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2BU Somerset is a specialist charity supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people aged 11–25 across Somerset.

They provide safe and welcoming spaces where young people can explore their identities, connect with others and develop confidence in who they are. Through youth groups, one-to-one or outreach support, they help young people feel less isolated and better able to navigate the challenges they may face.

Their work focuses on helping young people build resilience and move towards a place of healthy self-acceptance.

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Youth support services for LGBTQ+ young people in Somerset

Are you a young LGBTQ+ person living in Somerset

If you're a young LGBTQ+ person living in Somerset, you may find that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning your sexuality or gender identity can sometimes be difficult. This site is for you, have a look around

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Youth support services for LGBTQ+ young people in Somerset | 2BU Somerset

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Short video clip advert of a mum trying to outwit her daughter who has faked starting her period. Maybe useful as a primer to doing some work around puberty party and talking about how pupils can talk to their parents about puberty. Could also then link to thinking about menstrual product advertising.

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The Period Equality: Breaking the Cycle report by phs Group reveals a powerful truth – more girls miss school due to their periods than for any other reason. In a Census-wide poll of 1,262 girls aged 13-18 across the UK, the report tells us that the average absence is three days per term, surpassing colds, flu, mental health, and truancy.

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Downloadable Lesson Plans and Resources produced by Medway Public Health Team for primary and secondary schools

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Somerset children & young people : Health & Wellbeing : Changing And Growing Up Relationships

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Somerset children & young people : Health & Wellbeing

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The endometriosis service at Musgrove Park Hospital comprises of a Consultant Gynaecology Surgeon, as well as a Urology and Colorectal Surgeon.

We also have a Nurse Specialist on site and a Pain Team available to us. We can make referrals for you to Fertility, Dieticians and Psycho-sexual counselling if required.

Also regularly working alongside are theatre teams both in Day Surgery and Main Theatre.

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This is the Endometriosis page of the Gynaecology sub-site from the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

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Ceredigion Period Positive Schools Guidance

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Ceredigion Period Positive Schools Guidance

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This Period Dignity Guidance has been created in partnership with Ceredigion Youth Council, to support Ceredigion Schools to become ‘Period Positive’ Schools. This guidance can be utilised by Primary and Secondary Schools, and Pupil Referral Units. It aims to set out how educational settings can promote Period Dignity and how it complements other aspects of wider school life.

This guide is offered as a way to map and contextualise the skills, knowledge and understanding that will best support all pupils, whether they menstruate or not.

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This Padlet contains lots of useful links to policy, guidance and evidence based quality assured lesson plans about the changing body, puberty and Period Health.

You don't have to use all the resources, they are designed as a pick and mix of tools to help promote and raise awareness of the importance of positive period health education for children and young people.

Please do sign up and add any resources which you think might be useful for your community.

Thank you for using this padlet. Please contact jameelah.ingram@somerset.gov.uk if you would further help and support

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I recently tweeted at Boots to ask them to change their sign above the menstrual product aisle to, well, "the menstrual product aisle" rather than "feminine hygiene". They replied saying: "Thanks for getting in touch Chella. We've shared your feedback to the relevant teams for internal review. - Staci".

I'm calling on all chemists and supermarkets to take this step. Why? Because periods are still enough of a taboo subject that when we talk about them, we often resort to beating about the bush, and this affects both the way we see our bodies and the way we choose to consume menstrual products.

Sure, you hardly ever hear of "the curse" anymore, "Aunt Flo" may finally have gone on permanent holiday, and we reached peak "monthly gift from mother nature" in 2012.

What if men had periods?

But in a more subtle way, some euphemisms are still there - I mean the ones that companies coined to shift product in a bygone era. You know the ones: Sanitary, Feminine Hygiene, Femcare - and the utterly vile "sanpro". I noticed my language was constantly reinforcing the taboos we're trying so hard to break. So I changed it. And everyone still knew exactly what I was talking about.

Period talk and menstruation taboos have been exploited by multinational companies for so long that we don't even notice how much we use their language to talk about our bodies. It's time to stem the tide of negativity by making sure that our language matches reality and doesn't play into corporate manipulation.

As a menstrual activist, performer, #periodpositive founder and education researcher, I'm here to set down some rules that will challenge menstruation taboos.

Stop saying "sanitary"

Don't say sanitary towels, don't say sanitary wear, don't say sanitary protection.

Periods aren't any more unsanitary than any other bodily function. Of all the gooey stuff that comes out of our bodies, periods are the only thing we describe in terms of sanitation so explicitly, and we need to stop doing this. It implies that we are unclean and that menstrual products are cleaner than our bodies. Actually - vaginas are self-cleaning. Like ovens. Let's show some David-Attenborough-nature-documentary-level respect to their natural fauna.

Same goes for saying "hygiene"

If you live in a place with infrastructure that includes bins, running water and sewage systems, you've got enough privilege not to worry in general about hygiene.

Sure, manage your personal levels of cleanliness. But again, don't single out one self-care activity for "extra hygiene" treatment. Periods aren't unhygienic!

Also, "feminine"? Really?

What if you consider yourself a fairly androgynous, utilitarian or macho menstruator? What if you are a trans or nonbinary menstruator? What if you're a totally on fleek high femme, but don't take it as far as stereotypical bling or fussing over your fooff?

I mean... how feminine are we talking? Matching our tampons to our handbags, belts and shoes? Vajazzling? Faff Kidston? What is happening here?

"Feminine hygiene products" takes us three euphemisms deep. It's like the film Inception, but everyone's dreaming about periods, when in reality feminine hygiene products are simply reusable and disposable menstrual products.

They're disposable menstrual products

"Disposable menstrual products" is the term you're looking for instead of "pads and tampons", because there are reusable cloth pads out there. Every time you say "tampon", a Procter & Gamble marketing fairy gets its wings.

The reason we should say "disposable menstrual products" is because that's what they are. You throw them away after you use them - that's why they're called disposable. You use them for menstruation - that's why they're called menstrual. They are manufactured products with a carbon footprint, a price, packaging and advertising. That's why they're called products.

They are not more sanitary and hygienic than reusables. They are not more feminine (or masculine, for that matter). They are products with a production line and a chain of commerce that has an impact on the environment and the economy. They have producers and consumers.

Oh, and they're not "femcare", because ultimately the huge multinational corporations that make them don't care.

Reusable menstrual products

"Reusable menstrual products", on the other hand, can be made at home, or made by small companies that trade on their reputations and their ecological footprint. Their corporate social responsibility tends to reflect their actual ethics, not their desire to look like they have ethics.

Reusable menstrual product companies don't use shame in their advertising. Most of the time they don't have the overhead behind them to mount huge ad campaigns. But they can actually be harder to find if you stick to words like sanitary.

Language affects the way we consume

A lot of young people find out about menstruation online these days. There are many different menstruation management options out there, and more and more people are switching to reusable products like cups and cloth pads. It's not so easy to find them though - companies that make disposable products dominate the market, optimise the results, and use language that encourages secrecy and taboo.

When you do a Google-image search for "menstrual products" you get a fairly even spread of reusable and disposable products. Same with "period products". If you Google "sanitary products" you'll get images of disposables and pictures of bathroom furniture. If you search up "sanitary towels" you'll only get images of disposable ones.

Anything with "sanitary", "feminine", "hygiene" and even "towels" in its name is going to be disposable. But search for "menstrual products" and you'll get a fairly even spread of reusables and disposables, providing long term options that promote sustainability and can end period poverty.

