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

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

Not entirely but I still think it is a bit, I feel uncomfortable talking about it too openly but not to admit that I'm on my period

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

No I think it's natural and I shouldn't have to hide it

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

No I actually don't, I haven' thought about it

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner

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

I never flush so no

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

Yes for the first day I have a lot of pain and it does limit the physical activity I do

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

Annoying

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No

Periods definitely felt like a taboo topic when I was a teenager in the 80s. We had swimming lessons every week and the swimming monitor would write P in her little book as the code for having your period. I don't think I ever told my friends that I'd started, just let them work it out as I could miss swimming.
I bin my tampons, but did flush when I was younger and less aware. I have no idea about my friends. When my daughter starts her periods I'll make sure she knows to flush.
My moods are probably affected a little by my period but I've never had to change anything.

I absolutely dread that time of the month now! When I was on the pill, it would barely be an event...some times it would be a complete non-event! But after deciding to try and move away from hormone contraceptives & using the coil, the experience is so much more unpleasant - mood swings, terrible cramps, heavy bleeding, sensitive boobs & on & on & on!

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

No I talk about it all the time

• 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?

Well I guess it depends if they use tampons or towels

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Flush tampons but bin towels

• 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?

No, I swim every week as normal

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

Bored

• 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? Yes somewhat, I wouldn't openly admit I was on my period.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I don't 'hide it' but I don't mention it either.
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? No
• Are you a flusher or a binner? 100% binner
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? Yes - hence binning.
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? I have very light periods but occasionally bad cramps (worse since having my daughter), i do make amendments on those few days - hot baths, comfy clothes, hot water bottles.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Necessary evil.
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No, again i am very fortunate as I have short light periods.

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

No, definitely not. They should be talked about, especially with teenagers etc, so they know what's normal and have someone to talk to.

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

A little, yes. I don't want the whole office knowing I'm on my period! To me, it's more of a personal thing.

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

No idea. It's not something we've ever discussed.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

I flush tampons as I thought that they degraded? Bin towels.

• 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?

Yes. I suffer from endometriosis, so this has a huge affect on my life.

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

Horrible, painful and often unexpected.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No, thank goodness!

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? No, I'm quite open and don't mind talking about them! It's a fact of life so I don't understand why there is such an issue! 😕
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) no, as above, it's a fact of life and if other people have a problem with my carrying a tampon or pad in public, then it's them with a problem, not me 🙂
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? Most are bombers, but there are a couple of flushers!
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Binner, most of the time, if there is no nin facility, i will flush rather than carry a used tampon to a bin! I would never flush a pad! (Does anyone?! 😮)
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? Yes, which is why I bin wherever possible! Nothing worse than seeing sanitary products when you are looking for shells!
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? No, my period is not very heavy, occasionally I will take pain killers for cramps, but not often.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Indifferent - it is not really an issue, it can sometimes be an inconvenience if I have swimming or waxing planned, and my period isn't heavy enough for a tampon
• 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, but I wouldn't tell me boss at work. Men still judge and assume things if the know you're on.

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

I hide my towels in my pocket or bag when I go to the loo.

• 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, I used to flush baby wipes until I recently found out they caused blockages. I live on a street with older pipes that are more prone o blocking.

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

Yes, I he very heavy periods and take medication now. I he found mooncup best for preventing leaking, but I find I still need to wash with wipes at work to keep myself clean.

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

Hate them, have been offered a hysterectomy but I'm young and don't know the implications. I worry about brittle bones and joints.

• 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?

Yes but I also make a point of speaking of them because of this

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I tend to yes
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? Not all
• Are you a flusher or a binner? 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? Absolutely
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Bitter
• 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 did when I was younger but find everyone is much more open now.
• 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? Binners (Is Flushers a thing!)
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Binner
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? N/A
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? Yes, I have heavy periods and have to wear two pairs of pants for some extra support. I try to avoid doing to much when I know it's going to be a bad flow day.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Massive Pain!
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No.

I hated my periods from the moment I got them at 12. They were not to bad whilst on the Pill but I came off the Pill 4 Years ago to try for a Baby and they are back to being irregular and heavy! Also that little bit of added sadness when one arrives.

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

Not really taboo but not something I talk about unless absolutely necessary

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

I keep them in a small bag in my handbag.

• 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?

Bin as live off mains sewerage system

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

No as I don't flush when out. I carry nappy bags and put used sanpro in one until I find a bin. Rant- why are ladies cubicles not built to accommodate a sanitary bin? I hate sitting on a loo with a bin by the side and touching the bin while sitting down. Toilets should be built with enough space to have the bin well away from the loo.

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

Yes as I am perimenopausal and do not know what to expect each month as every one seems to be different

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

A big inconvenience

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No

No, not taboo, but I can't say it comes up in conversation much!

I'd think most people are flushers, even if they say not. I am 90% of the time.

