To be annoyed at the lack of bathrooms

[Applecharm25]

I have my period. I can feel that i need to change my tampon.

I'm out walking round my city. There are no public bathrooms anywhere near me.

I see a sign for a bathroom in a small shopping centre near me. I walk in. The bathroom is actually in a shop. I'm told that the bathroom is only available for paying customers.

So now I have to get in a long queue and wait further and buy something while I really need to change my tampon.

Surely there should be better toilet services available.

I think some people trawl Mumsnet looking for a fight/way to feel superior and your post doesn’t really have much to argue with, so they went with that.

It does matter. Bathroom is a terrible euphemism, used because Americans are squeamish about the word ‘toilet’. Having said that OP, I agree that decent public toilets are helpful for women to operate in society, but they have been a victim of austerity unfortunately. Councils can barely afford the absolute basics.

I do, might as well! Efficient 😂

You have to pay to use the toilet in Costa and McDonald's.

That's fine - that's their rules.

But it's not fair for women who need to change their tampon, and who have to queue and pay for something, to be able to change their tampon.

Calm doon hen 🤣🤣🤣🤣

There's no "descent" into anything

Public bathrooms died out in the 60s/70s.

Maybe the OP wanted a shower 🤷🏻‍♀️

Always thought ‘restroom’ was more American…

Also it was confusing, I thought it was going to be a property thread and was most disappointed not to see a floor plan :)

So why do many pubs and shops have signs saying "bathrooms here".

Jesus people get annoyed about everything.

This has to be a joke. Tampon changing room! What on earth OP

You don't need to keep going on about being on your period and "tampon changing facilities" OP.

Almost everyone urgently needs the loo at some point in their life (men, women, children) and there isn't always one available when you're out and about.

However if you're out walking in a city (which you claim to be) there will almost certainly be:

Coffee shop / cafe
Pub
Chain food / drink place (Costa Coffee, Mcdonalds, Starbucks etc)
Public library / visitor centre
Large department store / supermarket
Public toilets

So think you're creating a bit of a mountain out of a molehill here....

I've never. And I mean never seen a sign point to "bathrooms" in public

2/10

I was on your side until you suggested Tampon changing rooms!! 😂

Of course it's not a joke.

It's really annoyed me how long it took me to find a bathroom to change my tampon.

and lots of other women will be going through the same thing.

Of course as it's something to do with periods men (and some women) won't take it seriously.

As they've taught that periods are a bad thing that should be hushed up.

Well surely it's not fair to ask anyone who needs the toilet to pay??? But those are the rules sometimes to stop anyone just walking in.

I've paid to use train station / public toilets before now when I've been desperate. Sometimes needs must.

What? If you don't need to go to the toilet, and just want to stand and swap for a new tampon, why not use a clothes shop changing cubicle?
I expect most women would also need to use the toilet, have used toilet roll, need a sink, etc.
Not just an empty room.

A 'tampon changing room' is called a toilet!

What do you mean you don't use the loo when you change your tampax?

Supermarkets have toilets anyone can use. I've used McDonalds and KFC, places like that when I have been caught short. I've ran into a leisure centre.

I pretty much always do. I probably haven't been to the loo for a while if I'm out and about so I'll take the opportunity while I'm there are half undressed. I don't think we need separate facilities!

It is hard to find public loos, there's been a lot of research done recently on how the number has reduced.

I have been known to just confidently stride into crowded pubs, nice hotels and museums.

Right this is weird! How many times do you want to say the word? And yes you do use the loo when you change a tampon!

I mean I don't use the loo!

What else could I mean!

Exactly. I'd need to dispose of the old one in a sanitary bin and to wash my hands. Toilet is the best place for this.

Well you are, because the loo cubicle is where the disposal bin is.

Absolutely this.

I have IBS and have frequently needed to use the toilet in public. Pubs are often your best bet - just walk straight in.

I’ve only been questioned a handful of times in my life, and then I just say it was an emergency. What are they really going to do?

Oh FFS @Applecharm25 . Is this your first period or something?!

50% of the population manages to survive this completely impossible situation you've found yourself in. Not sure why you're making such a big deal of it.

As I've said before, if you're in a city (which you claim to be) there will be plenty of places to use the toilet.

You don't get a privilege because you need to change your tampon. You need the toilet, you find one, if you have to pay / buy a drink / make a donation, so be it.

🙄