to think that sanitary towels/tampons should be free?

[marjproops]

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?

They should most definitely NOT be taxed. FGS it's archaic paying VAT on bloody sanpro.

mooncup, mooncup, mooncup , mooncup mooncup, mooncup

You could always go back to using rags and a safety pin, and wash them out each night.

Have you been bothering your GP, that doesn't sound right and I was given hormones to sort my cycle out after a month of bleeding, let alone 3. Make sure they know how long this has been going on for. If the first one is unhelpful ask to see another.

Then I definitely think you should look into washable pads, OP. They're a lifesaver for people with allergies to the chemicals in disposable pads and tampons.

I agree that there should be zero VAT on the damn stuff. It's a ridiculous notion:(

Could we have free glasses and dental care first please before we start on sanpro! How about men and shaving? What about soap for washing. YABTotallyunreaslisticandU.

YABU

Reusables might work out cheaper for you and are certainly more comfortable.

I made my own, for very little money, so even cheaper. I haven't spent one penny on sanitary protection ( why do they call the that?) since 2005.

mooncups are uncomfortable and leak ime.

what are the alternatives?

Yabu!

I haven't bought any sanitary protection for 10 years.... Apart from some post natal sanitary towels.

First I had a mooncup which is. One off purchase, then I got a mirena (paid for by nhs) and so no more periods!

Does seem ironic for me that pull ups for my 7 year old cuts me £££ but medication to stop night time wetting us free....

I think they should, if they give away condoms for free they should give away tampons and pads.

Quick search Directgov Epetitions found this which calls for sanitary protection to be VAT free but only has 2 signatures. Perhaps instead of complaining here try making a difference by signing it?

okay okay okay!!!!!!

Mooncup overload there? [bugrin]

brandy thanx.you're right.

although there are reasonable points about bog rolls and stuff.

Did you know tax on sanitary and maternity pads is 5%, but on incontinence pads it's 0%?

The stuff you learn...

(link)

peachjust went to sign that petition (didnt know it existed btw, did anyone else?).
maybe we could all do that?

Brandy they give away condoms in the hope to save on unwanted pregnancies, not so people can have fun sex. Obviously anyone sensible will only have fun sex with protection but there are plenty who might save on protection and then cost the state a fortune in pregnancy costs.

If women don't wear "san pro" then the only damage is to our own clothing, much less of a public issue.

Buy a mooncup.

Would you use a sponge? You wont be allergic to them as they are chemical free and you can re-use.

I found they made my periods lighter and less painful too, weirdly.

I think all of my clothes should be free, I am not allowed to walk around naked or will be arrested.

You could always use moss or a cork

I think disposable pads and tampons are a luxury.

Mooncups and other reusable products are available and will pay for themselves after a few months.

Signed the petition.

Genuinely thought 'sanpro' was a brand 'til just now.