Work is tricky as it looks weird to pick up a handbag to go to the toilet, so I just tend to hold tampons in my palm - which is fine if I don't get stopped en route!

Our toilet (home) is always getting blocked, as the children have thrown countless things down it

Forgot to answer this - I'd say it affects my routine/life for the first two days; it's such a heavy flow that it often leaks, & I don't feel like I can move around freely (I'm not housebound, just don't feel secure running, being away from a toilet for more than 2 hours etc).

• 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) - Sometimes
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? - No
• Are you a flusher or a binner? - binner
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? - I never flush them
• 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? - Annoyed
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? - Never

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

No, certainly not in my family.

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

Yes, but not with friends.

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

yes.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Bin

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

No, as use the bin.

• 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?

Temporary. I'm aware as I get older that eventually they are going to be a thing of the past.

• 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 do think they're a taboo topic around men but less so around women. I try not to avoid talking about them openly around family and close friends

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

Yes, always do the sneaky run to the toilet with a tampon.

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

Don't know - presume they're binners

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Was a flusher until recently - didn't know it wasn't the done thing

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

Yes, now I do.

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

Yes, have missed weekly swimming lessons once or twice and had to reschedule waxes.

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

I'm always relieved when it's over for another few weeks!

• 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. Sad that this question needs to be asked.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) - I carry them but I don't wave them in male colleagues' faces...
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? - We have more interesting stuff to talk about!
• Are you a flusher or a binner? - Haven't had a period for a couple of years due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Was a flusher but plan to be a binner.
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? - yes, only aware of the issue recently.
• 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? - Fine.
• 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'VE NEVER FOUND IT TO BE TABOO)

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)(NO BUT I DON'T WAVE THEM ABOUT 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? (BINNER You can't flush them they block the loo)
• 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? (MOST MONTHS)
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? (PAINFUL)
• 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 it's taboo any m ore - I can discuss/moan to my husband, although I'm sure mum's genertion was very diferent

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

Nope, why should I?

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

Never discussed it - I would hope they're binners. Having said that, the small salon my friend runs, & that I go to for my hair doing doesn't have a bathroom bin

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner, although sometimes my periods are so heavy, that a tampon will drop into the loo accidentally, in which case I leave it

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

No because I don't flush unless it's an accident

• 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?

a messy nuisance

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No, thank goodness.

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? - Yes, alluded to but not directly spoken about
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) - Yes
• 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
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? - Yes, makes me overly tired, lazy and sluggish. Makes me feel heavy and less confident.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? - Chore
• 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?

Not taboo a tall. I talk to my friends about periods.

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

No - if I am unwell due to cramps then I say so.

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

Binners

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

100% binner

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

No because I dispose of sanitary protection in the bin.

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

Not really.

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

Necessary

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No.

I really hate they cross me out & make me embarrassed, ive always been the same i feel shameful when i have them . I think it has a lot to do with the damage my mom did to my mind when growing up. I have not passed it on to my daughter as ive hidden my feeling so she' doesn't feel the same way as i do,

Are periods taboo?
No...They are a perfectly normal part of life.
Do you hide fact your on your period?
Not really keep a discreet little bag with things needed in though.
Do I know if friends are flushers or binners?
No idea
Do I worry about blocking toilet or adding to beach pollution?
No
Does having a very heavy flow or cramps limit lifestyle or require certain regime?
In my case yes it did. I suffered really heavy & long periods. & actually fainted once through heavy & prolonged bleeds.
Took medication to help bring it under control. But was so happy when got the mirena fitted
What word to describe how you feel about periods?
Meh! (Is that a word more of a sound)
Ever experienced a toilet blockage?
Nope.

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

Not taboo but equally not conversation over the dinner table IYSWIM! I talk to DP, DD and friends about periods but only if necessary. It's not usually a topic that crops up unless I want to have a moan about the timing of it, period pain etc

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

At work I have to admit I try and discreetly get a tampon from my bag to take to the loo

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

never thought to ask but most friends seem to have a bathroom bin with bin bag which suggests they are binners

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner (and have taught DD to be a binner too

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

Not worried about blocking a toilet as I bin (although occasionally find myself somewhere without a bathroom bin in which case I do worry about blockage). Use bleach very occasionally - I know I should consider alternatives but it's such a hardwater area that stained limescale is a big problem

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

As I'm perimenopausal my periods are very erratic so I never quite know when or how bad it will be which can leave me worrying about it sometimes. Always have to be prepared just in case!

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

Resigned to it

• 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 its a taboo topic in our household, my partner is very understanding when I go like a loon or need chocolate! As outside my home I believe it is seen as taboo *
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? * I do not feel the need to hide that I am on my period every second person does it!*
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? * My mother is a flusher and I hate it! its disgusting and not good for anyone*
• Are you a flusher or a binner?
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? N/A
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? * Not at all*
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? * The witch got me!*
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? * No, its wrong to flush!*