Words are powerful. We internalise the meaning of the things we say, and if we don't question them, we might keep passing corporate and damaging language onto the next generation.

From schools to sales figures, sociolinguistics to search terms, "sanitary" has become unsavoury. It's time to clean up our act, and start using our own language for our own bodies.
Chella Quint is a comedian, education researcher and former head of PSHE who coined the term "period positive". Her campaign, #periodpositive, provides long-term solutions to period poverty through evidence-based free resources and period positivity. She is performing Adventures in Menstruating as part of the Women in Comedy Festival in Manchester on Friday 27 October

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I've stopped saying 'feminine hygiene products'. Here's why you should too

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I recently tweeted at Boots to ask them to change their sign above the menstrual product aisle to, well, "the menstrual product aisle" rather than "feminine hygiene". They replied saying: "Thanks for getting in touch Chella. We've shared your feedback to the relevant teams for internal review. - Staci".

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SWISH Somerset Wide Integrated Sexual Health Services

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SWISH Somerset Wide Integrated Sexual Health Services

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SWISH offer full sexual health and contraceptive services through young people friendly clinics around the county. We are able to allocate extra time and support to those vulnerable and or aged under 25 (including under 16’s)

Other agencies working with vulnerable or young people can refer into these clinics. The team also offers pop up clinics in various outreach sites around the county

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Contraceptive and Sexual Health Service

We are part of the NHS offering free and confidential services

Our website uses cookies which are small files of letters and numbers that we put on your computer. These cookies allow us to distinguish you from other users of our website, which helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and also helps us to improve our website. Read more about the cookies we use by clicking here. By clicking CONTINUE you agree to cookies being used in accordance with our Cookie Policy. If you don't agree you can disable cookies - see the Cookie Policy for more details.

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Somerset Wide Integrated Sexual Health Services

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We are part of the NHS offering free and confidential services Our website uses cookies which are small files of letters and numbers that we put on your computer. These cookies allow us to distinguish you from other users of our website, which helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and also helps us to improve our website.

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Ellie notices that her body is changing. Hair is growing in new places and there are other changes happening too. Ellie's mum helps her understand that she has started growing into a woman.

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Bodysense Education - Bodysense Education

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A booklet which goes with Periods. This is a download.

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Bodysense Education - Bodysense Education

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A practical guide with real life photos to help young women understand how to use a sanitary towel during their period. This is a download.

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My Clitoris

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq6v-kIcG_Y&t=2s

Clitoris documentary

https://vimeo.com/222111805

The Clitoris a musical history

https://www.youtube.come/watch?v=kv3E2pBC1R2A

Viva la Vulva

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k-_4WloY6Y

Womb stories

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZoFqIxlbk0

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Advertising celebrating the vulva BUT problematic as advertising "wipes and washes" that can negatively affect vulval health and are capitalising on shaming women about their self cleaning vulvas!

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Song from IntegratedUK about FGM

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There really is no such thing as a 'normal' vulva. Like so many areas of our body, vulvas come in lots of different shapes, sizes and colours. The labia can hang down or be barely visible.

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Body positive and sexual anatomical models for all of your 3D printing needs!

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Bodysense Education - Bodysense Education

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The 3D Vulva Teaching Model - Bodysense Education

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Ignorance and confusion about the vulva and reproductive organs is a common issue with young people and adults with learning disabilities.

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Understanding Periods and Tips to Cope with it - Childline

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Understanding Periods and Tips to Cope with it - Childline

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Your periods might be irregular when they first start as your body adjusts to the changes in your hormones This can sometimes make it hard to know when your period will happen so you could keep a sanitary pad or tampon in the zipped section of your bag or in a make-up bag or pencil case in case you need it.

You might miss a period after your first one as your body gets used to the changes. Being ill, not eating and some types of medication can also make your period late. If you're worried or your periods don't settle down into a regular pattern, it may help to talk this through with a doctor or nurse.

A period doesn't mean you'll bleed all day. It's normal to stop bleeding for a few hours and then bleed a bit more. Everyone is different and what you experience may be different to what someone else experiences.

The amount of blood you lose during your period is about 30-70 ml, which is 5 to 12 teaspoons full, although it might seem like a lot more. If you're worried about the amount of blood, try this quiz to help you to decide what to do.

Period blood is red but can be pink, brown or black on lighter days. All of these are normal but if you're worried about anything it's okay to talk to an adult you trust, like a parent, carer, relative or your school nurse.

If you find that you have very heavy periods, or you have bleeding between periods you should talk to your doctor.

Common symptoms of PMT:

mood swings and getting easily annoyed

crying or feeling sad all of a sudden

not being able to concentrate

feeling really tired

your breasts feeling softer than normal

your stomach feeling really full or bloated

cramping in the stomach area

temporary weight gain

headaches.

Tips for period pain

Gentle exercise, using a hot water bottle, having a bath or taking some pain relief tablets can help. Always ask your parent, carer or school nurse about pain relief tablets before you take them.

If the pains get too much, you can talk to your doctor about other options or to see if there's another reason for the pain.

Lots of girls use sanitary pads because they're very easy to use. These are strips of padding which have a sticky side that you can attach to your underwear to keep them in place.

There are lots of different sizes of sanitary towels, so you can change them depending on how heavy or light your period is and some have "wings" that attach around your underwear to help keep them in place.

These are specially made small tubes of cotton wool which have a string at one end. You put these into your vagina and they soak up the blood before it comes out of your body. The string is to pull it out when you need to change it.

Some tampons have applicators which you might find easier to insert into your vagina. This will be explained on the pack when you buy them or you could ask an adult you trust how to use them.

When you buy tampons read the instruction leaflet in the box which explains how to use them correctly. When a tampon is in the right position you shouldn't be able to feel it, so if it hurts, it's best to remove it and try to insert a new one.

A tampon can never get stuck or lost inside you and the muscles of your vagina hold it in place. It will expand inside you as it fills with blood so it will look bigger when you take it out.

Always change tampons regularly, every 3 - 6 hours and 8 hours is the maximum time to leave a tampon in. Try to alternate tampons with using sanitary pads and use a tampon that matches the blood flow you have, like not using a super absorbency tampon when you have a light period day.

These are smaller and thinner versions of sanitary towels or pads and are used on days when your period is very light. You can also use these if you have a lot of discharge in between your periods.

These are small rubber or silicone cups which can be put inside the vagina to catch the blood. The muscles of the vagina keep them in place so they don't fall out. They're then emptied, washed and used again.

5 tips to help you use tampons:

try to relax - if your muscles tense up it can be harder to insert

see which style of tampon works best for you

if you're struggling you may want to use a handheld mirror to help you see what you're doing

you should change your tampon every 3 to 6 hours

only use tampons when you're on your period.

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Your periods might be irregular when they first start as your body adjusts to the changes in your hormones This can sometimes make it hard to know when your period will happen so you could keep a sanitary pad or tampon in the zipped section of your bag or in a make-up bag or pencil case in case you need it.

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The Menstrual Health Project Toolkit for Under 18s

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The Menstrual Health Project Toolkit for Under 18s

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The Menstrual Health Project Toolkit for Under 18s

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The Menstrual Health Project Toolkit for Under 18s

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Top tops for managing periods as a teenager

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Top tops for managing periods as a teenager

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Top tips for managing periods as a teenager - Wellbeing of Women

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You might be nervous about getting your first period, or you might have had periods for a while but are finding them difficult. You’re not alone.

