Taboo or not Taboo: Tell FabLittleBag how you really feel about periods. £300 voucher to be won! NOW CLOSED

[JustineBMumsnet]

FabLittleBag is interested in finding out how you feel about your periods and have a few questions for you to answer on the topic.

Here’s what FabLittleBag have to say: “At FabLittleBag, we talk to lots of women about periods. We’re always surprised at the different attitudes and experiences. Not a frequently discussed topic, we often assume everyone feels and does the same as us. We're working with Anglian Water who are spreading the word about keeping unflushables out of the toilet and our pipes clear. So with your help, let’s lift the lid and shed some light on the subject…

FabLittleBag is on a mission to help women and girls feel more relaxed about periods and disposal in particular, as it is an ignored part of the process and one which sometimes feels awkward or embarrassing. We believe discussion is the way forward. With your help as experienced women in this area, some of you with daughters, you can make a HUGE difference to how periods are perceived for the future generations. It’s good to talk - so let the chat begin!”

Here are a few questions from FabLittleBag!

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
• Are you a flusher or a binner?
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Everyone who posts will be entered into a prize draw and one person will win a £300 voucher.

Standard Insight T&Cs apply.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

No, No, No, flusher, yes, No, Unfair, No

- Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
Nope I'll talk to anyone about periods. I grew up in a household where it wasn't talked about and I hated that

- Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
Nope I will walk from my office at work to the toilet with tampons in my hand and my household know that I am on my period and accept it as normal

- When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
I have no idea.

- Are you a flusher or a binner?
I am a newly converted binner.

- Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
No I do not worry about blocking a toilet but do about beach pollution. I hate it when you are walking along the beach and see old tampon tubes.

- Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
Nope - I have 1 very heavy day at the start of my period but I still do all normal activities.

- What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
Blessed - without the ability to have periods I wouldn't have been able to have a child.

- Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
After having a big poo - yes, but not with sanitary protection waste.

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

No, it's natural, and I feel women should be able to feel comfortable talking about it if they've got concerns or have seen a new product.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

No

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or bonnets

Not sure

Are you a flusher or a binner?

I'm a tampon user, I'll flush if there's no bin, however I've never heard of fab little bags, might be a new handbag hero of mine.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

I do, but I try to be as conscious as I can, as above.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

No

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Inconvenienced

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

No.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

A bit, I try to be discreet but I'm not obsessive about it.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

No idea

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

No, because I don't flush

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Since having kids I have very heavy flow and it does annoy me, but wouldn't stop me from doing anything

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Mundane.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

Definitely were in my household growing up, unfortunately. I used to shy away from discussing, but now I try to be much more open.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

I do. It's silly as I really shouldn't.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

No idea.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

I use reusable, so neither, but used to be a binner.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

No, because I wouldn't flush.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Yes. Swimming is out. Need to make sure I'm close to a toilet so no long walks etc.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Rank.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No.

Didn't come to answer questions, just to say I bought some fab little bags, had an issue, let FLB know, and they sent me out some replacements straight away.
Awesome!

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

I refuse to let it be taboo. I will talk to anyone about my experiences because they have caused me to have to have time off work, limit social outings and adjust when and how I exercise.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

I carry them in a side pouch of my bag, but more so that I know I can just put my hand on one when necessary, rather than having to dig about for one all scraggy and crumpled at the bottom of my bag!!!

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

No idea, but I'd be extremely disappointed if they are flushers.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner, of course!

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

I used to in my teens and early 20's but that was more about the amount of loo roll I was using because my periods were so heavy then.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Most definitely. My exercise of choice is long-distance cycling, and it's just not comfortable on a bike when feeling tender due to menstrual cramps, not to mention the lack of energy.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Loathing, utter and complete loathing. I've never wanted children, so I've never seen periods as a good thing. Also PCOS made them really heavy until I started having Depo injections in the late 90's, and then the implant.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Yes, usually in a public toilet somewhere, when I have rejected their choice of toilet roll, and used my own tissues, in order to save my poor little tushie!!

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? Nor for me and my daughter but was for my mum and me

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) No
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? No idea
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Binner
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? Yes which is why I bin
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? Sometimes
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Annoying
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

No. Not really I will discuss with friends

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

I wouldn't walk through the office with them, no.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

Not sure

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Either or

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

No

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Yes first two days I take ibuprofen and have to be at a loo every two hours so I wouldn't go swimming or on a day trip

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Meh. Inconvenient

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Nope

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? No
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I no longer have periods, but when I did, I would not carry them publicly in the office, I used to carry my handbag to the loo.
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? No, I imagine binners
• Are you a flusher or a binner? I was a binner
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? Yes
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? I used to.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? pain
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? Yes

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

No, not really although not something I discuss with a lot of people!

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

Definitely don't advertise it. Not sure why reall!

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

Not asked but would have thought binners.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

No, don't put anything down the toilet I shouldn't.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Yes, I have one day every month where it's so heavy I need to change tampax every hour or so. It is a complete pain.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Annoying!

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Yes but only from poo! (sorry TMI!!)

I wouldn't say periods are taboo but they are private. I don't want to hear about your operations and I don't want to hear about your periods. None of my business and mine are none of yours!

I do try to hide my tampon a bit. Probably still obvious as it's the only time I take my handbag to the loo.

I have no idea how friends dispose of tampons. Nor do I want to.

I'm a binner. Used to be a flusher but learnt better.

I do worry about blocking toilets.

