvious
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? Not a clue
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Tampons flush, towels bin
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? Not really something I think about
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? Sometimes, I play rugby so if it's very heavy and I have a game then I have to make sure I'm covered by using both tampons and towels
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Inconvenient but wouldn't have my girls without it
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No

[ForTheLoveOfSleep]

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? Depends who you are talking too

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) no never
  
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? No
  
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Binner ( I use pads)
  
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? Yes,. Since watching the documentary 'The Plactic Whale'
  
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? Yes, I have always suffered with both cramps and heavy flow.
  
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Accepting
  
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No

[Itsnothingoriginal]

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
Not a taboo topic at all although there is definitely a time and place to discuss these things!!

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
  

No, I always have pads with me.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
  

Absolutely no idea!

• Are you a flusher or a binner?
  

Bin every time.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
  

No as I would never flush them.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
  

Yes I've really suffered with incredibly heavy periods throughout my adult life.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
  

Absolutely sick to death of them now!

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
  

No never

[CopperPan]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
  

No but it shouldn't be discussed with anyone you wouldn't normally discuss bodily functions with.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
  

No, but I use a menstrual cup so don't carry anything with me now.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
  

I have no idea.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?
  

Binner.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
  

No.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
  

No, I used to have very heavy flow due to fibroids but I had them removed and now it's very light.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
  

Annoyed.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
  

Yes, when I was younger and used tampons, and I didn't know about not flushing (because they actually say on the packet that it's OK).

[gamerpigeon]

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

I think it is still taboo but it doesn't really affect me

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

In the workplace or in public I do. It's not something I want to be discussing with colleagues etc

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

No idea

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

I have considered getting a mooncup for this reason but not been brave enough yet

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

I just avoid swimming but other than that not really limiting

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Inconvenient but at the same time I miss them when they don't happen

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No