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?

Amongst my friends, absolutely not. We talk about cramps, moods, cravings, headaches etc and give each other advice and support. I have taught my DD and DS about periods from a very young age as I don't want them to feel that they are a taboo subject. It's ridiculous in this day and age to think that periods are not to be spoken openly about.

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

I don't go swinging my tampons or sanitary towels about in front of people, but I'm not embarrassed about them.

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

Surely that is like asking if they fold or scrunch the toilet paper. I wouldn't think to ask!

• 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?

It can do. If I'm bleeding heavily I might not feel in the mood to certain activities. Not all the time, but at times it can feel like a limitation.

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

Necessary

• 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 discuss it with femalefriends but wouldn't with male ones

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) yes, why would I want everyone to know

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

No idea, have never asked

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

binner as I grew up in a house with a septic tank.

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

No because I don't ever flush

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? it used to limit my life but has been better since I had a child

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

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No as don't flush

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? No not amonst female friends, but colleagues yes.
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly). Yes definately. Our work toliets are in view of all so I have to discreetly take my tampons in by squashing them intoy purse.
• 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? Binner always.
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? Yes, even binning causes landfill waste, but what alternatives are there?
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? Not really. I just need to remember to change my tampon.l, or I have little accidents.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Annoying.
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No. I don't put in the bin.

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? No and No

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) It's a bit difficult to hide throwing up so when I was younger no, now I am in the menopause neither hide nor advertise

• 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? flusher - I know you shouldn't but sometimes tampons are out and in thetoilet before you have chance to bin

• 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? I did when I was throwing up and passing clots - not now

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

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? Only from poo

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

Not really amongst other females, but I probably wouldn't discuss it with the lads at work.

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

I have a million tampons on me at all times, but probably wouldn't walk about showing them to everyone

• 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. I grew up in an old house with a septic tank and work in an old building.

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

Yes which is why I never flush

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

Yes my flow is heavy for first few days

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

Nature's way

• 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. I found it weird when my FIL got embarrassed when I mentioned I had menstrual cramps.
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) When I was in high school, yes. I'm an adult now and I don't feel embarrassed by my period.
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? I do not have any friends.
• Are you a flusher or a binner? I use to be a flusher, however I now use menstrual cups.
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?I did not know about pollution when I flushed, but I did not worry about blocking the toilet.
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? I normally stay in on day 2 and day 3 of my cycle due to bad cramping. I sit on the couch and my DH brings me tea. We try to avoid being on holiday during my period as well.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? indifferent.
• 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 are taboo. They just don't pop up in small talk or with someone I don't know well.

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

I don't "hide" anything but I don't wave my super heavy flow pads around my head either. I tend to try to be discreet.

• 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?

Binner.

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

No because I don't flush anything other than toilet paper.

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

One or maybe two days a month I have to consider a heavy flow, but it is manageable and doesn't require anything more than a few extra trips to the loo.

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

Inevitable.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No, because I don't flush anything other than toilet paper.

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
Not taboo as such but I am very open about them and I fear I can make people feel uncomfortable l. I am often surprised how little people want to talk or by how hidden they are. It's a subject that can get shut down quickly. At 6 I talk to Dd about them as I want her to grow up comfortable to talk and voice concerns

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

I don't carry them publicly. I find people look awkward. I would never carry a tampon across eg an office but only because I know it makes others uncomfortable. I use a mooncup now so this is a non issue

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

I think flushers as many are grossed out and don't want to see/touch. Wouldn't know for sure

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

I was a flusher as my mum never put in a bin we could put them in. Then I started binning pads but still flushing tampons. Was uneducated on the subject.

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

I do now and would never flush

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

It did in my teens and 20s but this lessened after having my dd. Mentally I still suffer though and get down and find concentration difficult a few days before. In my 20s I would be in bed for a day and feeling nauseous too.

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

Comfortable and connected

• 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) Not really. But I'm also not very open about it either.

• 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? Mostly a binner but I know I should be flushing and trying to do that now.

