To think this isn't a very 'sanitary' towel?

[FluffleFloffle]

My friend revealed to me the other day that she uses toilet roll instead of a sanitary towel. She folds it up into a few layers and changes it a few times a day. She asked if I did the same, I said no and she said I should because it saves money.

Thoughts?

She must have light periods.

Why not suggest a mooncup?? That saves money too!

I have used it when I've been caught short but if I have the option to use paper towels or kitchen roll instead I will because despite being just as uncomfortable they work much better. Toilet paper is too thin and disintegrates very easily. I would not think it's a good idea to use it habitually as if small fragments get stuck inside you, that is a risk for TSS. Toilet paper is designed to stay intact while you wipe yourself and then degrade very quickly so it doesn't clog toilet pipes. It's not designed to soak up menstrual fluid over a longer period of time.

Everyone has probably done it as an emergency measure. But regularly? Surely it must cost her more money to launder and replace all the stained knickers as it just soaks through.

I know someone who uses cut up sponges.

Sponges isnt bad idea. I saw an article saying sea sponges were a viable alternative to look at reducing waste caused by disposeable towels and tampons.

According to the science test the YEAR 5 girls did (10 years old, not 5), 'Tesco pads are hopeless, hardly absorbent At All & feel horrible. 'Always' came out on top & 'panty liners' were 'surprisingly absorbent'.

I tell ya, their sex ed is a million miles away from what it was like when I was at school - thank god.

Oh & the science test used 'Red stuff to look like blood - not actual real blood' (😁😁)

I do every now and then because I am crap at remembering to buy or take pads/tampons with me. I have the lightest, shortest periods in the world though.

I sometimes did this when I was on the pill and my bleeds were light. When I was peri-menopausal I came on unexpectedly after a break of several months and had no access to any other protection so tried it again.

Let's just say the results were not pretty and an early bath was required.....in every sense of the word.

Moss and sponges I feel so sheltered. It's just not something I've ever given a second thought to. Very interesting

sea sponges

Not sure but worth a try maybe.

I just find it odd that you're interested.
I'm assuming she can read and therefore has access to information about other options.

I used sea pearls ( sponges) years ago before I started using a moon cup. They work really well.

Ha! I've got bloody thrush from revolting scented ones and have reverted to folded up tp.

I have made a tampon out of toilet paper when pushed, toilet paper just laid on my knickers would not last five minutes.

A bit of bath sponge broken off (new and clean, obv) and put up is better in an emergency.

Apart from the fact I'd look like the alien was attempting to claw its way out of my mergers within five minutes a few days a month, when I have done this as an emergency measure at the start of my period it's irritated my skin incredibly and left me raw and sore.

She must be tougher and less bloody 😁

I'm interested because it is new to me. Wondering if I'm the one missing the point because my friend's reaction made it seem that way but then my reaction also made her second guess herself too.
It's just something I've never given thought to, it is interesting that there are alternatives out there.

I have done this in emergencies, but it is soaked through in a matter of minutes. Not really efficient. Also uncomfortable.
Also, loo paper from a public toilet? Ewww. (I know, that's not rational, but ... that woman must be very relaxed about hygiene)

Perhaps tell her that there's such a thing as menstruation cups - buy once, use forever. More failure-safe than toilet paper, too. (I can't imagine she knows about them - else she'd have one, certainly?)

1. It would not of lasted me a minute before it leaked through
2. I've done this in the past and been walking and found it had moved and ended up coming out of the bottom of my trouser leg.

She must constantly being picking bits of loo roll of her flaps.
*
^^*

Sea sponges Learn something new everyday on here.

I have fairly light bleeds since being on the mini pill and have done it in emergencies. Not too much of an issue, but not that comfy. A friend of mine said she used socks once in an emergency. Worked very well apparently.

Socks!!!!!!

That would really mess with my OCD

I like most women at some point I'd assume, have used loo roll in an emergency situation. But I'd never opt to use it as my main source of sanitary wear, gross.

She wants reusable towels. Just wash them in the machine.

ive only used loo roll when caught short dont think i could use it long term tho