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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think sanitary pads are the work of the devil?

364 replies

theimposter · 10/05/2014 01:53

Just had an op and not allowed to use tampax for a while so for the first time ever having to use pads. The most uncomfortable thing ever if you actually want to move around and do outdoorsy stuff. Who actually chooses to use these?! Any tips on brands and what doesn't irritate your lady gardens gladly received. I don't wish to have to go totally bald down there to reduce irritation as re growth will be even more painful!

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 10/05/2014 17:29

OH god can you still get them Grin

rideyourbike · 10/05/2014 18:00

I made my own from old nappy inserts. They are quite big but very absorbant. They are comfy Smile

DorisAllTheDay · 10/05/2014 18:19

Anyone remember the special knickers you used to get with hooks to fasten the pad loops? They were as uncomfortable as they sound! I used them for a couple of years when I started, before progressing to... the menstrual sponge which was the pre-mooncup eco-alternative. Anyone else?

missuswife · 10/05/2014 18:22

I use cloth ones and really like them. If it's just for a few days, can you just use a flannel? If you're sore from your op, I recommend putting witch hazel on a sanitary pad and freezing it. Was a godsend after giving birth.

WaxyBean · 10/05/2014 18:26

Not read the whole thread but do people honestly only use tampons? I always have to double up and use a tampon and a pad - I can get through a super plus tampon in less than an hour on day 1 and so need the protection of a pad as well. Don't get me started on nights when I can get through a super plus tampon, night time pad, change these part way through the night and still have leaked by morning.....

CoteDAzur · 10/05/2014 18:30

Yes, I only use tampons. Why would you use both tampon and towel? If you need a towel, use just a towel?

Reastie · 10/05/2014 18:32

I can't use tampons at all anymore since I had DD, they just don't fit in properly Confused Blush

I get v heavy periods and it's a nightmare for 2 days every month. I wear the bodyform ones with wings, the super night time ones which are huge, but the only thing I don't worry about leaking with. Also yes agree with previous postings about huge granny pants, I find the ones which are a more snug fitting (the slim your tummy down type ones) are the best as the pants stay put and don't wiggle a bit, which is very important when I'm worrying about whether I'm going to gush and leak on one of my bad days Confused

catsofa · 10/05/2014 18:33

"Are Mooncups really as good as you all say?"

YES! But of course you might hate them, we're all different. They cost about £20 and it is definitely worth paying that much to find out if you like them.

"Do they have to be rinsed every time you empty them? (can't imagine doing this in the work sinks!)"

You can leave them in long enough to hardly ever need to empty them where you don't want to, except maybe on very heavy flow days. When I do it at work I whip it out, tip down the loo and then stick it in again without rinsing. Then use toilet paper to clean hand enough to walk to the sink. Apparently you can pee on them as pee is sterile, but I don't like the thought of that and I don't think I could get the cup out without peeing if I needed to pee! We also have a disabled toilet which has the sink in the cubicle, allowing rinsing and hand washing in private like at home.

"Do they leak like tampons? Is one brand better than another?"

I've only tried Mooncup. Didn't know that Meluna do bigger ones so might try one of those as mine does leak a little on very heavy days IF I don't empty it more regularly. But basically they don't leak if you empty them more often.

Re: leaking, I leave mine in overnight when I think my period is about to begin, which of course you can't do with tampons. This means I no longer get woken up at 5am covered in blood, which is how my periods usually begin otherwise. HUGE relief to be able to do this, I have ruined so many mattresses and made boyfriends sleep on towels etc over the years and now it's not a problem and I can just stay asleep!

HoobleDooble · 10/05/2014 18:41

I used to have the same problem WaxyBean then noticed Lil-lets have now brought out an 'Ultra' tampon (they're in an orange box). One of these buys me a few hours on my heaviest days, but do look like you need to keep a camping mallet handy to whack them up with!

CoteD when you're 'blessed' with a flow like you've hit an artery, the tampon and towel method can sometimes be the only way to get to work without taking a change of clothing.

I double up at night on my heavy days purely for the sake of my bedding, I very rarely sleep for longer than 6 hours so don't worry too much about the health implications.

Just been checking out Mooncups on amazon, they're reduced to just under £18 at the moment or 2 for £31, may buy one to see how I get on.

HoobleDooble · 10/05/2014 18:43

Oh and to answer the OP, yes, they seem to have got more irritating over the last few years. Most brands leave me sore and itchy.

Merguez · 10/05/2014 19:09

Puhlease … why is this in discussions of the day????????

flappityfanjos · 10/05/2014 19:16

Because it's sparked a conversation... why wouldn't it be??