• 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.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? I hate 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?
Depends on the company, I wouldn't discuss it at work (maybe because I work in a male dominated field and most freaked out when I was heavily pregnant.
Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
Again, at work yes, at home I'm not bothered, although would probably be more discreet about it in front of the DC's friends
When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
Not a clue, I know SIL is a binner, but only because she doesn't wrap her products and occasionally we've noticed when emptying the bathroom bin

Are you a flusher or a binner?
I'm a binner, we had a septic tank on our propery when we were kids and the the number of sanitary pads and tampons when they opened it up was shocking!
Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
Yes, but that's not just restricted to sanitary products
Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
I have a very heavy flow at the beginning of my period, but I can't let that restrict me in anyway, I just have to carry extra pads and tampons.
What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
Annoying necessity
Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
Yes but not due to sanitary products

Yes but not more so than other bodily functions. I am trying to be open with my girls about them as I want them not to feel that it is such a taboo subject as it was when I was growing up.

I have heavy irregular periods so always have tampons and pads in my bag, normally I carry them in a small makeup bag, however as I get older I have started to think it's not important to hide them. After old all women have/ had periods and all men know we have them.

I have no idea what my friends do, but I am a binner.

No (because I bin!) However when I was a teenager we visited a sewage works for a A level science field trip and we saw all the used sanitary protection being filtered out of the waste water. After than I would never choose to flush.

Yes, my periods are heavy and long so I avoid swimming while on as there is a good chance I would leak, and I would always wear clothes that wouldn't show.

Fed up, my body always seems to know worse time to start, going for a romantic weekend in Paris = period, school holidays, kids want to swim = period, day trip to royal ascot = period.

I have never experienced a toilet blockage but then I have been binning for 30 years.

No I don't think periods are taboo I've already told my 3 year old about them.
I bin mine as flushing is bad for the plumbing.
I never flush them so don't have to worry about a blocked toilet.
If I have a bad period it's horrible and I don't go swimming or walk very far as it's agony.
I don't know how I feel about an involuntary bodily function, it just happens, don't really have any feelings towards it.
Yes but not a blockage by period towel or tampon, my daughter chucked a whole loo roll down there.

• 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) If I'm emotional I will tell people but I do hide my sanitary towels
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?no I don't
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Bonnet
• 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? No
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Emotional
• 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 no but I also have limits. There are some friends I would feel more comfortable discussing this with than others and it isn't something I would particularly bring up at work either. It shouldn't be a taboo subject but I get the general feeling that it isn't something that should be publicly talked about.

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

Well I don't walk around with an advert to display to everyone. If I need to pop to the ladies when at work I would carry my tampons in my handbag for a bit of discretion.

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

Binners - who is flushing them?!

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner as above. I also use baby nappy sacks dispose of them to keep things clean and tidy and slightly fragranced.

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

No because I don't flush them.

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

I have awful period pain and bloating. I really don't feel great around this time of the month and will already make sure that what ever I am doing I have easy access to toilets and carry plenty of tampons with me but I wouldn't say it stops me from doing things.

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

Dread

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No because I don't flush!

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

I would openly discuss with anyone equally willing to discuss, not taboo at all in my opinion

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

I would not carry products publicly only to avoid the shyness of others, especially where kids may be likely to comment or ask questions etc. It wouldn't bother me if I was at a friends house or surrounded with people I know aren't bothered.

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

All binners.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner!

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

I would never be in a position to flush sanitary products.

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

Occasionally I will have very tired times or have aches but this is quite rare and only last a day or so, but during those times it would affect me, yes.

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

Nuisance.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

In public toilets I have, I think in a services.

q1) no i don't think they are taboo
2. no it doesn't bother me at all
3. no idea
4. flusher of tampax binner of towels
5. not really but i never really think of it- i get rare very light periods that last 2 days (the joys of the coil)
6. no not anymore but when i used to have heavy ones pre coil it was a nightmare i would flood out of everything
7. i see my period as a "phew i'm not pregnant" - i am on the coil but got caught with my 2 dds on various pills and do not want anymore
8. no

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? I don’t believe periods are taboo at all. I have three daughters and one son. Sanitary towels and tampons are stored on the shelves in the bathroom for all to use. Sometimes I think we are a little too laid back – cue the time my daughter decorated her bottom bunk with panty-liners!
Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I work in a hospital and work directly with three male doctors. I tend to place sanitary products in my pocket or take my bag with me to the bathroom.
When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? I don’t know. I know my daughters are all binners.
Are you a flusher or a binner? I bin towels and flush tampons – guess old habits are hard to stop.
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, fortunately have never suffered period pains and just make sure I’m well prepared in case of a heavy flow.
What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? It’s one of life’s minor inconveniences.
Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? Not period related! Don’t wish to comment further!

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

I was brought up (70s) with periods being taboo. It's hard to shake off, but I welcome the new openness on the topic.

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

Yes, I still try to be discreet.

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

No idea. I'd hope they are binners.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

I'm a binner. But I'm of an age where we were originally told to tear pads in half and flush them.

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

Blocking less so, I think UK plumbing can cope so long as you are sensible (cf. tearing in half) but I am concerned about the items washing back to shore - not just pads/tampons but other unsightlies as well.

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

I prefer not to go on long trips in days 1&2 when flow is heaviest, as I don't like being in a situation where I need to change my pad and cannot do so.

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

Bored. 36 years and counting. They serve no purpose to me now, why can't I switch them off!

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Yes but not from pads/tampons!

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? It depends who you are speaking to.
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I'm not bothered about carrying tampons publicly
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? Binners
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Dinner
• 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? Can do as I avoid going swimming if I have a particularly heavy flow
• 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?

Yes i do believe periods are a taboo subject i dont really discuss it much but you can usually tell im on periods by my mood swings.

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

Yes i hide is as its private to you ita not something you want everyone knowing.

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

We dont discuss this

• 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?

Makes me cranky and moody sometimes a bit emotional

• 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

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

No. I'm open about periods with female colleagues, friends and family. I have always encouraged my daughter to be open too.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I've never needed to carry a tampon publicly.
• 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 flush tampons and bin pads.

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

I am now!

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

Used to when I was younger - but not anymore.

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

Bloody nuisance.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No but Once blocked my dad's toilet after visiting so binned tampons and towels at his house rather than flushing.

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? I think they are a bit taboo. Doesn't affect me now am self employed, but it used to.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) Not really hide, but am discreet.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? Never come up in conversation, funnily enough.

• Are you a flusher or a binner? Binner

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? No, because nothing other than toilet tissue gets flushed.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? Yes. Very heavy. Can't go out for 3 days out of the 7.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Fucking PITA. I dread every fucking month.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? Yes. But from a Poo

I always feel slightly 'yucky' when I'm on and I do think there is still a lot of secrecy which makes it taboo. I don't feel comfortable discussing them with anyone even though my mum was very open when growing up and my boyfriend is also very open. Admitting you are on almost feels like admitting a weakness. However as I have moved from teens to early twenties my friends are beginning to be a bit more open. It's been an eye opener as I didn't realise how many of them have real problems with their periods. Makes me realise that actually I don't have it badly. Although I do get bad pmt!

I think periods are still taboo. But I try to change this. I'm matter of fact about it with my children and if it ever arises in conversation.

I don't hide the fact I'm on my period. It's nothing to be embarrassed about.

My friends are winners. I know one who wasn't years ago, but she knows now.
I'm a binner, so I don't worry about blocking toilets.

I need to make sure I have painkillers and sometimes use a heat pack to ease cramps. I use a bean bag heated at home..not so easy at work.

I think they are a pain - quite literally. I am careful how I speak about them to younger females especially. I don't want them to feel depressed about it.

I've only ever experienced a blockage from my son using too much toilet roll without flushing. I dealt with it with gloves and a bucket.

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)
I believe it shouldn't be a taboo topic, but for some reason it is. Because of the taboo I've resorted to walking to the loo with a tampon hidden in my bra, thus saving face at the cost of perpetuating the taboo

When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
Those that aren't mooncup users are vocal binners.

Are you a flusher or a binner?
A bit of both Usually a binner but have been known to flush.

Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
I do now that I've read that question - I confess I hadn't thought about beach pollution before. Vows to change ways

Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
Just a couple days of OTC painkillers and a bit of grinning and bearing it. Think I get off comparitively lightly. Irregularity is my bugbear - I don't own a single pair of light coloured trousers.

What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
One of life's necessary evils.

Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
Nope.