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Original poster

Sanitary pad ads on tv

155 replies

mamabear715 · 28/02/2023 15:57

Firstly - if it's been posted before, I apologise, as there's always one snippy person who will point it out to me.. (rolls eyes)
I just think they are horrible.. bad enough in the past, but now, we have to have splashes of blood on them? REALLY? Is it just me?

Actually, the NHS ads too.. why are they (presumably) spending millions advertising? (The latest one is the guy going to do his poo test.) These tests are sent out to - I think - over 60's in England anyway. Younger in Scotland, as I recall. Surely anyone younger knows by now, blood in poo, (try and) make a GP appointment?

Maybe it's just me being grumpy.. ? Every time I see either advert, I get the rage!

OP posts:
Georgieporgie29 · 28/02/2023 18:50

I’m not fussed by the poo one, it’s offering a service and if you don’t receive your test it may nudge you to chase it up.

I dislike the sanitary towel one where she’s sat on the toilet and as she leans towards the side it looks like she’s about to flash, I just find that really weird, why would I want to see someone sat on the toilet 🤷🏼‍♀️

I also dislike the one about a dry vagina which seems to be on every morning in the ad breaks between good morning Britain whilst the kids are getting ready for school eating their breakfast, also find that weird. Tell me about my dry vagina after breakfast time and not in every single ad break thanks.

ancientgran · 28/02/2023 18:57

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 28/02/2023 18:46

@Johnisafckface

But I've never really been influenced by them.

So how did you select your broadband supplier? Or your phone? Or your tech?

I chose my broadband supplier by price, my phone was 2nd hand and someone I knew was selling it as they'd got a new contract with a phone and it wasn't needed, I'm assuming by tech you might mean laptop? If so it was one someone was getting rid of as it had a fault, DH fixed it and I got a free laptop.

Johnisafckface · 28/02/2023 18:58

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 28/02/2023 18:46

@Johnisafckface

But I've never really been influenced by them.

So how did you select your broadband supplier? Or your phone? Or your tech?

From other people...or by researching on the internet 😊

Topseyt123 · 28/02/2023 19:01

I really can't see why any of this bothers you so much.

Periods are normal and therefore the advertising of products to help deal with them should shock nobody. Who cares what colour liquid is used to demonstrate the absorbency!? Probably better than it is red rather than blue though.

Also, why is a health campaign for the bowel cancer test offensive? Is it not one of those government backed public health campaigns that they do now and then? So not detracting from main NHS funds? DH and I are both in our mid to late fifties and have both done these tests recently. All clear and reassuring.

What is there to be offended by? Unless you find bodily functions taboo.

MurderAtTheBeautyPageant · 28/02/2023 19:02

I love the 'I've never been influenced by an ad' crew.

TheLadyofShalott1 · 28/02/2023 19:11

Well I must be as grumpy as you then @mamabear715 because I remember years ago when they first started showing people sitting on the toilet (toilet paper adverts - often with a child on the loo [which is also inappropriate in my point of view, but now I will be told I am a po faced fuddy duddy I suppose] - with a puppy running off with the end of the toilet paper), and I said to my family that one day they will show them wiping their bums with shit on the paper - well I said poo to my family, but I know that a lot of Mumsnetters don't like polite or coy words for things, maybe I should have said faeces instead 😄

Anyway thinking they have to go into every single detail with everything today is so ridiculous in my point of view, and also, although it will probably only be a bit of insects' blood (Cochineal as we used to call it), I really don't need to be shown it in adverts, when I might be sitting with my elderly relatives - I know that it would really embarrass my DAunt, and it would have my DParents as well, if they had still been alive - it is just so unnecessary.

I am rather surprised that there are adults on Mumsnet who can't decide for themselves which type of sanitary towel to use for either incontinence, or period blood loss? I think if you look at the packets in the shops it usually makes it quite clear? I don't think it is necessary to show blue, yellow, red, or brown on either sanitary wear, or toilet paper.

I don't have a problem with health "adverts", or with being shown xrays etc of what any specific cancers look like, but again, grafic details of how to take the tests should not be needed. But of course it is fine to talk about occult blood - it does actually just mean "hidden" - but again graphics should not be necessary. I do think that maybe all 14 - 16 year olds should be shown and informed about any of the most common health conditions, and what signs to look out for, as they probably don't watch the adverts very much these days...