Periods massively affect my lifestyle. I worry about leaking, or thinking I've stopped when I haven't (how were you meant to use lightest possible tampon when you don't know if you've stopped?). Cramps are bad. The worst, maybe there's a long list, is the lethargy. There's days when I really can't do anything.

Rubbish. Dreaded. Inconvenient. No white jeans! Painful. messy. Hated.

Fortunately no blockages.

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

I am nearly 35 years, and I still get embarrassed talking about my period. I think it was because my mum always told me to keep it secret, and I always felt like it was dirty.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) No - because my periods are incredibly heavy I have to carry tampons and towels with me everywhere

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? I have honestly never asked

• Are you a flusher or a binner? I am a binner - I have heard that they clog up systems

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? I do worry. I would find it very embarrassing if that happened

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? It does. I have extremely heavy periods, and I tend to stay indoors during my time of the month. I am scared that I will leak in public. I am have awful cramps, and it is just so uncomfortable moving around

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Disheartened

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? Luckily I haven't

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

Not taboo at all. Doesnt affect me.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

No, don't hide it and will admit to other people why im feeling down/ill etc

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

No idea, it's not something I ask. A lot if them.use menstrual cups though.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

I use a menstrual cup and washable pads. If I do use disposables I bin them.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

No, see above.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

No, flow is normal. I probably gave one day a month where I chill in pjs with a hot water bottle.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Thankful - everything is working properly and I'm not pregnant.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No.

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

I don't believe they should be taboo, but I find it difficult to talk about them because that's how I was brought up. I try to talk to my daughter about them and she obviously feels differently because she talks openly about them so I'm clearly doing something right!

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

Yes I tend to hide tampons etc, and would be embarrassed if someone found them.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

I presume they are all binned.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

I bin them all.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

Yes .. the only thing I flush is toilet paper and some supposedly flushable wipes .. I worry the wipes will cause blockage.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Yes, I needed to be near a toilet when I had heavy flow and due to cramps didn't feel like doing anything except lying in bed with a hot water bottle.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Hate!

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Yes but due to poo!

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? It doesn't bother or embarrass me.
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) - No
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? Don't know
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Definitely a binner
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? No because I am a binner
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? My periods are pretty calm/mild - No issues
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Whatever. :)
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No because I do not flush

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

No, not at all

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

I use a moon cup now but didn't have a problem carrying tampons publicly before.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

No idea.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Not an issue with a moon cup

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

Not an issue

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

No

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Irritating

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?..............No. talk openly about it, and have my dates on my calendar.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) .............No.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? .................Baggers and binners

• Are you a flusher or a binner? ........................binner

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?..............yes I am very conscious about what I clean my toilet with, and what does down it that should not.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?................... Yes. I dread the cramps and heavy flow.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? ..........................acceptance

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No.

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

I don't think they should be taboo but I know they are in some cultures and communities. I wasn't comfortable discussing mine with mother or sister or female friends until I was older and especially after having a child.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I use a menstrual cup. I don't necessarily hide it but I don't put it on display either.
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? No idea
• Are you a flusher or a binner? I empty my menstrual cup into the toilet but bin panty-liners.
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? No
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? Yes.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Ambivalent
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? Yes, but because DS used too much toilet paper, not because of feminine hygiene.

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
No, not really. I have three daughters, two of whom have started their periods, and its not secretive (though we don't regularly discuss it either).

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

I don't walk round waving them when I'm going to the loo, but not sure I hide it either. In the office I carry my bag in with me if I need to, (at home I don't!)

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

No idea. Never asked. Should I?

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner. As are my children. Flushing is a bad idea.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

No. I worry about most things, but neither of those.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Thankfully I don't suffer with either of those.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Neutral. They happen but with very little impact. Hurrah!

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No, not by me. My daughter as a toddler once rammed enough toilet paper down it to block it, which was nice.

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?

Not really, but I'm 40 and long past caring. At school - horrendously so and I was mortified by both the periods themselves, & the lack of support from the school.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)

Nope, towels are in my handbag, on the toilet cistern.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

Not a clue. It's never come up in conversation

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

No, as I'm a binner

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?

Not so much now, but lots of ibuprofen & hot water bottles when younger

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?

Matter of fact.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Nope

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? I wouldn't say they're taboo, no.
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I try to.
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? No idea.
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Binner
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? No because I don't flush.
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? Yes but I don't really get cramps I get headaches
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Inconvenience
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage no

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
• No, I don't think they're taboo at all, myself and my friends are quite comfortable talking about them.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
• Don't particularly hide it but then I don't go out of my way to advertise it either. it's nothing to be ashamed of, but I wouldn't sing it from the rooftops!

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
• Haven't a clue, we don't go that far in our chat!

• Are you a flusher or a binner?
• Binner, always!

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
• Yes, I won't flush anything other than paper down the loo, no wipes, no cotton wool, no hair...

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
• Mercifully not. I'm on the pill and as such have extremely light / short periods - I'm lucky in that respect, it has next to no effect on my lifestyle.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
• Just a part of life.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
• No!

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?*

I don't think they're taboo amongs my peer group, but I don't like talking about them personally because I really hate everything about them. - Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) No. I try to be discrete though because rightly or wrongly, the subject does make some people uncomfortable. - When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? I don't know. - Are you a flusher or a binner? Binner! Flushing sanitary protection is bad for drainage. - Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? I don't flush, but I do worry about the effect the waste has on the environment. - Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? It makes me a lot less sociable in the week before my period because I get such bad pain in my chest and arms alongside the delights of cramps. - What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Loathing. - Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No thankfully.