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? 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? Don't know
• 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? No
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Natural occurence
• 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 but mine have recently finished.
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? All binners I would imagine.
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, they used to. I always suffered from heavy periods and painful cramps.
What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Glad it's all over!
Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? Not as a result of periods.

They are a natural part of life and there should be no embarrassment whatsoever around them. There is no stigma in this household at all. We dispose of them via the rubbish bin. :)

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

Yes, I only talk about it with my DH or online.

• 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?

I've tried to reduce wastage by using a mooncup as well as sanitary towels.

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

It used to, but the mooncup has really helped.

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

Necessary

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Only by DH's doing

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

I don't believe it's taboo. I enjoy talking about them!

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

I don't try to hide it, but at the same time I don't feel it's particularly visible.

• 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?

Neither, I use a mooncup, so I suppose a flusher.

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

Yes, so I use a mooncup!

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

No, I've always been lucky with my periods so far.

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

Uncomfortable but necessary.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage

No

• not taboo, but personal. It doesn't really affect me.

• Yes, I carry pads and tampons discreetly.

• I haven't asked them if they flush or bin.

• I'm a gunner.

• Yes, I'd be mortified if I caused a blockage.

• Yes, the first two days I barely leave the house due to heavy periods.

• Exhausted

• No

Firstly, I was one of those women who suffered really painful periods every month. I'd take painkillers and hot baths etc. When I had my DDs then one of the best side-effects was that I no longer suffered the stomach pains! A surprising but veritable upside of having children!!

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

Nope - happy to discuss with anyone. Eldest DD is still only 7 so we are a while having that 'talk' but I'm looking forward to it!

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) I don't flash the tampons around, but carry them discreetly
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners?

I hope they are ALL binners!!!

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

ALWAYS a binner - there is no excuse for anyone flushing sanitary items, or even ANYTHING apart from toilet roll and bodily wastes down the loo!!

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

I always dispose of my used sanitary items as responsibly as I can!

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

Used to when I had bad cramps - at its worst, I'd have to stay in bed with a hot water bottle strapped to my belly!

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

A fact of life

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No...thankfully! But then I'm careful about what goes 'down there'!!

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you? Not really although I wouldn't announce it in the supermarket
Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) No I always have them in my handbag
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? Yes

• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? I feel tired and down each month and more hungry which really annoys me
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? It's a pain
• 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 a taboo topic

• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) Not really, I carry them discreetly though
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? Wouldn't know!
• Are you a flusher or a binner? Both! Depends if there is a bin available - I only use tampons though, I wouldn't try to flush a sanitary towel
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? A bit
• 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 sometimes but necessary!
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? No, luckily!

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

I think its taboo when your younger.

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

I keep them in my bag and don't go waving them around so I guess I do hide it.

• 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?

I always bin.

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

I always use a bin for this reason.

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

Yes I get both and it definitely affects my lifestyle but Im more prepared for it these day, it still sucks tho.

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

Gross.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Nope.

I dont feel that periods is a taboo subject in my world, I have always encouraged my children and family to feel comfortable and open regards this subject, it is part of life and something that is an everday thing, why should it be embarressing etc

Do you believe that periods are a taboo topic, and if so, how does this affect you?
Maybe for some other people but i certainly don't consider them to be taboo and I have no shame in discussing them openly.

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

Again no because it isn't something that I think people should be ashamed of or have to hide.

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

No

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

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 get quite painful cramps but have learnt to deal with them.

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

Sick of them.

• 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 dont think its Taboo and try to be very open about it with my teenage daughter

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

no i don't and in fairness those close to me normally know as im a grumpy mare when i have my period!

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

Im not sure.

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

bit of both depending on the situation

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

No i dont

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

mine can vary month to month so sometimes ill need a painkiller and hot water bottle other times i barely know its here!

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

inevitable!

• 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 around women, I feel that male friends do not like you to talk about it
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) - Absolutely
• 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? - If I flushed, that would worry me
• 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? - Grumpy
• 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 really, i'm pretty open about what i'll talk about
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) not really- i wouldn't wave them around, but then i wouldn't do that with anything else either!
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? binnes as far as i know
• Are you a flusher or a binner? binner
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? no- because i use the bin!
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? yes- i'm a caver and the amount of effort it takes to find somewhere private in a cave that's not in knee depth water or more, get out of two all-in-one suits (one waterproof, one for warmth), clean your hands and then start changing a tampon... it really is more effort than it's worth on the heaviest of days!
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? it's a pest
• 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 in my world. Perhaps it makes some uncomfortable but I couldn't care less if people know I'm on my period or not.
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) - Not in the slightest. It's completely normal.
• 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? - A binner of course!
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? - Nope.
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? - Heavy flow some months is quite cumbersome and uncomfortable. Cramps aren't too bad usually but sometimes make me just want to sit on the sofa all day.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? - 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?

Not taboo but I wouldn't discuss it with everyone.

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

I carry them in my bag but I wouldn't walk about with them in my hand if I needed to change 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?

I would do if I put them in the toilet

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

I may just lack energy but I try to get on with things.

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

Not bothered.

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

Not as the result of periods lol.

It's one of those let's not talk about it topics and Is prefer not to go into detail. I don't tell others and wouldn't know about flushers but I am a binner as I worry about blocking the toilet which luckily hasn't happened. I find cramps bad and makes my mood low.

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)

Depends - if I'm with my daughter/husband then no. However I don't flaunt the fact at work as a number of young men in the team.

• 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?

A binner. I used to flush until Mumsnet enlightened me!

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

Not any more

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

Sometimes. A heavy first day and cramps may limit me somewhat.

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

I wish they were over and done with!

• 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 are taboo between women but i don't know of a man who would happily discuss them or wants to hear about how you feel during them!

• 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? Flusher at home, binner if there is a tampon bin out
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? Yes, more about the pollution and people having to deal with it at pipe level
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? No not really, I just feel sluggish and not very lively.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? Accepting
• 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, it doesn't affect me.
• Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) = I don't flash them about, but I don't go to great lengths to hide them either.
• When it comes to disposal, do you know if your close friends are flushers or binners? = I think most people know to use bins, but I haven't ever asked them.
• Are you a flusher or a binner? = Binner.
• Do you ever worry about blocking a toilet or adding to beach pollution? No, because I put them in the bin.
• Does having a very heavy flow or very bad cramps limit your lifestyle or require certain ‘regimes' each month? = I did before I went on the pill which massively reduces the pain I get.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe how you feel about your period? = Meh!
• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage? = Yes, but not because of sanitary products!

I don't think it's a taboo topic, but I also don't discuss it with people outside my family and friends. I did used to hide tampons when I was in work, but now I use a Mooncup so no need for that any more. I hate having my period as they are painful, and I don't feel myself. There's also no need for them any more as I've got my family and don't plan on having any more children.

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

No but doesn't make for joyous conversations Do you hide the fact that you're on your period? (e.g. not carrying tampons publicly) Not particularly but I don't announce it

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

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?

Yes, use best products but always leaking so am disappearing to bathroom on regular basis

• 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?

Not now, when I first started quite a few years ago it was so taboo, but my older DDs are open and ask questions, debate choice of protection and happily nip to the shop for their own.

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

I don't openly flaunt it but if in a friends house and I need to change,I will openly go outside to put the used protection into their wheelie bin.

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

Binners defiinitely

• Are you a flusher or a binner?

Binner

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

I do but don't really have an option but to use the protection on offer.

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

Sometimes yes, and sometimes doctors can be very dismissive.

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

Essential, but a pain in the bahookie!

• Have you ever experienced a toilet blockage?

No

I find it ridiculous that FabLittleBag is pretending to be concerned about tampons on beaches while simultaneously trying to encourage unnecessary use of additional plastic wrappers for used sanitary products. MN you should be ashamed.