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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Period pants

45 replies

Purplebiscuitwithsprinkles · 28/01/2023 16:12

I don't know if this has been already said but I went shopping yesterday and noticed in quite a few high street chemists and my local chemists there are virtually no sanitary pads and very little choice of tampons. Instead there seems to be mainly period pants on sale. AIBU to think that women's choice of period products are slowly being eroded away? Even my husband noticed and that's saying something.

OP posts:
sunnydayhereandnow · 28/01/2023 16:15

Surely choice of products isn’t being eroded if there are also pants (and cups) available, in addition to tampons and pads? I am 45 and still use tampons (didn’t get on with my cup and seemed a bit late in the day to shop around), and I feel a bit like a Neanderthal when speaking to younger women who all seem to use cups now.

ofwarren · 28/01/2023 16:17

I haven't notice that where I live.
None of the chemists here sell period pants, just your usual pads and tampons.
If I go into town, I can get period pants in a few places but that's in addition to the usual products.

SocksAndTheCity · 28/01/2023 16:17

Maybe the shops are finding more demand for reusable products rather than plasticky disposables?

Having said that (and I have washable sanitary towels so haven't had to buy any in years), the last time I was in the supermarket the sanitary products aisle seemed as well stocked as ever.

Needmorelego · 28/01/2023 16:21

I buy my sanitary products from the supermarket or shops like Wilko, Poundland, B+M etc.
There rarely is a shortage. Maybe try a shop rather than a chemist !

DarkForces · 28/01/2023 16:26

I've been really struggling to find a shop that sells period watches ants for dd so have ordered them online but just heard Asda do them. Definitely not common in Cardiff

Hankunamatata · 28/01/2023 16:27

Nope opposite in local chemists here. No period pants load sanpro products

PeekAtYou · 28/01/2023 16:29

I suspect that chemists can't compete with Supermarket and chain (eg boots) prices on tampons and towels where as stocking period pants might be easier if it's a brand not in chains.

Phos · 28/01/2023 16:30

Well if there is more variety, I don't think eroded is the right word but it is important that pads and tampons remain available as well as period pants. Those and cups are just not for me thank you. Along with other PPs, I haven't noticed a shortage in the way you describe but I just tend to throw some Tampax in the basket at the supermarket or Boots (ours is a large Boots)

RichardOsmansXraySpecs · 28/01/2023 16:30

Period pants are a life changer, honestly try them.

Also I think women are not buying tampax etc after their ridiculous claims that men can have periods, so less need for them I suppose.

TattiePants · 28/01/2023 16:37

Surely shops will stock what is most in demand which may vary area to area.

Purplestripe · 28/01/2023 16:47

Every supermarket here sells a vast array of tampons and pads as does Boots. I wouldn’t say there was an erosion of choice, quite the opposite (unless you want unscented pads… but that’s another story). Would never occur to me to buy sanitary products in my local chemist, or anything but medications to be honest - they’re just not competitive on price.

Original poster
Purplebiscuitwithsprinkles · 28/01/2023 16:50

Sorry I've not made myself clear there seems to be less of tampons and pads available. Yesterday when I went to Boots (the chemist) and Superdrug, cups and period pants seemed to be more on sale and less choice of sanitary pads and tampons. My usual brand of night time maxi was unavailable it was all ultra towels I am a heavy bleeder so really struggle with ultra and the maxi night time that was available was perfumed so causes a terrible reaction. I've tried the pants and they are not for me. It was just an observation as I asked a friend today and she's noticing the same issue.

OP posts:
WigglyGlowWorm · 28/01/2023 16:52

Can’t say I’ve noticed. However, I love my period pants. Much better for the environment and I don’t have to worry about leaks and smells.

Original poster
Purplebiscuitwithsprinkles · 28/01/2023 16:54

Ah thanks for the replies all I didn't think about demand or area. I live in a large city and it's usually got a large selection of different brands but noticed there wasn't much there. I went in Tesco this morning and there were a lot of not in stock tickets so looks like it could be a supply issue too.

OP posts:
rosegoldivy · 28/01/2023 16:55

RichardOsmansXraySpecs · 28/01/2023 16:30

Period pants are a life changer, honestly try them.

Also I think women are not buying tampax etc after their ridiculous claims that men can have periods, so less need for them I suppose.

Second this.

Tried period pants after putting it off coz thought they would be gross.

Have never looked back.

Game changer.

Purplestripe · 28/01/2023 17:00

Question for period pant fans - how are they better than a reusable and washable pad? I can’t imagine finding undressing to change my pants in the middle of the day more convenient than changing a pad.

CrescentMoons · 28/01/2023 17:01

I’m nearly 50. My daughter has never had tampons or towels just period pads. She’s been using them for a year.
at Christmas I bought a load for me in M and S - light to heavy in multiple packs - I think they were like £8 for 3 in the sale and I like bought 12- so £35

they are bloody fantastic - no more spot waiting and crotch watch. No more leaking (mine are heavy and even the extra long towels could ride up) I keep some at work in little waterproof bags - bloody game changer and I will never go back ever. I know that in 12 months or probably 6 I’ve made my money back, saved the environment and I don’t have to worry about a big super heavy riding up!

youshouldnthaveasked · 28/01/2023 17:02

I love my period pants. Mine are from M&S. I was nervous wearing them at first so I popped a pair of knickers on top with a liner in and nothing came through. I bleed heavy. Gutted I didn’t start using them before now

chipsandpeas · 28/01/2023 17:03

im another who loves period pants, i wish they had been around for the past 30 years as they are now

DistantSkye · 28/01/2023 17:04

I've not really noticed - certainly the supermarkets seem to have plenty on the shelves. However Ive been using period pants for the past few years and am really happy with them so I've not been actively looking at the disposables.

MrsBunnyEars · 28/01/2023 17:06

Another 100% convert to period pants here.

Sp I’ve not noticed fewer disposables in stock, but it would make se se as demand for them falls away.

Inca22 · 28/01/2023 17:06

I agree wholeheartedly with @RichardOsmansXraySpecs. I picked up some period pants from Costco - thought I'd give them a try even though I'm prone to flooding and thought they'd be useless. Absolute game changer. Plus I don't get itchy or have a reaction to pads (even the organic ones I was using)

ofwarren · 28/01/2023 17:09

Purplestripe · 28/01/2023 17:00

Question for period pant fans - how are they better than a reusable and washable pad? I can’t imagine finding undressing to change my pants in the middle of the day more convenient than changing a pad.

I want to know the answer to this too.
I bleed heavily and don't fancy having to take off my shoes, trousers and period pants every time I need to change.
Much easier for me to use a pad.
I mainly use washable, but sometimes disposable if I'm going to be out all day on a heavy day.

doadeer · 28/01/2023 17:43

I think younger generations are more likely to use reuseables. I can't remember the last time I bought tampons or towels. I use a cup or pants. But I haven't noticed the shops not stocking them. It's so great not having to keep buying them!

Jifmicroliquid · 28/01/2023 18:12

I really didn’t like period pants. I found them sweaty and horrible to wear and by the end of the day I could smell them, but I did only buy primark ones.

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