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Original poster

To be annoyed at the lack of bathrooms

855 replies

Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 13:39

I have my period. I can feel that i need to change my tampon.

I'm out walking round my city. There are no public bathrooms anywhere near me.

I see a sign for a bathroom in a small shopping centre near me. I walk in. The bathroom is actually in a shop. I'm told that the bathroom is only available for paying customers.

So now I have to get in a long queue and wait further and buy something while I really need to change my tampon.

Surely there should be better toilet services available.

OP posts:
arethereanyleftatall · 20/01/2025 14:15

The reduction of public loos harms women far more than it harms men. Men can and do wee anywhere. Well not quite but it's not massively unusual to see a man with his back turned by a road side. They also don't have periods.

Original poster
Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 14:14

Starlight1984 · 20/01/2025 14:13

Oh FFS @Applecharm25 . Is this your first period or something?!

50% of the population manages to survive this completely impossible situation you've found yourself in. Not sure why you're making such a big deal of it.

As I've said before, if you're in a city (which you claim to be) there will be plenty of places to use the toilet.

You don't get a privilege because you need to change your tampon. You need the toilet, you find one, if you have to pay / buy a drink / make a donation, so be it.

🙄

Show quote history

You're proving my point there!

As are some of the women on this thread who can't seem to bear me even writing the word tampon!

OP posts:
babasaclover · 20/01/2025 14:14

I agree proper public toilets are needed. It's a nightmare when on a very heavy period I have to change hourly at least, ones at train stations would be great if they were always open, ours are often locked meaning having to try and change on the train - hope that they are open otherwise it's off at the next stop to try that station. God commuting sucks

Original poster
Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 14:13

MsPug · 20/01/2025 14:12

Right this is weird! How many times do you want to say the word? And yes you do use the loo when you change a tampon!

Say what word? Is it the word tampon that you don't like hearing?

What are you on about

I just went into the toilet. I changed my tampon.

I did not use the actual toilet in any way shape or form.

OP posts:
Starlight1984 · 20/01/2025 14:13

Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 14:10

Of course it's not a joke.

It's really annoyed me how long it took me to find a bathroom to change my tampon.

and lots of other women will be going through the same thing.

Of course as it's something to do with periods men (and some women) won't take it seriously.

As they've taught that periods are a bad thing that should be hushed up.

Edited
Show quote history

Oh FFS @Applecharm25 . Is this your first period or something?!

50% of the population manages to survive this completely impossible situation you've found yourself in. Not sure why you're making such a big deal of it.

As I've said before, if you're in a city (which you claim to be) there will be plenty of places to use the toilet.

You don't get a privilege because you need to change your tampon. You need the toilet, you find one, if you have to pay / buy a drink / make a donation, so be it.

🙄

GoneGirl12345 · 20/01/2025 14:13

Even if you didn't need the toilet while changing your tampon, you still need a functioning sink and soap to wash your hands.....

But I agree with the woeful lack of toilets generally

Ace56 · 20/01/2025 14:13

graceinspace999 · 20/01/2025 13:44

Go into a pub - if it’s empty pretend to look for a friend then dart into the loo. Do not catch bar persons eye.

If it’s full go straight in.

Never ask if you can use a shop/pub//cafe toilet just walk in confidently.

Absolutely this.

I have IBS and have frequently needed to use the toilet in public. Pubs are often your best bet - just walk straight in.

I’ve only been questioned a handful of times in my life, and then I just say it was an emergency. What are they really going to do?

KimberleyClark · 20/01/2025 14:13

Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 14:04

But you're not using the loo, when you change a tampon....

Show quote history

Well you are, because the loo cubicle is where the disposal bin is.

StrawberrySquash · 20/01/2025 14:13

Dror · 20/01/2025 14:11

What? If you don't need to go to the toilet, and just want to stand and swap for a new tampon, why not use a clothes shop changing cubicle?
I expect most women would also need to use the toilet, have used toilet roll, need a sink, etc.
Not just an empty room.

Show quote history

Exactly. I'd need to dispose of the old one in a sanitary bin and to wash my hands. Toilet is the best place for this.

Original poster
Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 14:12

theressomanytinafeysicouldbe · 20/01/2025 14:11

What do you mean you don't use the loo when you change your tampax?