Original poster
mamabear715 · 28/02/2023 19:47

Ok, thanks for all comments!
Firstly - I am not uncomfortable with my body, am not prudish, never said a THING about blood in poo..
I just CRINGE at that bloody actress in the Tena/type ad, 'I'm just letting it all go'.. UGH. I imagine her pissing herself while I'm watching.. ditto the 'bloody mess' ad.. & some of you say we need santitary pad ads to teach young girls? What the fuck are they going to make of THAT?

A few replies.. @GoldilockMom I was so sorry to hear about your relative. This is the kind of thing that drives me bananas. Mrsfanny'squeen (might have got username wrong!) exactly, re take 2 paracetamol.
@Jooliusreezer I am offended by the cost to the NHS, nothing else (see @GoldilockMom 's post - I'd like there to be ambulances when we need them) @MurderAtTheBeautyPageant yes, re incontinence, @Benjispruce4 , absolutely, @adriftabroad thanks! @lieselotte thanks, my sentiments exactly, & last but not least, @ancientgran - I suppose it's only a matter of time before we do see folk wiping their arses on tv, & I guess mainly at mealtimes.. :-(

OP posts:
Original poster
mamabear715 · 28/02/2023 19:49

Thanks also @TheLadyofShalott1 - we obviously think the same way! ;-)

OP posts:
Luredbyapomegranate · 28/02/2023 20:03

JaneJeffer · 28/02/2023 16:59

I love the period drama ad

That’s fabulous. More fun than fake blood.

Luredbyapomegranate · 28/02/2023 20:09

TheLadyofShalott1 · 28/02/2023 19:11

Well I must be as grumpy as you then @mamabear715 because I remember years ago when they first started showing people sitting on the toilet (toilet paper adverts - often with a child on the loo [which is also inappropriate in my point of view, but now I will be told I am a po faced fuddy duddy I suppose] - with a puppy running off with the end of the toilet paper), and I said to my family that one day they will show them wiping their bums with shit on the paper - well I said poo to my family, but I know that a lot of Mumsnetters don't like polite or coy words for things, maybe I should have said faeces instead 😄

Anyway thinking they have to go into every single detail with everything today is so ridiculous in my point of view, and also, although it will probably only be a bit of insects' blood (Cochineal as we used to call it), I really don't need to be shown it in adverts, when I might be sitting with my elderly relatives - I know that it would really embarrass my DAunt, and it would have my DParents as well, if they had still been alive - it is just so unnecessary.

I am rather surprised that there are adults on Mumsnet who can't decide for themselves which type of sanitary towel to use for either incontinence, or period blood loss? I think if you look at the packets in the shops it usually makes it quite clear? I don't think it is necessary to show blue, yellow, red, or brown on either sanitary wear, or toilet paper.

I don't have a problem with health "adverts", or with being shown xrays etc of what any specific cancers look like, but again, grafic details of how to take the tests should not be needed. But of course it is fine to talk about occult blood - it does actually just mean "hidden" - but again graphics should not be necessary. I do think that maybe all 14 - 16 year olds should be shown and informed about any of the most common health conditions, and what signs to look out for, as they probably don't watch the adverts very much these days...

You’re embarrassed about what your deceased relatives might think… even though they’re deceased?

As for not needing adverts because you can look at the packaging in the shop; advertising is there to direct you to particular brands, it’s how the brands, you know, sell stuff?

Lorrymum · 28/02/2023 20:13

God help us when we start getting realistic "in depth" pile cream adverts!

JunkinDonuts · 28/02/2023 20:15

Lorrymum · 28/02/2023 20:13

God help us when we start getting realistic "in depth" pile cream adverts!

With anusol being rubbed into a bunch of red grapes.

Hallionflossie · 28/02/2023 20:24

Georgieporgie29 · 28/02/2023 18:50

I’m not fussed by the poo one, it’s offering a service and if you don’t receive your test it may nudge you to chase it up.

I dislike the sanitary towel one where she’s sat on the toilet and as she leans towards the side it looks like she’s about to flash, I just find that really weird, why would I want to see someone sat on the toilet 🤷🏼‍♀️

I also dislike the one about a dry vagina which seems to be on every morning in the ad breaks between good morning Britain whilst the kids are getting ready for school eating their breakfast, also find that weird. Tell me about my dry vagina after breakfast time and not in every single ad break thanks.