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Learning about my period: Who can I trust?

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Learning about my period: Who can I trust?

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Who can I trust when learning about my period? - Wellbeing of Women

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Don’t worry, we’ve got the lowdown on how to feel supported while sorting fact from fiction.

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Learning about my period: Who can I trust?

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Learning about my period: Who can I trust?

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Who can I trust when learning about my period? - Wellbeing of Women

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Don’t worry, we’ve got the lowdown on how to feel supported while sorting fact from fiction.

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Welcome to the Blobcas5: Free the Period, a ground-breaking podcast that tackles all things related to menstruation with candour, humour, and expert insights.

You can catch The Blobcast on your favourite podcast platforms:

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

YouTube.

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The Blobcast: Free the Period – Empowering Conversations About Menstruation

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Discover The Blobcast: Free the Period, where open conversations about menstruation foster education, empowerment, and destigmatisation. Explore episodes covering pain, products, and societal taboos.

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Brook x Lil-Lets: Big Period Lesson Live - Learn Live

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Brook x Lil-Lets: Big Period Lesson Live Calling all teachers! Brook and Lil-Lets invite you and your students to our Big Period Lesson Live at 10am on Wednesday 1 March 2023. This broadcast is free to access and aimed at everyone in year 6 and 7. All young people should learn about puberty in a...…

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The Big Period Lesson 2
Brook is back for its second Big Period Lesson Live in partnership with Lil-Lets. The broadcast is free to access and is aimed at all young people in …

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The Department for Education's statutory guidance on Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education (RSHE)

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The Department for Education's statutory guidance on Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education (RSHE)

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Brook Period Handout (English and Welsh)

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Brook Period Handout (English and Welsh)

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Free resources, including printable handouts, to support safe and effective RSE.

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Brook and Lil-Lets Puberty e-learning course (English)

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Brook and Lil-Lets Puberty e-learning course (English)

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Skip Slideshow Skip <span>OUR DIGITAL LEARNING COURSES AND RESOURCES</span>Skip <span>Full PSHE curriculum</span>Skip Custom HTML

Skip <span>Our featured courses</span>

Our featured courses

Our aim is to equip you with everything you need to provide exceptional relationships and sex education and wellbeing support to young people. Brook delivers RSE training to teachers, sessions with young people and supports schools to develop effective plans and policies.

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Skip Slideshow Skip OUR DIGITAL LEARNING COURSES AND RESOURCES Skip Full PSHE curriculum Skip Custom HTML Skip Our featured courses Our aim is to equip you with everything you need to provide exceptional relationships and sex education and wellbeing support to young people.

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Brook, Lil-Lets & PHS lesson plans (English)

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Brook, Lil-Lets & PHS lesson plans (English)

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Here at Lil-Lets we're making teaching RSE as simple as possible by providing you with free, downloadable resources so you can tackle those tricky topics with ease.

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Primary Faith Informed Resources: Menstrual Health Education - Maria Kathryn Tomlin

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Primary Faith Informed Resources: Menstrual Health Education - Maria Kathryn Tomlin

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Menstrual Health Education | Maria Kathryn Tomlin

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My research with 16-19 year olds shows that menstrual education in school is not meeting the needs of young people.

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E Learning Modules About Hormonal Changes (Suitable for KS4/KS5)

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E Learning Modules About Hormonal Changes (Suitable for KS4/KS5)

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Free training to learn more about the hormonal, physical, and psychological changes that occur during four key life stages: puberty, menstrual cycle, postpartum, and menopause.

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Hormonall: Together for women’s wellbeing - Wellbeing of Women

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Free e-learning modules on hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycle, postpartum and menopause built in partnership with Vichy Laboratoires.

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The Renewed NHS Women's Health Strategy 2026

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The Renewed NHS Women's Health Strategy 2026

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Action 64: we will launch a new programme to improve education for girls about their menstrual health. DHSC/NHSE, DfE Timeframe 0 to 2 years

Action 65: we will work with the DfE to update the NHS England resource for schools.

Action 66: we will partner with voluntary sector and commercial organisations to share health information and advice and improve access to services for women and girls

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DfE Free Period Product Scheme for Schools and Colleges

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DfE Free Period Product Scheme for Schools and Colleges

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The period product scheme is available to all state maintained schools and 16 to 19 education organisations in England. It provides free period products to girls and women who need them in their place of study. The scheme is available for organisations to order until July 2024.

To make sure organisations have access to a wide range of period products in the most cost-effective and efficient way, we have a contract with Personnel Hygiene Services Limited ( phs). This allows you to order period products and have them delivered when you need them.

This guidance contains information on:

Overview

Period products, such as pads and tampons, should be available for all who need them, when they need them, in order to access education. Having periods should not be a barrier to education for anyone. Making girls and women aware of the scheme is vital to making sure they can access period products when they are needed and to reduce the stigma surrounding periods.

This scheme is for all girls and women who need to access period products in their place of learning in order to access education. It is not a universal offer of free period products to everyone under the age of 19. This would be prohibitively costly and would not represent good value for taxpayers' money.

When ordering products, you should consider the specific needs, characteristics and preferences of all learners.

When deciding how to distribute products, you should consider the potential impact that any perceived stigma around periods could have on access to products.

Who is eligible

Girls, women, and learners who identify as non-binary or transgender, who have periods may all need to access this scheme. All learners in schools and 16 to 19 organisations should be able to access period products if they need them. This may include, for example, where individuals:

Girls and women under 19 in the current academic year may receive support from the scheme.

Women aged 19 or over are only eligible for support if they:

are continuing on a study programme they began aged 16 to 18 ('19+ continuers')

have an education, health and care plan

Not covered by the scheme

The scheme does not cover:

How to order products

Our supplier, phs, will stock and deliver period products. They will also offer customer service support relating to the ordering and delivery of products.

You will be able to order a range of period products and have these delivered free of charge. There will be a spend cap on the amount you have to spend. Find out how we calculate this and what you will get. The available budget for your school or organisation will show on the ordering portal.

You can order products using your spend cap, which is your allocation covering the period September 2022 until July 2023.

You can order at any point in the year until July 2023. To reduce waste, you should wait until any stocks of existing period products you may have are low before ordering.

When ordering products, you should think carefully about the types of products selected and consider the environmental impact of the frequency of deliveries.

Recommended ordering frequencies

We recommend these ordering frequencies based on your annual budget for period products.

Setting up an account

When the scheme launched in January 2020 we provided phs with one email address for each organisation. This is linked to your account on the phs portal. Phs sent an activation email to this email address, which enables you to:

If you have already activated your account, you can continue to use these details to order products in the 2022 to 2023 school year. If you have not activated your account, phs will send a new activation email in September 2022. The email will be sent to the email address that is held by the Department for Education.

If you have not received an activation email by 16 September 2022, check your 'admin@' and 'enquiries@' account(s) and spam folder. If you cannot find the activation email in any of these locations, call phs on 01827 255500.

To change the email address linked to your account or request extra log-in accounts, call phs on 01827 255500.

Accounts for organisations with multiple addresses

Each organisation has been set up with one account which has:

An activation email was sent to the email address linked to this 'parent site' account. If your account has not previously been activated, a new activation email will be sent in September 2022.

If you are the parent site in a multi-site organisation, you can choose whether to:

You can also request log-in accounts for staff in other sites to order and have products delivered to their registered addresses. A senior member of staff from the parent site (such as the headteacher or finance director) must contact phs to arrange this. To verify each new site, you will need to provide a:

URN and/or UKPRN for the organisation

staff name and email address

full postal address

As a parent site, you can place orders and arrange deliveries for other sites if required.

Ordering process

You will be able to access the scheme using the . We recommend you use the portal as it contains the information you need to place the right orders. If you need an alternative method for ordering, you can call phs.

Online

The contains:

information about the products available to order (including safety information and ingredients)

spend caps for the year

Phs' detailed user guide explains how to access the portal and order products.

Once you have placed an order, you will receive a confirmation email. The order confirmation screen on the phs portal will tell you where the confirmation email is being sent.

This email allows you to access details about the products you have ordered, including important safety information. You can track the progress of your delivery via a link in the phs portal.

To minimise incorrect orders, you should check your order confirmation email as soon as you get it. If there are any issues, call phs on 01827 255500.

Phone

You will also be able to order period products by phone. Lines will be open from 8.30am until 5pm on normal business days. This includes school holidays but excludes weekends and bank holidays and public holidays.

phs customer services: 01827 255500

You will need to provide:

your name

your organisation's telephone number

your organisation's postcode

your organisation's URN and/or UKPRN

You will then receive an email confirming the order.

If you believe your account has been compromised or you have received notice of an order that you did not place, contact phs immediately.

Delivery

You should receive your products within 5 working days. The first working day is the day after you place your order, or 2 days if you place your order after 6pm. If you place an order after 12 December 2022, your order should be delivered within the 5 working days following 3 January 2023.

Your delivery arrangements will be provided in the order confirmation email. You can track the progress of your delivery via a link in the phs portal.

You should check all items are present and undamaged before signing for a delivery. You should consider school holidays when ordering, as a member of staff must be present to sign for the package. All items should then be stored in a clean, dry environment.

You cannot get products delivered to addresses other than registered education sites. If you would like products delivered to a different registered education site, call phs on 01827 255500. Read more about accounts for organisations with multiple addresses.

Returning products

If any part of the delivery is damaged, sign for the undamaged items and refuse delivery of the damaged items. To arrange delivery of replacement products, either:

If the damage is not visible until after you have opened the package, call phs as soon as possible to arrange the return of the damaged goods and delivery of replacement goods.

If you believe all or part of the delivery is incorrect, check your order confirmation form before contacting phs customer services on 01827 255500. phs cannot offer free replacement of correctly delivered goods.

If part of the delivery is missing, either:

Cancelling an order

If you wish to cancel an order, call phs as soon as possible on 01827 255500. Cancellations will be accepted up to 3pm on the day before delivery is due.

What you will get

In September 2022 you will receive your funding allocation, which you can use to order products up to and including July 2023.

We have based this amount on 35% of the number of recorded girls and women in your organisation who, based on age, are likely to have started their periods. This is how your total amounts have been calculated in previous years of the scheme.

The 35% is an assumed take-up rate, reflecting the fact that not all girls and women will have a need for products all of the time. This mirrors the assumed take-up rate used in the scheme to provide learners in Scotland with access to free period products.

You can see the amount you can spend for the 2022 to 2023 school year on the from 8 September 2022. If you have both girls of secondary school-age and girls and women aged 16 to 19, or you are a middle or all-through school, you will receive one spend cap for the year.

Spend caps have been set for each organisation within a multi-academy trust.

You will be able to track spend against your spend cap throughout the year.

Larger organisations will be able to order up to 25% of their total spend for the year, each time they order. To keep our carbon footprint low, each order should have a minimum value of £5.

You will be responsible for monitoring and staying within your spend and order caps. The phs portal will ask you to reduce your order if you try to exceed your maximum spend or order cap.

Products available

You will be able to select from a wide range of period products, varying in type, size and brand. When deciding which products to order, you should consider individual needs and preferences.

You may want to speak to girls and women about the types of products to keep in stock. You could do this by:

Our research found that participants thought it was important their views were heard when organisations were making decisions about ordering period products. When choosing products, they would prioritise comfort, familiarity and value for money.

Parents or carers may object to the use of some period products. You should consider the views of girls and women and parents or carers from all religious and cultural backgrounds when ordering products. More information is available in the equality requirements section.

Not all period products are suitable for girls and women with specific disabilities. You should ensure you have methods to gather the views of disabled girls and women, and make suitable products which meet their needs available in your setting.

You must provide safety information for each product in an accessible format, prior to use. Further information is available in the your responsibilities section.

You do not need to order the same products throughout the year. You may wish to trial some products in smaller quantities to begin with. We may adjust the product range available to you following feedback and monitoring of purchasing patterns.

Products available

You will be able to order:

Where products are sold in packs, the number of products per pack is outlined on the phs portal.

Things to consider when choosing products

Period pads

The period pads:

The environmentally friendly period pads are:

In 2018, Scotland began funding a scheme providing learners with access to period products. Their scheme found that period pads made up 73% of all products purchased by schools.

Evidence from our research suggested that pads were the most popular product amongst participants, who perceived them as being easier to use than other products.

Reusable period pads

The reusable period pads:

are available in mini with wings and midi with wings

are made of brush nylon, polyester, polyester microfibre and PU laminate

last for up to 10 years

You would need to provide these products for individuals to keep. If an individual were to use these products for the duration of their period, they would need approximately 10 to 12 pads. You may wish to consider the long-term cost and the environmental benefit of providing these products.

The safety information for this product indicates that the pads must be washed after being worn for 4 to 6 hours. Washing instructions for this product advise that users rinse products immediately after use with cold water, before storing them in a wet bag and then washing them at 40 degrees with other laundry items.

If you choose to provide reusable pads, you must make sure users have access to a wet bag and appropriate facilities to rinse the products before placing them in the bag. Wet bags are available to order through this scheme.

Our research found that participants had concerns that these products were less sanitary than disposable pads. They also held the misconception that these were shared rather than individual products and would need to be washed and returned after each use.

You should provide all learners with relevant health and safety information and make them aware of the risks of improper use. This will help dispel any myths about using these products.

Tampons

Both applicator and non-applicator tampons (including organic non-applicator tampons) are available to order.

The applicator tampons:

The non-applicator tampons:

The organic non-applicator tampons:

In the scheme to provide learners in Scotland with access to period products, tampons made up 57% of the products purchased by colleges.

Our research found that while some participants used tampons, others had concerns about how to insert the product properly and found them difficult to use.

Tampons are an internal product and you should think about learners' age and individual needs when considering which products to buy. Internal period products carry the additional risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

If you choose this product, you must provide relevant health and safety information and ensure awareness of the risks of improper use. You should read about your responsibilities before distributing tampons.

You should also be aware of religious and cultural beliefs around tampons when considering which products to buy and you should consider the views of parents and carers before distributing tampons. See the equality requirements section for more information.

Flushing any period product down the toilet is harmful to the environment. It may also result in drain blockages and/or damage to the plumbing. You should make all learners aware of the importance of disposing of tampons and other products correctly.

Menstrual cups

The menstrual cups:

Menstrual cups can be reused and last for up to 10 years if cleaned and stored correctly. These are extremely environmentally friendly, and you may wish to consider the long-term cost and environmental benefit of providing these products.

The safety information for this product indicates that cups must be removed, emptied and washed at least every 4 to 8 hours during an individual's period. You should consider whether you have the facilities (such as sinks in individual toilet cubicles) to allow for this to happen discreetly, safely and hygienically.

Menstrual cups are internal period products. You should provide learners with relevant health and safety information in an accessible format. You must make them aware of the risks of improper use, including . You should read about your responsibilities before distributing menstrual cups.

Our research found that knowledge of this product and how to use it was low amongst participants. Menstrual cups may be difficult for some disabled individuals to use. You should consider finding out if individuals would like this product on offer before ordering, and ensure alternative products are available for those who may require them.

You should also consider the religious and cultural views of parents, carers and girls and women when purchasing this product. See the equality requirements section for more information.

Period pants

The period pants:

Period pants are designed for long-term use and offer a sustainable alternative to other period products. You should consider ordering this product in smaller quantities to ensure the needs of your learners are met before committing to larger volumes.

A sizing chart and care instructions are available on the phs portal. Following these closely will allow learners to get the most out of their period pants.

Period pants are easy-to-use, external products which offer immediate and discreet protection. For this reason, they may be most suitable for individuals who have started their period unexpectedly, or who may have difficulty using other period products. This may include, for example, younger pupils or pupils with special educational needs and disabilities ( SEND). Organisations should take this and other cultural and religious needs into consideration.

Like other reusable products, period pants require additional care at home, including the need to wash them in a washing machine. The pupil or their parents will be need to ensure they have clean products available for their period. You should consider whether this is suitable for your pupils before ordering this product.

Tights

Tights are available in black in sizes small to medium and medium to large.

Organisations may wish to have tights on hand for pupils who have started their periods unexpectedly and so require fresh underwear. This may include, for example, younger pupils or pupils with SEND.

These are supplementary items and not intended as a uniform provision. We would expect schools to spend no more than 25% of their budget on these products.

Your responsibilities

All management information on the phs portal is available to the Department for Education. You will not need to routinely report on the scheme or how you have used it.

The Department for Education will publish data on use of the scheme on an annual basis. See the last data publication on the period products scheme for more information.

There is a relatively low risk of injury from the use of period products. All period products available through the scheme meet the relevant industry standards and regulations. You can find detailed information about the products on the phs portal and via your order confirmation email.

You will also receive safety guidance specific to each product you order. Product and safety information may be updated and you should always refer to the information provided with the product.

You must provide learners with safety information for each product in an accessible format before they use the product. This is particularly important for internal products, such as tampons.

To minimise the risk of injury from use of period products, you should:

ask learners and/or their parents or carers if they have experienced an allergic reaction to period products or their materials

provide all learners with the relevant safety and usage information for each product they are using

provide expiry dates with each individual product

keep a record of the batch numbers of products supplied

follow safety guidelines when stocking products

make sure all products remain individually wrapped

dispose of any expired products - products past their expiry date must not be provided to learners

Incorrect usage of period products can, in some cases, result in . TSS can be a result of using a product for longer than the manufacturer recommends. Symptoms of TSS develop and worsen quickly, so it is important for staff and learners to be aware of the most common symptoms. These include:

You should seek medical advice as soon as possible if a learner is experiencing a combination of these symptoms.

Equality requirements

You are required to comply with the relevant requirements of the Equality Act 2010, including the public sector equality duty (section 149 of the Equality Act).

Under the provisions of the Equality Act, schools and colleges must not unlawfully discriminate against pupils or, in further education settings, students because of their age, sex, race, disability, religion or belief, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership, or sexual orientation (collectively known as the protected characteristics). This includes learners who identify as transgender or non-binary who have periods (or who may later have periods). You must also make reasonable adjustments to alleviate disadvantage and be mindful of the SEND code of practice when implementing this scheme.

You should consider the gender, culture, religion and age range of your learners. This will help you decide if it is appropriate or necessary to provide additional support for learners whose protected characteristics present particular considerations for these decisions.

Religious and cultural beliefs concerning periods and the use of period products can restrict access to certain types of period products. Girls and women from certain backgrounds may be less aware of internal products such as tampons and menstrual cups and how these should be used.

Understanding girls' and women's religious and cultural beliefs and building relationships between the school and local faith communities will help:

make sure you're providing individuals with products which meet their needs

individuals, parents and carers feel comfortable with the way(s) in which products are provided

See the period products scheme: impact assessment for more information.

Making products available to learners

Once products have been delivered, you need to decide how to make these products available. There are a variety of methods you could choose, some of which are set out in this section.

When deciding how to make products available, you should make sure the needs of all learners are met. This includes learners who do not identify as female (but instead identify as transgender or non-binary) but still have periods. You must follow the Equality Act 2010, under which sexual orientation and gender reassignment are among the protected characteristics.

You should also consider:

whether all learners can access the products easily and when they need them

if learners have all the safety information they need for each product available in a format they can access and understand

the individual needs of learners, including those with SEND, those with medical conditions affecting menstruation and those with English as an additional language

if the way in which learners access products minimises the risk of embarrassment

if you have clean and dry storage space for the products you're ordering

Our research found that participants prefer products to be available to them without them having to ask (particularly male) members of staff, to avoid feelings of embarrassment. However, participants also indicated that the stigma and embarrassment around periods should not still exist and were keen to break this cycle.

Distribution examples

This section provides some example methods of distributing period products. This is not an exhaustive list. You should use a different, or combination of methods if appropriate.

Making products available in toilets or communal areas

Our research found that having appropriate products available for girls and women to take in toilets can reduce stigma and feelings of embarrassment. Products would also be available at the time and place they were most needed.

Having products in communal areas such as libraries or student services means that all learners, including those who would not use female toilets, can access the products.

If you decide to place products within toilets or other communal areas, you will need to consider how you can:

Making products available on request from a member of staff

Our engagement with stakeholders and teachers found that it was easier to provide girls and women with safety information and advice when supplying products on request from members of staff. They also reported that it was easier for organisations to keep track of the number and type of products being distributed.

Our learner research found that:

asking a member of staff for products was embarrassing and, in some cases, learners would rather go without products than ask

some learners would feel more comfortable asking a student representative rather than a member of staff

having posters or stickers on the back of toilet doors directing learners to where they can access products would be useful - find ideas and suggestions on how to reduce stigma

If you decide to make products available on request from a member of staff, you will need to consider how you can:

minimise any embarrassment for learners, particularly those with non-standard needs, for example, non-binary learners and those who experience very heavy periods

make the scheme accessible to all learners, for example, those with English as an additional language or those with SEND

Making products available via restricted access

Another option is making products available via restricted access. This could be through token vending machines or lockers placed in or near bathrooms.

If making products available in this way, you must ensure access to safety information and advice prior to use of the products.

Research with learners found that they felt this distribution method was a safe option. It meant that products could not be tampered with and were more likely to be taken based on need. Participants also felt a key benefit of this approach was that they did not need to ask a member of staff for help. However, participants thought it may be embarrassing to obtain products in front of other people.

If you decide to make products available via restricted access, you will need to consider how you can:

Case studies

Example from a large sixth-form college

The college has a population of over 5,000 learners. We have provided period products for many years from our own funds and from a scheme which provides colleges with free period products. We currently bulk buy online. We then distribute to learners using our student services base in one of the central buildings. We chose to house the box in a building that has a high percentage of female learners.

We have always provided a mix of products to give the learners a choice to suit their needs for both their comfort and confidence. We feel that it is important that a scheme should be based on individual needs, especially given the range of courses students follow, including those participating in water sports, for example.

We never advertised that we hold these products. Learners have simply come to student services to ask if we have anything that they can use. They then help themselves from the supply held in a discreet cupboard. This system has worked well for both staff and learners as it is discreet yet readily available to anyone in need. We have never needed to distribute or watch learners as they have been respectful of others and only taken what they needed at that time.

Since joining the scheme, we have only used advertising to identify a second location rather than raise awareness of the scheme.

Example from a primary school in Scotland

Kirn primary school, in Scotland, has 285 pupils. At the end of the academic year, the school consulted with a group of girls in year 5 and 6 about the initial set-up of free period product provision. They discussed what products should be made available and where would be appropriate for easy access for all. The discussion generated talk about sanitary bin provision in school, which the girls felt was inadequate. As a result of this collaboration, a sanitary bin and box with supplies (pads, nappy bags, deodorant, wet wipes and a guidance leaflet) were placed in the disabled toilet between the year 5 and 6 classrooms. The young people felt that when in school, the disabled toilet was the most sensible place for them to access period products.

The school informed parents that education on the menstrual cycle and sanitary products would take place. All year 5 and 6 girls took part in a discussion which focused on the menstrual cycle but also allowed the girls to familiarise themselves with period products, how to use them and apply them to underwear.

While usage of the products is not high, the school keeps it topped up termly. Staff felt that having a supply available removed the embarrassment factor of having to ask.

Example from a secondary school in Scotland

Tynecastle High School is a diverse inner-city high school in Scotland, with 609 pupils speaking 42 different languages between them. Pupils at the school have shared their experiences of the period products scheme.

There are individual products, a mixture of tampons and towels, available in toilets in every faculty as well as the disabled toilets, which are gender neutral. We have some pupils in the school who are transitioning so we spoke with them and our LGBT group to plan where would be the best place to put these.

Toilets, where free sanitary protection is available, have a poster on the door and there is a list of teachers, from whom products can be collected, on the poster too. We think that it's important that pupils can collect them in bulk if they want so they can get them from the named teachers or there is a classroom on the first floor where they can help themselves to boxes of tampons or sanitary towels. There are stocks available in PE too. It's good to be able to get them in more than one way.

We check supplies a few times a week and know they are really being used as we are doing lots of topping up. Both teachers and pupils see the differences this has made. The biggest one is that the young people are no longer having to go to the, often busy, welfare office to ask for products. It has removed the embarrassment. People can access sanitary protection where and when they need to, but also know where they can go for help if they want it.

Communicating about the scheme will help:

When deciding how you will communicate about the scheme, you should think about:

There are several ways you can let learners know about the scheme. This could include:

You may wish to use the template poster provided by phs. There is also a range of other posters and materials available. Our research showed learners preferred posters which:

Our research has shown that some words associated with periods may discourage learners from using the products and cause embarrassment. When talking about periods or promoting the scheme, you should avoid using words most negatively associated with periods like:

How to reduce stigma

The UK still experiences many challenges regarding stigma and taboo relating to periods, which works to create a sense of shame around what is a natural bodily process. You should consider what you can do to create healthy and respectful communication about periods amongst all staff and learners.

Our research with learners found that there was a significant amount of stigma relating to periods and asking for products. To help tackle this, you should consider:

including learners who do not have periods into your discussions - this could include inviting them to talks about periods, or placing posters in areas accessed by all learners

extending conversations and tools to parents and carers

making sure all staff (including male staff) have enough knowledge about periods and about the products available

using open and positive language about periods

Educating all learners about periods is crucial to tackling the stigma which surrounds it. You may currently cover periods and the use of different period products in health education. From September 2020, teaching both boys and girls about periods and menstrual wellbeing is compulsory in all state-funded schools, primary and secondary, as part of health education.

You can find a range of free resources online to help you discuss periods with your learners. You should assess each resource before using it to make sure it is appropriate for the age and maturity of learners and sensitive to their needs.

From spring 2020, all teachers will have access to a central programme of support for health education. This will include:

an implementation guide

access to high-quality resources

case studies

training materials

Customer support

For customer service support or complaints, contact phs customer services on 01827 255500 or email periodproducts@phs.co.uk.

phs will respond to questions about orders within 24 hours, and to other queries or complaints by the end of the following business day.

If your queries or complaint relates to the policy behind this scheme, including the funding available to each organisation, contact the Department for Education. You will usually get a reply within 15 working days.

Annex A: research

We used our research with teachers, learners and other stakeholders to develop this scheme. The results of our research have been included as part of our advice to schools and colleges on distributing products and promoting the scheme.

Management information data on period product scheme is available.

Learner research

To inform this guidance, we carried out independent research with learners aged 9 to 19.

We commissioned Hopscotch Consulting Ltd to help us understand:

Hopscotch used an online forum for this research and recruited 62 learners from a range of:

See period product scheme: the learner perspective for more details.

Stakeholder survey and discussion group

We held a discussion group and carried out a survey with charities and interest groups who shared their views and experiences regarding period product provision.

We asked stakeholders to share their perspectives on:

what information institutions need when ordering period products

the types of period products suitable for learners with different characteristics

how organisations can make period products available

how organisations can tackle period-related stigma

Teacher engagement

We held discussions with staff in education organisations including:

primary headteachers

secondary headteachers

teachers

leaders from further education organisations

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Period product scheme for schools and colleges in England

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The period product scheme is available to all state maintained schools and 16 to 19 education organisations in England. It provides free period products to girls and women who need them in their place of study. The scheme is available for organisations to order until July 2024.

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Buy The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods Illustrated by Robyn Steward (ISBN: 9781785923241) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

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Leeds Puberty and Sexuality SEND Resource

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Leeds Puberty and Sexuality SEND Resource

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out about periods, including when they usually start and finish, sanitary products, PMS, getting pregnant, and changes to your periods.

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heavy periods are affecting your life

you've had heavy periods for some time

you have severe pain during your periods

you bleed between periods or after sex

you have heavy periods and other symptoms such as pain when peeing, pooing or having sex

What we mean by severe pain

Severe pain:

always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk

you cannot sleep

it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress

Moderate pain:

always there

makes it hard to concentrate or sleep

you can manage to get up, wash or dress

Mild pain:

comes and goes

is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

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Find out about heavy periods (called menorrhagia) and how to treat them if they are affecting your daily life.

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Find out how to check if your periods are irregular, what can cause irregular periods, when to see a GP and how irregular periods can be treated.

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Periods and Fertility in the Menstrual Cycle - NHS

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Periods and Fertility in the Menstrual Cycle - NHS

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The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, but the average is to have periods every 28 days. Regular cycles that are longer or shorter than this, from 21 to 40 days, are normal.
"The menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of a woman's period to the day before her next period," says Toni Belfield, a specialist in sexual health information, and a trained fertility awareness teacher.

"Girls can start their periods anywhere from age 10 upwards, but the average is around 12 years," says Belfield. "The average age for the menopause (when periods stop) in this country is 50 to 55."

Between the ages of 12 and 52, a woman will have around 480 periods, or fewer if she has any pregnancies.

Read more about starting periods.

What happens during the menstrual cycle?

To understand the menstrual cycle, it helps to know about the reproductive organs inside a woman's body. These are:

2 ovaries - where eggs are stored, developed and released

the womb (uterus) - where a fertilised egg implants and a baby develops

the fallopian tubes - two thin tubes that connect the ovaries to the womb

the cervix - the entrance to the womb from the vagina

the vagina

The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones. In each cycle, rising levels of the hormone oestrogen cause the ovary to develop and release an egg (ovulation). The womb lining also starts to thicken.

In the second half of the cycle, the hormone progesterone helps the womb to prepare for implantation of a developing embryo.

The egg travels down the fallopian tubes. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the egg is reabsorbed into the body. Levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall, and the womb lining comes away and leaves the body as a period (the menstrual flow).

The time from the release of an egg to the start of a period is around 10 to 16 days.

Watch an animation about how the menstrual cycle works.

What are periods?

A period is made up of blood and the womb lining. The first day of a woman's period is day 1 of the menstrual cycle.

"Periods last around 2 to 7 days, and women lose about 3 to 5 tablespoons of blood in a period," says Belfield.

Some women bleed more heavily than this, but help is available if heavy periods are a problem.

Find out about treatments for heavy periods.

What happens during ovulation?

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovaries. A woman is born with all her eggs.

Once she starts her periods, 1 egg develops and is released during each menstrual cycle. After ovulation, the egg lives for 24 hours.

Pregnancy happens if a man's sperm meet and fertilise the egg. Sperm can survive in the fallopian tubes for up to 7 days after sex.

Occasionally, more than 1 egg is released during ovulation. If more than 1 egg is fertilised it can lead to a multiple pregnancy, such as twins.

A woman can't get pregnant if ovulation doesn't occur. Some methods of hormonal contraception - such as the combined pill, the contraceptive patch and the contraceptive injection - work by stopping ovulation.

When are you most fertile?

"Theoretically, there's only a short time when women can get pregnant, and that is the time around ovulation," says Belfield.

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly when ovulation happens but in most women, it happens around 10 to 16 days before the next period.

"It's not accurate to say that all women are fertile on day 14 of the menstrual cycle," says Belfield. This might be true for women who have a regular, 28-day cycle, but it won't apply to women whose cycles are shorter or longer.

For more information on fertility awareness, see the FPA guide to natural family planning.

Normal vaginal secretions

Vaginal secretions (sometimes called vaginal discharge) change during the menstrual cycle. Around the time of ovulation, they become thinner and stretchy, a bit like raw egg white.

See your GP if you are concerned about a change in your vaginal discharge.

Read more about getting pregnant, fertility and period problems.

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Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle

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The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, but the average is to have periods every 28 days. Regular cycles that are longer or shorter than this, from 21 to 40 days, are normal.

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Periods information hub - Wellbeing of Women

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Learn about your period and whether your symptoms could be signs of a gynaecological condition. Treatment options, self-care tips, and how to get help

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Menopause Information Hub - Wellbeing of Women

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Menopause Information Hub - Wellbeing of Women

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Menopause information hub - Wellbeing of Women

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Puberty and Sexuality Resource for SEND pupils

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Puberty and Sexuality Resource for SEND pupils

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Also visit JKP publishers, Claire Lightley consulting, Image in Action and Bodysense for SEND specific RSE resources.

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Wellbeing of Women Webinar Series covers women's health, from periods, fertility and pregnancy, to gynaecological cancers and the menopause. These events bring together top medical experts and women/girls with lived experience.

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Women with personal experience of gynaecological and reproductive issues share their stories, alongside medical experts who can answer your questions.

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Research on Girls experiences of Menstruation

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Research on Girls experiences of Menstruation

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The 4M leads and members have co-created a list of relevant research papers and resources.

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The 4M leads and members have co-created a list of relevant research papers and resources. You can contribute to this list by accessing the Google Document (linked in 4M newsletters) or contacting …

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2023 Primary School Data: Yr 4 and Yr 6

24% of girls aged 10-11 (Yr 6) are concerned about body changes. This is ranked as the 5th biggest concern for young girls of this age.

29% of Yr 6 girls stated that they way they looked was their 3rd biggest worry.

19% of primary school aged girls said they weren’t allowed to go to the toilet when they wanted to.

Positively 35% of girls reported that their school toilets are clean although 29% of Primary school aged girls said that their toilets were unclean or very unclean.

Secondary School Data: Yr 8 and Yr 10

72% of secondary aged girls are worried about their appearance, ranked 2nd highest and significantly higher than the Somerset Average.

40% of secondary aged girls are worried about their physical health which ranked 7th in the top 10 list of worries for this age group.

75% of secondary aged girls were not allowed to go to the toilet when they wanted to

Only 9% of secondary aged girls reported that their school toilets are clean, 56% said that the toilets were unclean or very unclean.

41% of secondary aged girls don't talk to anyone about their worries which is significantly higher than Somerset Average

33% of secondary aged girls reported that they don’t feel confident getting help if they feel worried which is significantly higher than Somerset average

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Somerset children & young people : Health & Wellbeing : Sshaws 2023 And 2021 Equalities Reports

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Somerset children & young people : Health & Wellbeing

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AMAZE - Age appropriate puberty and sex education videos

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AMAZE takes the awkward out of sex ed and growing up. Real info in fun, animated sex education videos that give you the answers you actually want to know.

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Environmental Impact of Flushing Period Products

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Environmental Impact of Flushing Period Products

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Every day in the UK, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed down toilets. That's nearly 4 million period products disappearing down drains — out of sight, out of mind. But what happens next has consequences that reach far beyond our bathrooms.

From blocked sewers costing £100 million a year to period products washing up on British beaches, the environmental impact of flushing is significant — and entirely preventable. Here's what you need to know, and how one small change can make a real difference.

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The Environmental Impact of Flushing Period Products: What You Need to Know