CoteDAzur · 10/05/2014 20:14

"I leave mine (mooncup) in overnight when I think my period is about to begin, which of course you can't do with tampons"

I leave my tampon in overnight, when necessary. What do you think will happen if you do?

Vivacia · 10/05/2014 20:21

I'm another who is now using homemade sanitary towels, but I have very light bleeds which last 48 hours maximum.

twinklePinkle · 10/05/2014 20:29

Yabu. I use sanitary towels as I don't like getting my hands bloody changing tampons. Only use tampons if swimming.

TequilaMockingbirdy · 10/05/2014 20:32

I'd rather get my finger a teeny bit bloody (only happens on occasion) than my bits being covered in blood yack.

oldgrandmama · 10/05/2014 20:40

Oh, poor OP. But I assume the pads you have to use (temporarily) are the slim sort. When I 'started' (in 1957, aged 15) all we had were HUGE things, worn with a horrible harness round the waist, to which the loop each end of the pad was fastened. The damn things chafed inner thighs, were horribly obvious during ghastly compulsory games and gym at my school, where we had to wear our navy blue knickers, no 'modesty skirts' until Sixth Form.

Despite being huge and bulky, the sanitary towels (we didn't call them pads) leaked, didn't do anything for 'personal freshness' during a long school day and as for the walk of shame ... from the toilet cubicle to the disposal bin in the cloakroom, while the school's 'mean girls' stood and jeered, sneering stuff like 'Oh look, oldgrandmama's started ... ha ha'. One memorable lesson, our horrible headmistress lumbered into the classroom and barked 'Hands UP all you gals who've started your, ahem, periods ...' A few nervous hands were raised. Head glared silently at the 'offenders' for about half a minute, with an expression that said 'DIRTY gals!' and waddled out of the room without another word.

Ah ... happy days (NOT). I longed to start on Tampax, but my parents would have gone nuts, as only 'fast girls' who'd 'done it' would use the things!

Sorry, little trip down bloody (!) Memory Lane.

tmae · 10/05/2014 20:42

I prefer pads, tampons terrify me! There were so many stories of girls going in to shock (hugely exaggerated I'm sure) but they really frightened me and so I avoid them, but pads are also uncomfortable. I need to look into moon cups!

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 10/05/2014 20:48

You can use tampons overnight, so long as they are changed after 8 hours, which is a normal night for many people.

SoulJacker · 10/05/2014 20:58

Catsofa was talking about using a mooncup overnight before your period has arrived.

JennyCalendar · 10/05/2014 21:09

I dislike tampons, so will only ever use them on the rare occasion when I go swimming.

The only disposable pads I like are the non-scented, normal flow Bodyform with wings.

I switched to cloth about 3 years ago and love them!

Feels really soft against my skin and since using them cramps are virtually non-existent. All they need is a good rinse under the tap (until the water runs nearly clear) and then popped in the next load of washing. I use the velour winged pads with fleece backing.

MooncupGoddess · 10/05/2014 21:11

Yes, I just put my mooncup in when I think my period is on its way. Occasionally it's been a few days late and I've just left the mooncup in, checking twice a day.

And after the first couple of days of heavy flow (when I empty my mooncup every four hours and use a pantyliner to catch drips), I can forget all about it again and just empty morning and evening. It's so easy.

Sallystyle · 10/05/2014 21:15

I am so going to try some ibuprofen. I am stupidly heavy some days.

I use a moon cup with a sanitary pad on my heavy days. Couldn't go back to tampons now. I hate pads but when I am heavy I can flood without any warning it is going to happen.

tametortie · 10/05/2014 21:23

I am allergic to tampons- something to do with the bleach they use on them. Never been arsed to try and find some with no bleach.

I am used to using sanitary towels now but night times are awful on 1st and 2nd day.....

Original poster
theimposter · 10/05/2014 21:26

Oldgrandmama that sounds hideous! Glad things had changed by the time I got to school!

Definitely going to try the Mooncup then; I like the idea that it's more environmentally friendly. Ended up with some Always Silk Collection (ooh er) and just been out for a short ride and it was a million times more comfy than the other ones and no leakage so will make do with these until next time.

Sorry to whoever it was I offended with my post being in Discussion of the Day (whatever that is) but clearly it has struck a nerve with many! Thanks for all the advice ladies and on another note related to the going for smear tests topic the other day; please do as that's why I am having this issue having had some pre cancerous cells removed!

OP posts: