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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:
MsBella · 02/04/2013 17:49

Well I definitely think they should be getting handed out more like condoms! You can buy condoms but you can also get a load of them for free. How about a bowl of free sanitary towels in doctors etc. And schools should give a load of samples out in sex education, different sizes, with/without wings etc. I was using toilet paper for quite a long while when I was an awkward teenager Shock

Chocovore · 02/04/2013 17:49

Mooncups are a revelation. In think they should be given out free.

Binkyridesagain · 02/04/2013 17:51

Not everyone can use a mooncup.

Petition signed.

InNeedOfBrandy · 02/04/2013 17:51

I don't think san pro is a luxury or can only damage our own clothing. It is a necessity and I wonder what would happen if every single woman refused to wear san pro and damaged public stuff like benches or bus seats ect ect.

MsBella · 02/04/2013 17:52

Oh and also if anyones interested-
freemenstrual.weebly.com/
I got some free softcups -haven't tried em yet

DolomitesDonkey · 02/04/2013 17:55

You seem to be paying way over the odds. Why aren't you shopping for deals and bogof? My entire bathroom is furnished by bogof. Wink

iZombie · 02/04/2013 17:56

I have signed.

Original poster
marjproops · 02/04/2013 17:58

wish I could dolomites but have allergies to a lot of things. as does dc.

and DCs going to start soon too, shes already getting little 'niggles' at 12.

OP posts:
ComposHat · 02/04/2013 18:00

VAT free yes...but not free altogether. If you want free towels make your own from old rags

I can't help having crap eyesight but sould I get free glasses?

Bonsoir · 02/04/2013 18:01

I cannot help needing to eat and drink and have a roof over my head... but food and shelter are not free.

Life comes with costs. Complain to your parents!

MrsHoarder · 02/04/2013 18:02

Brandy I didn't say it was a luxury, its just not the same level of public health problem as unwanted pregnancy. We could all not use loo roll because the government isn't providing it and it would also be unpleasant. Where do you draw the line?

Fanjounchained · 02/04/2013 18:03

MsBella just signed up for those freebies, thanks...

I bought a Mooncup a few years back but can't get on with it. It's fine when you're at home and if things get a wee bit messy you're right by a sink and can wash your hands but when I was at work or in a public loo it was a nightmare. Can anyone enlighten me how you go about rinsing it or washing blood off your hands in this situation...I must be missing something really obvious...

5eggstremelychocaletymadeggs · 02/04/2013 18:05

They should be vat free, razors for men and they don't have to shave, but sanitary products are essential.

MrsHoarder · 02/04/2013 18:08

Fanjo I wipe both the mooncup and my fingers with loo roll in the cubicle. Obviously hands need washing thoroughly afterwards but there is no visible blood when you leave the cubicle.

Think you're only supposed to do this once without a proper rinsing though.

Scholes34 · 02/04/2013 18:11

VAT free yes, absolutely free no. The quality would be crap. Think back to what free NHS specs looked like.

Fanjounchained · 02/04/2013 18:14

MrsHoarder I always meant to keep some wipes in my bag for a quick clean up but forgot to. Might give the mighty Mooncup a go again as it seems better than towels. Hate those bloody things but hate tampons even more...

SisterMonicaJoan · 02/04/2013 18:17

Petition signed

glossyflower · 02/04/2013 18:20

Can you use the mooncup post birth? Just wondering, as most sanitary pads make me sore, especially the ones with the 'waterproofing' finish, and I know you can't use tampons post birth.

DolomitesDonkey · 02/04/2013 18:20

Marj - naice products go on bogof too.

MrsHoarder · 02/04/2013 18:23

Glossy no and I suspect you really won't want to.

Maternity pads should be ok though, they're intentionally "basic", no ultra-absorbancy, scents or waterproofing.

glossyflower · 02/04/2013 18:24

Thanks Mrs you can tell I've never done this baby thing before lol.

pukka84 · 02/04/2013 18:35

I have just had a period from hell. Soaking through a super tampon and pad per hour. I managet to get a pack of 48 tampax super plus for £2.75 in superdrug.
But no I do not think they should be free. The nhs simply cannot afford it. Well this was back in feb. So find an offer and stock up.

yaimee · 02/04/2013 18:36

Also do 20 for 78p in super and super plus!

EmpressMaud · 02/04/2013 18:37

Yes agree, washable sanitary towels and/or mooncups.

yaimee · 02/04/2013 18:39

Should say aldi!