Free sanitary towels

[BitOfAProblem]

Hi NC as its super embarrassing

But WIBU to ask, if anyone knew of any services I can get free sanitary towels? I've just came on today and I'm unemployed and technically homeless (staying with a male friend) and I have lent money off people too often to have anyone to ask lend me some money.

Honestly I wouldn't be asking if I had any options. Someone help please, the cramps are making me feel shit as it is. (In Liverpool by the way)

Otterly what a lovely offer!

I was very poor growing up with no access to sanitary towels. I didn't use one till I was 18 and earning. Anyway my mother taught us how to use an old piece of cloth. Will you consider that? I am sorry about your situation love.

Go to your nearest public toilet and roll up loo roll into a pad.

I'm sat here weeping at the desperation of the OP - I'm sending love to you - and the sheer kindness of the mums on here. From googling various places in the locale for the OP to go to and offer ing to send mooncup- your kindness overwhelms me. I have seen some pretty harsh comments on MN but when it comes down to brass tacks- God, what a great bunch of women you all are.

One flannel could make two pads, you'd be able to rinse/wash one through whilst using the other - I know it's not ideal. The likes of Lidl etc, have very cheap sanitary products as well.

I would contact your GP and ask for advice there also - they could sign-post you in the right direction.

Maybe consider taking Otterly up on her offer?

Until you get sorted OP, cut up an old (clean) towel into flannel sized pieces, or use an actual flannel folded and put in your knickers. I've done this a few times when caught out and is only the same as fabric washable pads

I'm at a meeting in a Liverpool Hospital right now. I can pop to the Sainsbury's on East Prescott Road when I get out and leave whatever you need at the customer service desk. PM me a name I can write on them and which brand you prefer. Happy to help if I can

Go to any public loo that's busy like tescos and ask whoever comes in if they have any as you have just come on. No need to tell whole story, most women have some with them all month around and have no problem helping you out. And you never have see them again!

Xpost (miseryloves)

Hi all,

We're awed daily by the astonishing support that our members give each other through life's trickier twists and turns – but we'd always caution anyone never to give more of themselves to another poster (emotionally or financially) than they can afford to spare.

MaryLou2 What a kind offer. The world needs more people like you

Tesco value towels are 23p for a pack of 10 if you can get to one.

If you are local to Dingle/Aigburth I'll be nipping to the shop late afternoon and would be happy to help

we'd always caution anyone never to give more of themselves to another poster (emotionally or financially) than they can afford to spare
I see the point that MN HQ is trying to make but do we seriously want to be living in a world where a kind offer like Marylou2's offer needs an MN HQ caution warning???

Long term you could consider contraception that would stop periods?

Short term I see you've had lots of kind offers to help.

I also second using old clothes in the interim.

Long term you could consider contraception that would stop periods?

That seems rather over the top - surely, that kind of contraception would cost more than the pads, even if it is free on the NHS, someone pays for it.

Besides, contraception that stops menstruations has impacts on the health. You may want to risk that because it is your choice for contraception, but just to stop periods ... no.

Thank you all very very much for your support. I think I have sorted a solution for the time being 💖

Does any contraception actually guarantee to stop periods? As I thought it just depended on the person and some can have the opposite effect making periods worse?

Vestal, I'm happy for my taxes to be used on the NHS to stop periods esp for someone homeless.

"Besides, contraception that stops menstruations has impacts on the health. You may want to risk that because it is your choice for contraception, but just to stop periods ... no."

Stopping menstruation is way more important to me than contraception, which I don't need. The regular pill has virtually stopped my periods over 23 years of use - wonderful. If it hadn't then I'm sure I'd be looking at seasonale etc although of course there's the option to just keep taking the pill so you don't have to have a period at all. I understand the break was really there because the male inventor though t women would like to have a period.

OP if you have a GP I think you should talk to them about sanitary supply as well. I really hope you are back on your feet soon.

clothpads.wordpress.com/diy/
I know OP has sorted something, but for anyone else who may be struggling, here's a link to a pattern to make some pads - they can be useful, and some women prefer cloth to disposable pads.
Need to pop to the supermarket later so will pop a few packs of pads in the food bank box. Does anyone know if they accept menstrual cups? I have one (unused!) I bought for the food bank (because I know how horrendous heavy periods can be when all you have are pads) but don't want it to be chucked if they can't use it. Thanks.

For the discussion of Contraception too, I'm on the pill and it doesn't stop my bleeding

I second the idea of making your own reusable ones. It would not be good use of a GP appointment, they don't supply sanitary items!

Such kind offers already.

But has it come to this, awful.

OP have you food to eat.