Anyone notice a lack of tampons and pads in the shops?

[AbsentmindedWoman]

Or AIBUnlucky?

I've tried multiple shops in two parts of London today and Saturday, and there seems to be much less stock and choice, with a lack of pads in particular Has anyone else noticed? If so - why?

Has there been a major shift towards mooncups and washable pads or somesuch?

I can’t feel my menstrual cup so night time is fine. Took me a few goes to get it right.

My first attempt was on the bedroom floor. Looked up to see the cat sitting there. You have never seen a cat look more shocked.

Tampons that expand widthways (lillets and tampax pearl) give me awful backache- traditional tampax much better so the lengthways thing is a big plus for me.

The poor cat!! I’ve seen a few different brand versions of the mooncup, no idea which to try! Read on here (using the search tool brought up many threads on this!) that the mooncup can be uncomfortable and not very flexible. I don’t fancy forking out £20 if I’ve to then throw it away and spend another £20 on a different one. Keen to try one though if anyone can recommend please?
Back to the topic, whilst pregnant I found a serious lack of maternity pads in supermarkets.

Mooncup is okay for me but I still need a pad at night, unless I want to wake up and empty it in the middle of the night. So I only use 2 or 3 pads a period.

Since 2009 all stores have changed their approach to sales. Previously stores felt it was best to ensure no customer left without what they wanted so over stocked. Since 2009 stores have decided to cut stocks and issue "rain checks" or to have customers buy on-line any item out of stock so they don't end up with excess stock dumped at bargain prices as they compete with on-line shops. Many stores too have gone to "own brands" from name brands (Tesco is huge at this!).

Menarefrom

I have very heavy periods and find the cup is great. Probably empty it every 2 hours or so on a very heavy day but no leaking.

Like with a tampon, you get a feeling when it’s full / needs emptying.

I used Lillets Purple Super Extra Plus and haven’t used one for three years now.

I have just brought some www.cheekywipes.com/cloth-sanitary-pads-kits.html for my daughter after reading this thread!
I already use a menstrual cup so hopefully that's a lot less plastic headed to landfill.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-43879789

I love the lillets teenage towels range. I used to use bodyform or all ways but hate the wings and found the fabric irritated my vulva. The lillets ones are really soft and narrower too. I found the normal ones too wide for my underwear but maybe I should get period knickers  Anyway Tesco stopped selling them, as did Boots, but I found them in Superdrug. I miss the mini tampax of my youth, they were great for the last day and much kinder on my poor vagina!

Body firm are finally making black pads.I thought I'd get some fir dd but can't find them anywhere.Same with the long ones and non online either.

Black pads? Why black?

I can recommend washable reusable pads - at least they don't run out xx

In Aldi today... No pads only incontinence pads. I'm in Ireland roo...wonder why the shortage?

@PerverseConverse they won't show through dark/coloured clothing.

I have noticed this in my local big Sainsbury and Asda. Was in Superdrug and found different sizes of their own brand pads. Maybe I should try washables but can't afford the initial outlay just now.

@TabbyM the place I got my reusable pads is pretty cheap. I started buying one or 2 as I could afford / when reduced and now have an ample supply. They're called TJ's Nappies. Small home spun business but I'm really satisfied with the quality.

Haven't noticed this, however I wouldn't really as when I had the implant it stopped my periods totally, and now I have switched to the injection its the same, I seem to be one of the lucky ones as when my stepmum had the implant it made her bleed pretty much constantly and it seems to do that for a fair few people. Mind, I used to just get whatever was there, rather than a certain type anyway.

Can anyone help me please? I took the plunge and bought a Kind menstrual cup from boots and I'm not sure if I'm using it right. It took me a few attempts to get it in but I've taken it in and out a few times now and I'm not sure if it's unfolding once inside. The first time I removed it I think it had definitely unfolded because it hurt when I removed it (I don't think I'd broken the suction right) the other 2 times I took it out it was still folded but I'm not sure whether it was folded from when I'd put it in or whether it had folded itself up when broke the suction to remove it. 🤔 I keep trying to turn it when I first put it in but it's not twisting at all. Is it possible for it to come out folded in the exact same way I folded it when I put it in?

(TMI) I'm at the end up my period so not bleeding much but the last time I removed it there was a tiny bit of blood in it and nothing on the outside.

The cup should "spring" back to its round shape inside you - sometimes you'll feel that, most times you won't.

If it's not moving and doesn't have blood on the outside, it sounds very much like it's opening up properly, but you'll know for certain when you use it next month

Mustbethin - i found it a bit trial and error in the early days..

As Olenna says, You’ll know for sure when you’re on your next period.

It shouldn’t feel uncomfortable when in..!-and you can have a rummage around and make sure it’s fully unfolded...

I got thinx pants. Theyre good with super tsmpon for heavy flow. Im hslf regretting my copper coil for how heavy my flow is