Supermarkets have toilets anyone can use. I've used McDonalds and KFC, places like that when I have been caught short. I've ran into a leisure centre.

I mean I don't use the loo!

What else could I mean!

OP posts:
MsPug · 20/01/2025 14:12

Right this is weird! How many times do you want to say the word? And yes you do use the loo when you change a tampon!

BigDahliaFan · 20/01/2025 14:12

It is hard to find public loos, there's been a lot of research done recently on how the number has reduced.

I have been known to just confidently stride into crowded pubs, nice hotels and museums.

StrawberrySquash · 20/01/2025 14:11

Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 14:04

But you're not using the loo, when you change a tampon....

Show quote history

I pretty much always do. I probably haven't been to the loo for a while if I'm out and about so I'll take the opportunity while I'm there are half undressed. I don't think we need separate facilities!

theressomanytinafeysicouldbe · 20/01/2025 14:11

What do you mean you don't use the loo when you change your tampax?

Supermarkets have toilets anyone can use. I've used McDonalds and KFC, places like that when I have been caught short. I've ran into a leisure centre.

Toddlerteaplease · 20/01/2025 14:11

A 'tampon changing room' is called a toilet!

Dror · 20/01/2025 14:11

Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 14:04

But you're not using the loo, when you change a tampon....

Show quote history

What? If you don't need to go to the toilet, and just want to stand and swap for a new tampon, why not use a clothes shop changing cubicle?
I expect most women would also need to use the toilet, have used toilet roll, need a sink, etc.
Not just an empty room.

Original poster
Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 14:10

Hoover2025 · 20/01/2025 14:08

This has to be a joke. Tampon changing room! What on earth OP

Of course it's not a joke.

It's really annoyed me how long it took me to find a bathroom to change my tampon.

and lots of other women will be going through the same thing.

Of course as it's something to do with periods men (and some women) won't take it seriously.

As they've taught that periods are a bad thing that should be hushed up.

OP posts:
Starlight1984 · 20/01/2025 14:10

Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 14:06

You have to pay to use the toilet in Costa and McDonald's.

That's fine - that's their rules.

But it's not fair for women who need to change their tampon, and who have to queue and pay for something, to be able to change their tampon.

Show quote history

Well surely it's not fair to ask anyone who needs the toilet to pay??? But those are the rules sometimes to stop anyone just walking in.

I've paid to use train station / public toilets before now when I've been desperate. Sometimes needs must.

MiddleAgedDread · 20/01/2025 14:10

I was on your side until you suggested Tampon changing rooms!! 😂

wholettheturnipsburn · 20/01/2025 14:08

I've never. And I mean never seen a sign point to "bathrooms" in public

2/10

Starlight1984 · 20/01/2025 14:08

You don't need to keep going on about being on your period and "tampon changing facilities" OP.

Almost everyone urgently needs the loo at some point in their life (men, women, children) and there isn't always one available when you're out and about.

However if you're out walking in a city (which you claim to be) there will almost certainly be:

Coffee shop / cafe
Pub
Chain food / drink place (Costa Coffee, Mcdonalds, Starbucks etc)
Public library / visitor centre
Large department store / supermarket
Public toilets

So think you're creating a bit of a mountain out of a molehill here....

Hoover2025 · 20/01/2025 14:08

This has to be a joke. Tampon changing room! What on earth OP

Original poster
Applecharm25 · 20/01/2025 14:07

Ghruch · 20/01/2025 14:05

It does matter. Bathroom is a terrible euphemism, used because Americans are squeamish about the word ‘toilet’. Having said that OP, I agree that decent public toilets are helpful for women to operate in society, but they have been a victim of austerity unfortunately. Councils can barely afford the absolute basics.

So why do many pubs and shops have signs saying "bathrooms here".

Jesus people get annoyed about everything.

OP posts:
Ghruch · 20/01/2025 14:07

Ghruch · 20/01/2025 14:05

It does matter. Bathroom is a terrible euphemism, used because Americans are squeamish about the word ‘toilet’. Having said that OP, I agree that decent public toilets are helpful for women to operate in society, but they have been a victim of austerity unfortunately. Councils can barely afford the absolute basics.

Also it was confusing, I thought it was going to be a property thread and was most disappointed not to see a floor plan :)

ThisMintGoose · 20/01/2025 14:06

Always thought ‘restroom’ was more American…

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