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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that sanitary towels/tampons should be free?

143 replies

marjproops · 02/04/2013 16:59

I mean, we cant help having periods, it happens, nothing we can do about it. 9apart from the pill or a couple of other methods to restrict/stop them, but generally.....

its like with babies theres the choice of pampers (still expensive) or the old fashioned terrys, (and they eventually grow and dont need them any more)but periods cant be helped.

i know there are the cheap supermarket normal flow ones but for heavier the cheapest i could find today was a pack of 10 for £1.99.(and this was in asda) and I get a lot of periods, every few days.

if not entirely free then what?

OP posts:
stressyBessy22 · 02/04/2013 17:01

so should bog roll be free too? and food and gas and housing?

Manchesterhistorygirl · 02/04/2013 17:01

Maybe subsidised for those of us with flow issues? Mine are stupidly heavy and I haven't really found a hormonal contraceptive I've got on with.

TentativeWhistleBlower · 02/04/2013 17:01

I suppose they could have a system where if you had really heavy or really frequent periods, you could go to the doctor and get it confirmed and get a prescription for them?

ParadiseChick · 02/04/2013 17:02

They could at least be bloody VAT free!

Luxury my arse.

PollyEthelEileen · 02/04/2013 17:03

YABU. What a peculiar notion.

yousankmybattleship · 02/04/2013 17:04

Why should they be free? Should toilet roll be free too? Or food? After all, I can't help getting hungry....!

Letitsnow9 · 02/04/2013 17:04

People used to be able to get them on the nhs, not sure if they still do them. I remember they were for people who had very heavy periods but I don't think many used them as they weren't comfy.

Still18atheart · 02/04/2013 17:04

I think they should be VAT free.

ShatnersBassoon · 02/04/2013 17:05

It's like saying first aid kits should be free. People can't help having accidents.

Anyway, go to Home Bargains for your sanitary protection. Large pads are cheap there.

ParadiseChick · 02/04/2013 17:05

Have you tried a mooncup?

MrsHoarder · 02/04/2013 17:06

Possibly women should get an extra 5-10 pounds benefit per month to cover them if unemployed.

Have you tried a mooncup?

Madamecastafiore · 02/04/2013 17:08

FFS this is the ultimate in entitlement!
Why in gods name should the state pay for bloody s

Madamecastafiore · 02/04/2013 17:08

Sanitary protection?

Smudging · 02/04/2013 17:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

lakeofshiningwaters · 02/04/2013 17:10

YANBU they are very expensive and only one sex has to buy them. Perhaps not free but certainly VAT free.

StealthPolarBear · 02/04/2013 17:11

Am I the only one thinking if you're having periods every few days you should see your GP - has it always been this way?

wonkylegs · 02/04/2013 17:11

I don't think they should be free, there are lots of necessities (food, heat, water, shelter) that aren't! But agree they should be zero rated for VAT as they are def' not a luxury item!

SchroSawMargeryDaw · 02/04/2013 17:13

There is no way they should have VAT! I don't undertstand why you wouldn't be able to get protection for heavy periods prescribed. That is a medical problem if it is too heavy or frequent.

glossyflower · 02/04/2013 17:23

Razors are VAT free I think so I think sanitary products should be VAT free.

However have you heard of a mooncup? I've wanted to try one for ages but never have got round to it.
Sounds gross but its like a small flexible cup that you insert in your vagina when you are on your period, and you just take it out empty, wash and reinsert it.
Apparently they are safer to use than tampons, and no cases of that toxo thing have ever been reported using a mooncup.

BarredfromhavingStella · 02/04/2013 17:25

Not free but definitely VAT free.

Theicingontop · 02/04/2013 17:26

One word, mooncup! And I think they should be prescribed on the NHS. Just think about how much landfill waste could be prevented.

If you really wanted to, OP, you could have 'free' sanitary towels. Disposable isn't the only way to go.

crashdoll · 02/04/2013 17:28

If they were free, they'd probably be really shitty quality. Also, I'd much prefer prescription medication to be free over sanitary products. I have a pre-payment certificate but it's still an expense.

Flobbadobs · 02/04/2013 17:28

Washable pads or mooncup. It'll save you a lot in the long term!

CloudsAndTrees · 02/04/2013 17:30

Of course they shouldn't be free. What a ridiculous notion.

They should be tax free though, there is no need for the government to earn money from sanpro.

Original poster
marjproops · 02/04/2013 17:30

mooncup? er no thanx. not for me.

point taken about bog roll and stuff, nothing like that should be expensive.

i did ask for alternative suggestions.

GP cant do anyhting about my 'flow',btw. ive had present lot non-stop since Jan this year. long story.

or as someone said at least on prescription. or vat free.

i just know, apart from me a number of women who have frequent hevies and it ends up costing a small fortune.

incidentally i also have allergies to most pads, something in the material so can only wear the one make.

was just a wonderment.......

OP posts: