Feminine Hygiene and housemates

LegacyUser

Hi, ok this might seem like a weird one but because I find disposable pads very uncomfortable and they tend to give me weird rash and now use reusable pads which I love. Anyway,this means I have to rinse them in sink to prevent staining and then just chuck them in the wash with the rest of my clothes.

The problem is that my room-mates (3 girls early 20s like me) are disgusted by this and don't want me to use them. They don't mind that me rinsing them the sink as long as I use the downstairs toilet but say that I'm not allowed to put them in the washing machine. Am I wrong to stand up for myself on this one? They seem to think that my blood is, like, contaminating the machine or something. It's not even as though they go in with their clothes, we all do separate washes. I mean, washing machines are for cleaning dirty things.

Is it genuinely that disgusting or should I stand my ground?

Sooopie

I'd have said nothing to them in the first place, its your own private business?

ash23

I'd point out that it's quite likely that at some stage in their day to day lives, they would have blood, sperm or vaginal mucus on their knickers so unless you are all going to start washing your delicates by hand in the downstairs bathroom sink, then you shouldn't have to exclude your sanitary items.

Miss Fluff

I've never even heard of these things. I personally would strongly object to you rinsing them out in a downstairs communal sink though. :eek: I don't think it's acceptable or respectful to the people you live with to have a shared sink containing items steeped in menstrual blood.

I get that you need to rinse them out but I think it more appropriate that you steep them in a basin/bucket in your own room before putting them in the washing machine. It's your own business what you put in the washing machine when you do seperate washes btw.

ash23

Miss Fluff wrote: »

I've never even heard of these things. I personally would strongly object to you rinsing them out in a downstairs communal sink though. :eek: I don't think it's acceptable or respectful to the people you live with to have a shared sink containing items steeped in menstrual blood.

I get that you need to rinse them out but I think it more appropriate that you steep them in a basin/bucket in your own room before putting them in the washing machine. It's your own business what you put in the washing machine when you do seperate washes btw.

I don't think they're being left steeping, I think she's just rinsing them. Reusable sanitary methods are becoming more and more common. Personally, I love my mooncup which involves me rinsing it out in the sink and it's no different to someone washing their dirty hands in the sink imo.

LegacyUser

I wouldn't like it. Nobody wants to be reminded of anyone eles bodily functions. Menstruation is a very private function to women. It's not your washing machine, it's a shared one. I completely see their point.

They have every right not to want them going through the machine and being rinsed in a shared bathroom. You do know blood hangs around even on hard surfaces even after apparent cleaning.

Also are they visible in your washing basket and where are you drying them?

You're in a share OP. It's not quite the same as you in your very own home with your own exclusive washing machine.

neuro-praxis

Are you being scrupulously clean, making sure not to leave traces of blood around? If yes, then I have no clue what their problem is.

iguana

ash23 wrote: »

I'd point out that it's quite likely that at some stage in their day to day lives, they would have blood, sperm or vaginal mucus on their knickers so unless you are all going to start washing your delicates by hand in the downstairs bathroom sink, then you shouldn't have to exclude your sanitary items.

+1. Your housemates are being over the top squeamish. I understand that the thought of it gives them the heebie-jeebies initially, but once you actually stop and think it through there is no genuine reason to be bothered with what you are doing.

I think the first responder got it right. Just don't talk to them about it. It's none of their business.

Neyite

isitdisgusting wrote: »

The problem is that my room-mates (3 girls early 20s like me) are disgusted by this and don't want me to use them. They don't mind that me rinsing them the sink as long as I use the downstairs toilet but say that I'm not allowed to put them in the washing machine. Am I wrong to stand up for myself on this one? They seem to think that my blood is, like, contaminating the machine or something. It's not even as though they go in with their clothes, we all do separate washes. I mean, washing machines are for cleaning dirty things.

Is it genuinely that disgusting or should I stand my ground?

Long before disposable sanitary towels came along, women used rags which were soaked and then washed, and certainly used by women from poorer homes (my mother being one)because they could not afford the disposable ones. this is no different. They are being drama queens about the washing machine (maybe not so much about the sink - a basin in your room for steeping, or a basin for rinsing is a nice compromise) I take it you each do your own laundry so these are not getting washed with their clothes? And you dry them in your own room?

Tell them if they ban you using the washing machine for these, you would also like to ban all female underwear and bed linen, due to the other bodily fluids on them. Then start on the dishwasher due to the saliva on forks and spoons...

Ickle Magoo

its gross op wrote: »

You do know blood hangs around even on hard surfaces even after apparent cleaning.

So do most bodily fluids - how many sinks do you know in house shares that never see urine, faeces, vomit, sperm, etc...?

OP,

As long as the sink is being regularly cleaned properly then it should post no greater threat to health than any other sink that regularly gets dirty hands dunked in them. As for not being "allowed" to use the washing machine - presumably they are going to privately launder their sperm covered bedsheets and dribbled on t-shirts and used knickers? Sounds ridiculously squeamish and precious when you think about it.

All the best

Villette

They are being ridiculous. You should explain the science of the washing machine to them.
As another poster pointed out they put dirty things in the washing machine too....that is the general idea of a washing machine. Same with a sink.
What if one of them got sick on their clothes, would they just throw them out? Do they throw out each pair of knickers?
I think they are just being bitchy girls.

Distorted

I am another who has never heard of these things. I mean, I know they existed about a hundred years ago but I never realised there was still a demand for them. tbh I find using anything but tampons quite old fashioned but each to their own. However moving away from the direct issues of washing and using the washing machine for them, I suspect your flatmates are objecting more to the fact that it seems slightly odd to them, and that you are not trying to fit in with them, despite the fact you are sharing a house with them.

I'm with your flatmates on this one. I think I'd find it rather odd and slightly objectionable if someone did the amount of washing and rinsing this antiquated procedure must involve. They have even said that they don't object to you rinsing them in the downstairs loo. Despite the fact that they are clean when they come out of the washing machine, I wouldn't fancy the prospect of handling someone else's sanitary pads when I used the washing machine.

Stick up for yourself as much as you like but in a houseshare you have to come and go to make yourself popular so be prepared to deal with the consequences.

ash23

Just to add OP, I would have basic courtesy about it aswell. What I mean is making sure that the sink is spotless after I rinse them out and puring some bleach down there. And also making sure to empty the machine once it's finished so that they don't have to handle them if they want to do a wash.

Personally I'd tell them I was going to go back to using disposable towels and continue using the cotton ones. You shouldn't have to but for peace and quiet, I would do that.

Neyite

Distorted wrote: »

I am another who has never heard of these things. I mean, I know they existed about a hundred years ago but I never realised there was still a demand for them. tbh I find using anything but tampons quite old fashioned but each to their own. However moving away from the direct issues of washing and using the washing machine for them, I suspect your flatmates are objecting more to the fact that it seems slightly odd to them, and that you are not trying to fit in with them, despite the fact you are sharing a house with them.

I'm with your flatmates on this one. I think I'd find it rather odd and slightly objectionable if someone did the amount of washing and rinsing this antiquated procedure must involve. They have even said that they don't object to you rinsing them in the downstairs loo. Despite the fact that they are clean when they come out of the washing machine, I wouldn't fancy the prospect of handling someone else's sanitary pads when I used the washing machine.

Stick up for yourself as much as you like but in a houseshare you have to come and go to make yourself popular so be prepared to deal with the consequences.

I would have a similar bemused reaction to their usage but I find periods enough of an inconvenience without adding in laundering towels to my monthly torture.:D

You have several good points here, but any house share I have been in, people did their own washing, it was never pooled the way it would in a family in one big laundry basket. So if she is handwashing them, then loading and unloading the washing machine, and drying them in her own room then her flatmates are over-reacting.

Unless op, they are having to handle them -either loading or unloading the machine - thats not fair on them, you handle your own sanitary towels. In any houseshare Ive been in, underwear always got dried on my room radiator, never in the communal areas - thats grand for outer clothes but not the undies.

Penny Dreadful

Distorted wrote: »

I am another who has never heard of these things. I mean, I know they existed about a hundred years ago but I never realised there was still a demand for them. tbh I find using anything but tampons quite old fashioned but each to their own. However moving away from the direct issues of washing and using the washing machine for them, I suspect your flatmates are objecting more to the fact that it seems slightly odd to them, and that you are not trying to fit in with them, despite the fact you are sharing a house with them.

I'm with your flatmates on this one. I think I'd find it rather odd and slightly objectionable if someone did the amount of washing and rinsing this antiquated procedure must involve. They have even said that they don't object to you rinsing them in the downstairs loo. Despite the fact that they are clean when they come out of the washing machine, I wouldn't fancy the prospect of handling someone else's sanitary pads when I used the washing machine.

Stick up for yourself as much as you like but in a houseshare you have to come and go to make yourself popular so be prepared to deal with the consequences.

I agree. I, for some reason, find this rather peculiar. I'm 34 and far far far from being squeamish but just don't like the sound of this. If I had to share a house with someone doing this I'd object too.

Morag

I think they are being squeamish, its a washing machine ffs, if one of them got bird shit on a top are they going to make a fuss., doubt it.

Reusable towels are nothing new, 50/60 years ago it was what most women in the country wore and would wash them by hand and dry them on the line hidden in the bedsheets.
Modern cloth pads are easy to use and wash and are as hygienic as the person who uses them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloth_menstrual_pad

You should not have to change what you use for that time of the month but you may have to reach a compromise with your house mates. Just pile the pads in a pillow case when you run them through the wash.

Penny Dreadful

Can I ask OP, why did you even tell them what products you were using to deal with your period? If they didn't know then none of this would be an issue would it?

Neyite

Sharrow,
Couldnt help but giggle at your "give blood" signature.
:pac:

iguana

Distorted wrote: »

tbh I find using anything but tampons quite old fashioned but each to their own.

I used to feel like this, waaaaaaay back in the 20th century. But here in the 21st century it's all about medical grade silicon. Move forward sister, the future is now!

Seriously, what's with ragging (no pun intended) on the OP's preference? Some people dislike the feeling of insertable sanitary wear and prefer towels. The OP may well be one of those people, but disposable towels give her a rash, as she has explained.

Penny Dreadful

iguana wrote: »

I used to feel like this, waaaaaaay back in the 20th century. But here in the 21st century it's all about medical grade silicon. Move forward sister, the future is now!

Seriously, what's with ragging (no pun intended) on the OP's preference? Some people dislike the feeling of insertable sanitary wear and prefer towels. The OP may well be one of those people, but disposable towels give her a rash, as she has explained.

Its not the preference itself that seems strange just that it is a little unusual now. Sure enough, other options give her a rash and so she does what she does to suit herself. Its more the fact (for me at least) that this was discussed with housemates (why would you) and I have to admit, I just don't like the idea of the rinsing in the sink etc. This is irrational I know given all that goes into a washing machine and all that gets washed off your hands in a sink too but :o

OP have you tried a mooncup? It would seem a better option to me.

Sooopie

This thread is giving me the heebie jeebies

mud

Lol at people who "can't understand" why someone wouldn't use tampons/moon-cups. For some people these devices are not an option. Try and be a bit tolerant?

OP I think that your house-mates are freaked because of the unknown. It's bothering them and may make your house-share very uncomfortable.

Why not be more discreet, rinse them in the privacy of your room and wash them in a pillowcase?

Surely what you do and how you deal with your menses is private anyway? Not sure how they found out about what you use? I think it's a bit distasteful to discuss those intimate subjects but each to their own.

Ickle Magoo

Sooopie wrote: »

This thread is giving me the heebie jeebies

That is in no way relevant or even interesting.

In future please ensure your replies are on topic and helpful to the OP.

Be aware that off-topic and unhelpful posting can earn you a ban from this forum.

If you haven't already done so, please take the time to read the [URL=" http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056181484"]forum rules[/URL] in the charter.

Many thanks.

Animord

I have just been looking at the Mooncup website and I noticed this bit (re cleaning it):D:-

We do not recommend using a dishwasher, because the detergent used in dishwaters may affect the material the Mooncup is made from on a long- term basis. Also any traces of the dishwasher soap left on the material may affect the vagina's finely tuned environment.
It is important to keep the Mooncup dry after your period and keep it in the cotton breathable bag provided.

They might not recommend it but presumably people do it! OP I think you should offer your flatmates this alternative. Washable pad in the washing machine or Mooncup in the dishwasher... I bet they soon come round!

LegacyUser

Hi, Op here. Thanks for all the replies. I'm still not 100% sure but I think I'm in the right. I'd just like to clarify a few things. I don't leave them to seep in the sink, that would be quite strange. I literally give them a quick rinse after going to the loo and I as I only need them at night (I have a mooncup for the day but it leaks at night) I pop them in ziplock bag in my dressing-gown pocket, bring it to my room and put it in my laundry basket. I also dry them in my bedroom.

Two of the girls are my closest friends so discussing periods or other parts of out private life is not unusual (for us anyway) although I did not tell them about this, one of the girls saw me empty the washing-machine and wanted to know what it was. She then told the others which, while I'm not ashamed of them, did annoy me.

I've also brought up the "your fluids get washed too" point but they think menstrual blood (or larger quantities of it than an average leak anyway) is just different.

I know I could just sneak around but I shouldn't have to worry about being "caught" as an adult in my own home.

iguana

Penny Dreadful wrote: »

I just don't like the idea of the rinsing in the sink etc. This is irrational I know given all that goes into a washing machine and all that gets washed off your hands in a sink too but :o

OP have you tried a mooncup? It would seem a better option to me.

I'm not trying to "catch you out" or whatever, I'm genuinely curious. If you don't like the idea of rinsing the pads in the sink why recommend a mooncup? They need to be washed in the sink too.

OP, you are in the right.

However, I know girls like the ones you've mentioned, and there's no way you're going to be able to logically explain away their "eeeewwwww"s without putting a lot of time and effort into it, and being very understanding of their position.

Someone earlier mentioned putting them in a pillowcase when washing them. Maybe explain that you have no other viable options and could they come round to it if they're always in a pillowcase? Tell them they'll never have to see them and they'll never be free in the machine.

LegacyUser

I'd also have a problem with someone emptying a mooncup in a communal sink. Surely it can be emptied into the toilet. Blood is hazardous waste in case people don't realise. It's all very well doing these things in your own house but when you're sharing you just shouldn't.

It's vile.

iguana

its gross op wrote: »

I'd also have a problem with someone emptying a mooncup in a communal sink. Surely it can be emptied into the toilet.

Yes, it normally is emptied down the toilet but then it needs to be rinsed.

its gross op

its gross op wrote: »

It's vile.

Well what do you want the OP to do? She doesn't have any other option.

All methods of disposing of menstrual fluid are less than pleasant, but it's nature and you have to get over it.

LegacyUser

its gross op wrote: »

Blood is hazardous waste in case people don't realise.

So are mucous, saliva, sweat, and tears in case you don't realize.

LegacyUser

true-or-false wrote: »

Well what do you want the OP to do? She doesn't have any other option.

All methods of disposing of menstrual fluid are less than pleasant, but it's nature and you have to get over it.

OP asked is it disgusting and my opinion is that it is to me. Although I see the majority have said no I still wouldn't like it in my home. In fact I'd move out.

I don't have to live there thankfully. But I certainly wouldn't share a sink with anyone who is rinsing bloody things in the communal sink. I can fully understand why her housemates wouldn't want to either.

I don't like the idea of washing from a sink that may just have been full of blood and then just rinsed. I wouldn't feel clean.

Distorted

I think its a more suitable practise to someone living alone, actually! If I was one of the housemates, I'd be counting down the days. We are not in the 1900's, we do have more modern, convenient ways of dealing with these things and it does seem to be inconveniencing her housemates, in that they have noticed enough to be bothered by it.

I'm not sure I agree with how hygenic it is either. Rinsing blood soaked towels in sinks is ick (I assume you have cleaning fluid at hand for cleaning the sink afterwards too and never miss it) and I'd honestly object to someone washing blood stained clothes in a communal load or even on their own without doing an empty wash first. As for doing it regulary - I wouldn't find that acceptable in a housemate.

Could it be possible OP, that you are just coming across as rather old fashioned and strange of habit to your housemates, and that its not just the practise thats bothering them? Its all very well saying you take precautions on cleanliness and want to keep doing it because it suits you, but you can't control the reaction that other people have.

LegacyUser

It's actually not old fashioned. Due to the harm caused to the environment by manufacturing and disposing of billions of disposable pads and tampons, these use of things like moon cups and reusable pads are on the rise.

You're ahead of the curve, OP, well done.

iguana

Distorted wrote: »

I think its a more suitable practise to someone living alone, actually! If I was one of the housemates, I'd be counting down the days. We are not in the 1900's, we do have more modern, convenient ways of dealing with these things and it does seem to be inconveniencing her housemates, in that they have noticed enough to be bothered by it
.............
Could it be possible OP, that you are just coming across as rather old fashioned and strange of habit to your housemates, and that its not just the practise thats bothering them?

Are you still on the old-fashioned thing? Really? While you are using a sanitary method that's hardly the cutting edge of sanitary wear? Having used them from '95-'08 I find the idea of pushing bleached, wadded cotton up your vagina so gross and weird in retrospect. Least of all because when you use them a string hangs down and sometimes gets wee on it and then the wee covered string gets on your underwear which later go in the washing machine. So that's urine in the washing machine right there.

To paraphrase true-or-false, it's menstrual fluid, no matter what way you deal with it is pretty gross when you actually think about it. In fact with modern plumbing washing the waste away so that within minutes it's miles from where you live is actually significantly cleaner than having it sit in the wheelie bin in the garden for a week between refuse collections, attracting rats and flies. Or flushing tampons and risking them clogging up the plumbing.

Distorted

iguana wrote: »

Are you still on the old-fashioned thing? Really?

Yes. Really.

iguana wrote: »

While you are using a sanitary method that's hardly the cutting edge of sanitary wear? Having used them from '95-'08 I find the idea of pushing bleached, wadded cotton up your vagina so gross and weird in retrospect. Least of all because when you use them a string hangs down and sometimes gets wee on it and then the wee covered string gets on your underwear which later go in the washing machine. So that's urine in the washing machine right there.

Yeah, I think we all know what periods entail and tampons entail. Its not that exciting or dramatic.

I don't think theres anything particularly novel or environmentally friendly about using a method your great grandmother used or using the massive amounts of water required in rinsing then in washing.

But believe what you're told to believe! Personally, I prefer the freedom to move around and do sport afforded by tampons. Which I believe was one of the major reasons for their invention. Along with that other biggie, convenience.

I think this will probably go on to become one of those stories you narrate to friends down the years, about odd habits of former flatmates!

iguana

Distorted wrote: »

Yes. Really.


I don't think theres anything particularly novel or environmentally friendly about using a method your great grandmother used or using the massive amounts of water required in rinsing then in washing.

But believe what you're told to believe! Personally, I prefer the freedom to move around and do sport afforded by tampons. Which I believe was one of the major reasons for their invention. Along with that other biggie, convenience.

I'm talking about menstrual cups, that's what I meant by medical grade silicon. I can guarantee you none of my 4 great-grandmothers ever used them, though one of my grandmothers and my mother used tampons, so hardly modern. Cups are the biggest growing product on the sanitary wear market, they are the modern way that make tampons feel a bit backward to their fans. And as the OP has explained, they are what she uses most of the time. She only uses the pads for sleeping, a time when she doesn't actually do any sport.

The modernity, or lack thereof, of the OP's choice is nothing to do with anything and it's frankly odd that you keep on harping on about it. Especially when you are hardly being especially modern yourself.

Neyite

The OP said that ordinary disposable pads give her a rash. I would imagine that tampons would trigger the same rash if she is this sensitive, and I for one would not want a sore, itchy rash up there (hell I wouldnt want a rash anywhere on my ladygarden.)

So, her methods of mooncup and reusable pads are her only option. OP you need to explain to your flatmates that you dont have any other option.

thefeatheredcat

isitdisgusting wrote: »

They seem to think that my blood is, like, contaminating the machine or something. It's not even as though they go in with their clothes, we all do separate washes. I mean, washing machines are for cleaning dirty things.

isitdisgusting wrote: »

although I did not tell them about this, one of the girls saw me empty the washing-machine and wanted to know what it was. She then told the others which, while I'm not ashamed of them, did annoy me.

HI OP, stand your ground, you'll find a solution. It's your own business as to what you use during your period and you shouldn't be dictated to for any reason. You've gone about it as hygienically as possible

I wasn't aware of these, were they aware of them or do they have much information about them? Given how it was noticed perhaps they just thought it weird and just don't understand...perhaps with more information on it including leaflets might help them understand better?

Even though a washing machine would rinse a number of times in a cycle, you could suggest to them that you put on a quick rinse wash with some powder if it eases their minds a bit as a compromise.

calex71

Bizarre, so it's ok to rinse them in the sink but not ok to put them in the washing machine, where a hot wash and detergents would eradicate anything harmful to those with weak immune systems, yet the others are ok with throwing their knickers in the machine when they feel like it ??????

Fools logic on your house mates part if ever I heard it, I agree with an above poster OP, you should never have mentioned it to them.

As a bloke i've never come across these , they seem to be the terry towel of the ST world, but i've been around the block enough to have thrown a blood stained pair of knickers in with my own things in the wash and not given it a second though. The fact it's girls giving you the issue with this reeks of bitchiness and looking to pick fault where there is none imo!!!!!!

* I know it's ST's we are talking about , but really can't see any difference in washing a towel or pants when it comes down to it.

LegacyUser

With all due respect I personally wouldn't like this if it was my home.

Look, I know we all have our own ways and likes and dislikes but what gets to me is that when you live in a houseshare, then you are all living there as a compromise.

We all love our home comforts but people also need to understand that when you're in a house-share, you really need to keep things as middle of the road as possible and not put anyone else out.

Look, nobody is suggesting something about you by not wanting items with blood on them in their washing machine or sink. The bottom line is it just isn't very sanitary and its just not very nice at all. Yes, all of our clothes have some dirt or grime on them and thats what a washing machine is for but what you are talking about is something designed purely to soak up blood, even if this was a guy who had heavily blood stained clothes from fighting or something, it'd be uneasy about it. Blood is blood, nobody is saying you are "unclean" but heavy amounts of other peoples blood or other bodily fluids are not something most people are comfortable with.


Look, I try to take this line of thought in a house share:
Is what I am doing a normal enough thing to say that the majority of people do this too or are comfortable with it. If that answer is no then think it's inappropriate. If it was your own house and your own business then its fine but when sharing you DO have to think of others to be respectful. Too many people think that paying a third of the rent or whatever means its their house to do as they like if it was their own place and I'm afriad this just isnt respectful

LegacyUser

true-or-false wrote: »

Well what do you want the OP to do? She doesn't have any other option.

All methods of disposing of menstrual fluid are less than pleasant, but it's nature and you have to get over it.

Tampons are gone with a simple flush

IvyTheTerrible

Anonymous1234 wrote: »

Tampons are gone with a simple flush

I hope you're joking!

Personally what the op is doing wouldn't bother me but there are a lot of people who are grossed out by periods and bodily fluids.

Think it was perhaps a mistake to tell your housemate about the pads though. That's your own business. I'm sure there are PLENTY of girls using these products and their housemates don't know.

LegacyUser

IvyTheTerrible wrote: »

I hope you're joking!

Personally what the op is doing wouldn't bother me but there are a lot of people who are grossed out by periods and bodily fluids.

Think it was perhaps a mistake to tell your housemate about the pads though. That's your own business. I'm sure there are PLENTY of girls using these products and their housemates don't know.

No i'm not? As far as disposing from the house out of sight etc (which is what the thread is about) they are gone. I even think STs are disgusting just been left in the bin etc.

Seraphina

Anonymous1234 wrote: »

Tampons are gone with a simple flush

Are you serious? Have you any idea of the damage you can do to the plumbing and sewage system. Not to mention the fact that they DON'T just disappear when you flush them!

OP, frankly I would ignore them. They're being ridiculously unreasonable and squeamish. All this 'old fashioned' talk is just weird. If you had ladies had a friend who was really into the 50's and liked doing her hair vintage style, would you tell her it was silly and old fashioned? It's the OP's preference, simple as.

What other people don't seem to get is that it's NOT a compromise for anyone here. They are telling the OP to concede to the absurd obsession with clinical cleanliness that has become part of our 'modern age' (which is probably linked to the massive rise in asthma and other allergy suffering) and use disposable sanitary items which give her a rash. All her housemates have to do to let her continue happily in the way she has been (not leaving a trace or bothering anyone until someone saw her take them out of the machine) is not think about it.

LegacyUser

[QUOTE=Seraphina;73994680]Are you serious? Have you any idea of the damage you can do to the plumbing and sewage system. Not to mention the fact that they DON'T just disappear when you flush them!OP, frankly I would ignore them. They're being ridiculously unreasonable and squeamish. All this 'old fashioned' talk is just weird. If you had ladies had a friend who was really into the 50's and liked doing her hair vintage style, would you tell her it was silly and old fashioned? It's the OP's preference, simple as.

What other people don't seem to get is that it's NOT a compromise for anyone here. They are telling the OP to concede to the absurd obsession with clinical cleanliness that has become part of our 'modern age' (which is probably linked to the massive rise in asthma and other allergy suffering) and use disposable sanitary items which give her a rash. All her housemates have to do to let her continue happily in the way she has been (not leaving a trace or bothering anyone until someone saw her take them out of the machine) is not think about it.[/QUOTE]

We're not talking about sewage the environment etc, that's a whole other issue which is not relevant to the OPs issue and completely irrelevant to the point i'm making.

ash23

I'm just wondering, surely anyone who has ever had a period, has at some stage in their lives had a "leak". Or has had sex during their period and put a towel down etc.
In other words, any woman who menstruates has gotten blood on something? Surely?

So for those who are saying what OP is doing is gross, haven't you ever chucked your stained knickers, sheets or towels into the wash?
Whats the difference?
OP uses them only at night so we're talking 5 a month approx, possibly less of things which have already been rinsed of most of the menses. Hardly enough to taint the washing machine! Well, not any more than the other 3 housemates dirty knickers and sheets.

And as for being "old fashioned", hardly. It's environmentally friendly to use a mooncup and a cotton ST at night. The "damage" caused by washing 3-5 reusable STs compared to using bleached, disposable tampons/STs throughout your period is nothing.
I don't use it because I'm "green". I just find them more comfortable, more efficient and more affordable.

Anonymous1234

Anonymous1234 wrote: »

Tampons are gone with a simple flush

Okay, first of all, tampons are NOT gone with a simple flush. If you're flushing your tampons, not only are you risking blocking your toilet (at which point flushed tampons will come up out of the loo when it overflows, and whoever you hire to fix it will have to deal with your used tampons too in order to unplug the pipes) but you're putting your menstrual waste into the sewage system where it will have to be dredged (yes, they are having to dredge your tampons out of the sewage) out of the water. To me, that's far more inconsiderate than dealing with it yourself. It also shows that you haven't read the packet.

Secondly, I think a lot of girls push tampons as being the best and only sanitary way of dealing with periods because A- they think it's what everyone else does, and B- you feel like everything's hidden. But to me, tampons are horrible. I've always had problems with my periods and not only is it extremely painful for me to put tampons in, but they also don't work on me. I can only liken them to a big plug for your vagina, which you let soak up your fluid for hours and then pull out like a vaginal poo on a string. But I get that they work for other people, so I don't go around telling girls that they're disgusting. Different strokes for different folks.

The amount of pressure I get any time periods come up and some girl decides it's disgusting that I don't use tampons, and tries to convince me I must be using them wrong (which I'm not, they honestly aren't for me, I have medical reasons for this) is not only insulting but makes me feel pretty embarrassed. But I have no other options. I can only assume that the girls who go around going "ewww" are extremely ashamed of their own periods.

Monife

its gross op wrote: »

OP asked is it disgusting and my opinion is that it is to me. Although I see the majority have said no I still wouldn't like it in my home. In fact I'd move out.

I don't have to live there thankfully. But I certainly wouldn't share a sink with anyone who is rinsing bloody things in the communal sink. I can fully understand why her housemates wouldn't want to either.

I don't like the idea of washing from a sink that may just have been full of blood and then just rinsed. I wouldn't feel clean.

Some of the posters amaze me on here.

What is the difference between putting the re-usable towel (rinsed already) into the washing machine OR putting blood stained pyjamas into the washing machine? It has happened to everyone and people should be a bit more understanding. Not only that, but every girls knickers has experienced some sort of fluid (sorry if tmi but its true) and I dont see how it is any different.

Also, to the people who have disgust with her washing it in the sink. What about when you insert a tampon and you get a bit of menstrual fluid on your hands, you then go and wash your hands in the sink, is this not the same? I think so. People need to cop on.

OP, you should stand your ground. Mention about other bodily fluids, the fact that every girl has experienced an over night period accident and explain that after the detergent and super hot water has washed the clothes, no bacteria remains. Also, if they think that is unclean, then if someone has the flu or other sickness, maybe they should not be allowed wash their bed linen and clothes they wore during their sickness.

It just sounds ridiculous to me.

(Edit: Ash23, you beat me to it with the "leaks"

LegacyUser

true-or-false wrote: »

Okay, first of all, tampons are NOT gone with a simple flush. If you're flushing your tampons, not only are you risking blocking your toilet (at which point flushed tampons will come up out of the loo when it overflows, and whoever you hire to fix it will have to deal with your used tampons too in order to unplug the pipes) but you're putting your menstrual waste into the sewage system where it will have to be dredged (yes, they are having to dredge your tampons out of the sewage) out of the water. To me, that's far more inconsiderate than dealing with it yourself. It also shows that you haven't read the packet.
Secondly, I think a lot of girls push tampons as being the best and only sanitary way of dealing with periods because A- they think it's what everyone else does, and B- you feel like everything's hidden. But to me, tampons are horrible. I've always had problems with my periods and not only is it extremely painful for me to put tampons in, but they also don't work on me. I can only liken them to a big plug for your vagina, which you let soak up your fluid for hours and then pull out like a vaginal poo on a string. But I get that they work for other people, so I don't go around telling girls that they're disgusting. Different strokes for different folks.

The amount of pressure I get any time periods come up and some girl decides it's disgusting that I don't use tampons, and tries to convince me I must be using them wrong (which I'm not, they honestly aren't for me, I have medical reasons for this) is not only insulting but makes me feel pretty embarrassed. But I have no other options. I can only assume that the girls who go around going "ewww" are extremely ashamed of their own periods.

A little bit far fetched in my 12 years having periods that's never once happened to me(even having had them for 31 days once) and i've never heard of anyone blocking a loo overflowing it with a tampon. Again, it's not relevant to the OPs issue which is her disgruntled housemates.

You're agreeing with the OPs choice to use her towel pads, yet dissing people for preferring tampons, a bit hypocritical.

Distorted

I thought everyone knew not to flush tampons down the toilet? If you have a property with a septic tank, if you flush them, you will be reunited with them at some time or other!

true-or-false wrote: »

I think a lot of girls push tampons as being the best and only sanitary way of dealing with periods because A- they think it's what everyone else does, and B- you feel like everything's hidden.

I can't say I push tampons or have ever had anyone push them at me! But if you do sport, they're just about the only thing that works, if you don't want to miss a week's swimming, athletics, whatever, every month. They give you a freedom that pads simply do not.

true-or-false wrote: »

The amount of pressure I get any time periods come up and some girl decides it's disgusting that I don't use tampons, and tries to convince me I must be using them wrong (which I'm not, they honestly aren't for me, I have medical reasons for this) is not only insulting but makes me feel pretty embarrassed. But I have no other options. I can only assume that the girls who go around going "ewww" are extremely ashamed of their own periods.

Thats quite strange, I can understand why you would be upset. I can't say its something that I discuss with my friends so I would find it rather intrusive.

I do wonder though from some of the anti-tampon comments on here, how much of this antipathy towards them is due to squeamishness. Sometimes the first step is the worst and then it becomes second nature. Each to their own, but I still feel sorry for the flatmates as they are obviously all too aware of this and they are having to do all the compromising.

Ash23 - you're not telling me that all the water used by rinsing these things nightly, cleaning the sink with a cleaning product and new cloth afterwards (which is the minimum level of cleanliness acceptable) and then washing them in the washing machine is kinder to the environment than tampons? What about all the water used, the cleaning cloths, the cleaning product, the washing powder? I'm not saying tampons are ultra environmentally friendly, but I'm not falling for this line!