Agree
Hate the dry vagina one and the incontinence ones, saying 1 in 2 women have bladder problems - bollocks. Between these and all the menopause talk, men must think we are consumed with problems.
Haven’t seen the male incontinence one, they should show that throughout the day for balance.

Randomhead · 28/02/2023 20:33

@mamabear715I clearly demonstrated in my post - with actual figures I bothered to go and search for you - that spending £2m on this type of advert saves the NHS millions and millions. Did you not read it or it doesn’t fit your narrative?

Randomhead · 28/02/2023 20:34

Whilst men can and do suffer from incontinence you do understand why so many women do? Don’t you? Childbirth and pelvic floor and all that. And if they say 1 in 2 you can bet your arse that’s backed up in research as UK ads have to prove every single thing they say to be cleared. I’ve been on the receiving end of it….

RobertaFirmino · 28/02/2023 20:39

My periods are NOT blue. As a Liverpool supporter, I resent this suggestion.

On a more serious level, poo and periods are a fact of life. Women have periods. Everyone craps. Being open and honest about this can save lives.

As for not being able to tell which pads are for incontinence and which ones are for periods, here's a top tip - if you are menstruating, don't buy the ones that say 'Tena', if you have stress incontinence, don't buy the ones that say 'Always' or 'Bodyform'.

Logicoutofthewindow · 28/02/2023 20:47

It's normal. We all do it.

Some people are silly about it and avoid chatting about it so the blood in poo get tested message saves lives.

Original poster
mamabear715 · 28/02/2023 21:02

OMG @Lorrymum & @JunkinDonuts !!
NOOOOO!!

Thank you @Randomhead - I didn't realise you were waiting for a reply! My point is that - even if you don't agree re the ad - so much money gets wasted in the NHS which affects us all. :-(

OP posts:
GPFavo · 28/02/2023 21:51

mamabear715 · 28/02/2023 19:47

Ok, thanks for all comments!
Firstly - I am not uncomfortable with my body, am not prudish, never said a THING about blood in poo..
I just CRINGE at that bloody actress in the Tena/type ad, 'I'm just letting it all go'.. UGH. I imagine her pissing herself while I'm watching.. ditto the 'bloody mess' ad.. & some of you say we need santitary pad ads to teach young girls? What the fuck are they going to make of THAT?

A few replies.. @GoldilockMom I was so sorry to hear about your relative. This is the kind of thing that drives me bananas. Mrsfanny'squeen (might have got username wrong!) exactly, re take 2 paracetamol.
@Jooliusreezer I am offended by the cost to the NHS, nothing else (see @GoldilockMom 's post - I'd like there to be ambulances when we need them) @MurderAtTheBeautyPageant yes, re incontinence, @Benjispruce4 , absolutely, @adriftabroad thanks! @lieselotte thanks, my sentiments exactly, & last but not least, @ancientgran - I suppose it's only a matter of time before we do see folk wiping their arses on tv, & I guess mainly at mealtimes.. :-(

never said a THING about blood in poo

Well who wrote your OP because it literally says “blood in poo” in your OP… I don’t understand why people lie about things like this and think people will believe them - we can all bloody well read what you wrote!

JaneJeffer · 28/02/2023 22:04

My periods are NOT blue. As a Liverpool supporter, I resent this suggestion.
Grin

katepilar · 28/02/2023 22:13

If there are ads for pads then I prefer red to blue liquid.

But I prefer reusable pads.

Whyisitsososohard · 28/02/2023 22:17

Adverts don't cost millions.

Comms is a really important part of publ health.

Blood is what periods are made of so why not show it?

So tbh yes you sound really grumpy.

katepilar · 28/02/2023 22:19

Anything that helps to make period less of a taboo is good, which red liquid on pads imho does. Anything that talks about periods and makes it a normal thing is good.
It would also be helpful to talk about how its ok to feel like having a rest whilst on period rather than being overly physically active like they show in those ads.

XenoBitch · 28/02/2023 22:20

Women are not horseshoe crabs. Our blood is red, not blue. Why should an ad show anything other than red?

LilyPAnderson · 28/02/2023 22:21

I don't like it when the NHS use non medical words like poo, like they think people are stupid.

Yes why are they using blood, as if we don't know what they're for? We don't show images of other personal bodily functions in adverts.

Things I find most confusing about adverts nowadays, is why is it in a country most people are white, are everybody in adverts either not white or in a mixed relationship?