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 taboo for me at all.
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I would be discreet at work
• 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? Banner
• 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, currently trying out a double layer and tampons so I can go in public without worrying
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Hateful
• 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 at all in my household. My mum was pretty open and now I have teen dds we can quite happily discuss them. Socially, I think they are still a bit taboo.

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

I don't wave them around so yes, I am discreet.

• 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.

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

Yes, I try to use eco products. We're not on mains sewage so I am careful but probably would be anyway.

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

Not for me, but for my teens. We have to be very organised to prevent cramps so bsd they end up off school. School is not sympathetic which annoys me greatly. They want doctors notes for period pains!

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

Inconvenient.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Not period related.

- Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
Taboo in the sense that, like mostly bodily functions, I wouldn't discuss them when in public. However I will quite happily talk about periods with family or friends where relevant. Or on forums where it's the subject of discussion.

- Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly)
I've become quite adept at sliding pads/tampons up my sleeve for when crossing open plan offices towards the toilets.

- When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
I have no idea, it's never been discussed.

- Are you a flusher or a binner?
Bin.

- Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?
Not particularly.

- Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month?
It used to. I was constantly anaemic despite taking massive doses of iron and for two days a month would bleed through a tampon and pad combination within an hour or two. Then, once my family was complete, I had an endo ablation. So far it's changed my life for the better.

- What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period?
A necessary evil.

- Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?
Not a period related one.

I don't believe they are a taboo subject- having 3 daughters I've always been open with them about all aspects. I also work in an all female environment so we openly discuss periods and all female issues.
I don't flush. 2 reasons- beaches and Victorian plumbing. All binners at work too.

Forgot the other questions!
Yes bad cramps and very heavy flow- often limit what I do.
Never had a toilet blockage- don't flush!

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
No. I talk about periods openly although have been challenged in the distant past about being so open... I changed the girls mind!

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

I don't actually hide my tampons but I don't show them off either. I carry them to the toilet in my hand or pocket in work

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

bonnets generally I think but in public loos that can be problematic.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

I vary... I bin of I have access to a sanitary disposal unit, at work, or a bin at home but wouldn't leave the toilet with it so will flush of have to.

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

I do worry about pollution. I use non applicator tampons so they are small... if I use a towel, I would never flush.

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

A little. I need regular toilet trips.

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

inconvenient and 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?
Nope! Doesn't bother me talking about it or hearing about it.

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

A swift pocketing of tampoj or sanitary pad from bag to trousers pre toilet visit.

• 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

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

Nope that's why I use the bin.

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

Heavy flow does yes, although improved now on the coil.

• 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

• 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

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

bin

• 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?

inconvenient

• 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?
I don’t think its taboo but it’s not anything I talk about at the dinner table to on the bus,

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

Hide it? Well I don’t advertise it I once came on all over a white skirt and that wasn’t very nice I was very young and embarrassed. But no I don’t hide it.

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

Well its not something I have ever discussed with anyone but I would my friends would be environmentally sound and bin or use a moon cup.

• Are you a flusher or a binner? I would never flush, Marine life doesn’t need that to cope with.
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?

Yes I would worry if I was a flusher but I am not there are bins provide in loos and always noticed reminding women to bin why would anyone ever flush? that is disgusting

• 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? Its natural part of being a woman if I didn’t then I couldn’t have kids,
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No that’s disgusting why would anyone flush them.

I don't believe they are a taboo subject.
I have hidden the fact that I am having my period.
I don't know how my friends dispose of there towels but I always bin.
I haven't blocked a toilet.
I haven't worried about blocking the toilet.
I have had cramps and heavy flows but gave planned ahead.
Frustration
No, no blockage

It depends

No i dont hide

No idea

Binner

No

Yes

Frustrated

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) - yes
• 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? - no
• 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? - inconvenient
• 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 have no problem discussing periods

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

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

• Are you a flusher or a binner? Binners

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution?No I never put anything down that could pollute or block the toilet

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? No I just carry on as normal

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

• 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.

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

Nope - I think everyone is pretty aware when i am on my period 😳

• 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 use disposable sanitary products.

• 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?

No.

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

Fed up.

• 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?[

A bit. Sometimes I want to moan about them or discuss problems but people act prudish.

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

No, we all (well, most of us) get them!

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

I've never asked.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner, although it would be nice if flushing could be done without causing blockages.

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

No, as I don't flush tampons...any more.

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

I schedule in a few duvet days.

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

'Ick'

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Yes, before I knew that flushing tampons was not the best idea!

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)

Not really I don't care who knows. If I had to carry a tampon at work or somewhere public i would probably pop it up my sleeve though rather than wave it around.

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

I've no idea.

• Are you a flusher or a Binners?

Flush tampons, bin for pads and all wrappers.

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

Yes and I'm aware I shouldn't flush, but I have a heavy flow so binning gets messy.

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

Kind of, I have to double up protection (pads and tampons) and change every couple of hours in the first couple of days.

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

Resigned but neutral.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No thankfully.

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? No not at all if I feel comfortable talking to someone about it I will.
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) Yes but I do wear a menstrual cup so it's quite easy.
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
• Are you a flusher or a binner? No idea, I use a menstrual cup so I don't need to flush or bin!
• 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? I usually find my first couple of days the worst, heavy and cramps but after that it's no problem.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Inconvenient
• 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) 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? No I don't flush
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? Can do as have to take pain killers ever four hours and keeps waking me up at night (pain and needing loo- hence tired!)
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? painful
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No

They are an excuse to feel grumpy and sit with a hot water bottle!

• 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

No but I work from home and tend to carry them in my bag when out so they're already hidden.

• 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?

Banner

• 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 I have very heavy periods and experience leaks in the first few days so avoid places with no toilets.

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

Fed up

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Not me but DH does by using half a loo roll for a poo. Drives me batty!

The Jurassic was probably my favourite, not so keen on the Middle Ages.

• Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? Not for me, I have two older sisters who have always been very open with me about periods

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

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Binner

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? I don't flush

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? It makes me more wary of being in public

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

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No, I don't flush

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

Yes and no, I don't work with any other women at all and lets be honest men tend to be a bit squeamish about those sorts of things.

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

yes, who needs to see that?

• 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?

Flush tampons, 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?

No I just have to deal with it ... I'm a firefighter, I don't think I would get much sympathy telling the crew that I can't go into a burning building as it's the time of the month.

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

Necessary evil

• 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, I think they used to be and I think they are more taboo for younger people.

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) No, I don't openly flash them about but I don't purposely hide them either.

• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? No idea, it's not something we discuss

• Are you a flusher or a binner? Binner.

• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? No, although when younger I did flush tampons and did worry about blocking the toilet.

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? Yes, it's very difficult having a heavy flow and can be very restrictive on what activitys I can do.

• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? I absolutely dread 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? god, no.

Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) just carry it in my fist.

When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners not a clue
Are you a flusher or a binner binner
Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? I do, bought a moon cup for this reason

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? yes and I'm looking at surgical options, lose about 300ml per period

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

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? no