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Every day in the UK, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed down toilets. That’s nearly 4 million period products disappearing down drains — out of sight, out of mind. But what happens next has consequences that reach far beyond our bathrooms.
From blocked sewers costing £100 million a year to period products washing up on British beaches, the environmental impact of flushing is significant — and entirely preventable. Here’s what you need to know, and how one small change can make a real difference. The Scale of the Problem
Let’s start with the numbers, because they’re genuinely startling.
In the UK alone: 2.5 million tampons are flushed every single day 1.4 million pads are flushed every single day 700,000 panty liners are flushed every single day
That adds up to 1.5–2 billion period products flushed per year These aren’t products designed to break down in water. In fact, they’re engineered to do the opposite — to absorb liquid and hold their shape. Which is exactly what makes them so problematic once they enter our sewers.
Why Do People Flush?
Research by phs Group found that over half of people who flush tampons are unaware they shouldn’t. Many assume that if something goes down the toilet, it must be fine.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: 44% of people who flush tampons know they shouldn’t — and do it anyway.
The reasons are understandable: Lack of bins — many public toilets don’t have sanitary bins in cubicles Embarrassment — flushing feels more discreet than binning Convenience — it’s quick and the product disappears immediately Confusion — some people genuinely believe tampons are flushable None of these reasons change what happens once that product enters the sewer system. What Happens When You Flush?
When you flush a tampon or pad, it doesn’t magically dissolve. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to break apart in water within minutes, period products are engineered for absorption and structural integrity.
Here’s the journey:
Stage 1: Your Pipes
Tampons expand when wet. Pads absorb water and swell. Both can snag on joins in your household pipes, accumulating over time until water can’t pass freely. The result? Backed-up drains, flooding, and expensive plumber call-outs.
Stage 2: The Sewer Network
Products that make it past your home enter the public sewer system — a network of pipes, pumps, and treatment works. Here they mix with fats, oils, grease, and wet wipes to form fatbergs: massive, rock-hard blockages that can weigh as much as a blue whale.
Thames Water alone clears 75,000 blockages per year at a cost of £18 million annually. Across the UK, sewer blockages cost water companies an estimated £100 million every year to repair.
In 2025, engineers removed a 100-tonne fatberg from beneath Feltham in West London — the equivalent of eight double-decker buses, lurking ten metres below street level. It took more than a month to clear.
Period products are a key ingredient in these blockages. Water UK research found that wipes and period products contribute to 93% of sewer blockages.
Stage 3: Overflow into Rivers and Seas
When sewers become overwhelmed — whether by blockages, heavy rainfall, or both — they overflow. This is called a combined sewer overflow (CSO), and it releases untreated sewage directly into rivers and coastal waters.
That means period products end up in our waterways. From there, they wash onto beaches, break down into microplastics, and enter marine ecosystems. Period Products on Our Beaches
This isn’t theoretical. It’s measurable.
The Marine Conservation Society reports that on average, 4.8 pieces of menstrual waste are found per 100 metres of beach cleaned. That breaks down to roughly: 4 pads, panty liners, or backing strips
At least 1 tampon and applicator Per 100 metres. On beaches across the UK.
Period products are now the fifth most common item found on European beaches — more prevalent than single-use coffee cups, cutlery, or straws.
The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup reported collecting nearly 18,000 used tampons and applicators from beaches around the world in a single day back in 2004. Given population growth and plastic production increases since then, the real figure today is likely far higher. The Plastic Problem
Here’s something many people don’t realise: conventional period products contain a lot of plastic. Pads can contain up to 90% plastic — from the waterproof backing to the top sheet to the absorbent core
A pack of 14 pads contains the equivalent of 5 plastic carrier bags
Tampons contain plastic in the applicator, the string, and often within the absorbent core itself Tampon applicators are made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) — the same plastics used in packaging This plastic doesn’t biodegrade. A single pad can take 500–800 years to break down — and even then, it doesn’t disappear. It simply fragments into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics.
Microplastics: The Invisible Threat
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5mm. They’re now found in: Ocean water at every depth
Beach sand
Fish and shellfish
Drinking water
Human blood and organs When period products break down in landfill or the ocean, they contribute to this growing crisis. Marine animals ingest these particles, mistaking them for food. The plastics accumulate in their tissues — and eventually enter the human food chain.
Scientists estimate that humans may be consuming up to 11,000 microplastic particles per year from seafood alone. Crabs in the River Thames have been found with period pad plastic in their stomachs. The Carbon Footprint
The environmental impact extends beyond disposal.
The production of conventional period products requires: Fossil fuels — plastics are derived from petroleum Water — cotton cultivation is notoriously water-intensive Energy — manufacturing, bleaching, and packaging all require power Transport — products are shipped globally Research by the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm found that the largest environmental impact of tampons comes from plastic applicators and the plastic backing strips on pads — both made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) produced from fossil fuels.
A year’s worth of disposable period products has an estimated carbon footprint of 5.3 kg CO2 equivalents. That might sound small individually, but multiply it by millions of menstruating people and decades of use, and the collective impact is substantial. The Lifetime Numbers
The average person who menstruates will use approximately 11,000–17,000 disposable period products in their lifetime.
That translates to: Up to 200 kg of period product waste per person Over 200,000 tonnes of period product waste generated annually in the UK alone
Products that will outlast the person who used them by centuries When Catherine of Aragon was Queen of England 500 years ago, modern plastic hadn’t been invented. If she had used today’s disposable pads, they would still be sitting in landfill — or floating in the ocean — right now. The Hidden Costs
Beyond the environmental damage, there are real financial costs to flushing: £100 million per year spent by UK water companies clearing sewer blockages £18 million per year spent by Thames Water alone Higher water bills for all customers to cover maintenance Plumber call-outs for households with blocked drains Emergency repairs when sewage backs up into homes When unflushable items go down the drain, everyone pays — literally. What Can You Do?
The good news is that this problem is entirely preventable. The solution is simple: bin, don’t flush.
Step 1: Never Flush Period Products
No tampon, pad, panty liner, or applicator should ever go down the toilet. Ever.
The only things that should be flushed are the three Ps: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Everything else belongs in the bin.
Step 2: Make Binning Easy and Discreet
One of the main reasons people flush is embarrassment about binning. FabLittleBag solves this problem.
FabLittleBag is a disposal bag designed specifically for period products: Opens with one hand — practical when you need your other hand free Opaque — no one can see the contents Seals shut — contains odour and prevents leaks Compact — fits in a pocket, handbag, or gym bag Made sustainably — 60% sugarcane, 30% recycled plastic, 10% cornstarch With FabLittleBag, binning is just as quick and discreet as flushing — but without the environmental damage.
Shop FabLittleBag here →
Step 3: Advocate for Better Facilities
Lack of sanitary bins is a major barrier to proper disposal, especially in public toilets. If you notice missing bins: Report it to venue management
Request bins in workplaces, schools, and sports facilities
Support campaigns for better period provision in public spaces Everyone deserves access to proper disposal facilities.
Step 4: Consider Your Product Choices
While this blog focuses on disposal, it’s worth mentioning that product choice also matters: Organic cotton products have a lower plastic content Cardboard applicators or applicator-free tampons reduce plastic waste Reusable options like menstrual cups, discs, or period underwear eliminate disposable waste entirely Whatever products you use, proper disposal makes a difference. Converting Flushers to Binners
At FabLittleBag, our mission is simple: convert flushers to binners.
We’re not here to shame anyone for past habits. We’re here to provide a practical, dignified solution that makes the right choice the easy choice.
Founded by Martha Silcott, FabLittleBag was created because she saw the problem firsthand and wanted to fix it. We’ve now sold over 5 million bags globally — that’s 5 million period products properly disposed of instead of flushed.
Every bag used is: One less product in our sewers
One less potential blockage
One less piece of waste on our beaches
One small step toward cleaner oceans Join the movement → What About Businesses and Organisations?
If you manage washrooms in a workplace, school, sports club, hotel, or public venue, you have a key role to play.
Providing FabLittleBag dispensers in toilet cubicles: Encourages proper disposal
Reduces plumbing issues
Demonstrates commitment to sustainability
Supports staff and visitors who menstruate We work with organisations across the UK through our Period Supportive Movement initiative — helping workplaces, schools, and sports clubs create period-positive environments.
Interested in bulk orders or workplace solutions? Get in touch at hello@fablittlebag.com. The Bottom Line
Flushing period products might feel convenient in the moment, but the consequences are far-reaching: Blocked sewers costing £100 million a year to clear Fatbergs weighing as much as blue whales Sewage overflows polluting rivers and coastlines Period products on beaches — the fifth most common item found Microplastics entering marine ecosystems and the food chain 500–800 years for a single pad to break down The solution is simple: bin, don’t flush.
And with FabLittleBag, binning is just as easy, just as discreet, and far better for the planet. Ready to make the switch? Shop FabLittleBag — discreet disposal bags that seal shut, made from sustainable materials.
Want to bring FabLittleBag to your workplace, school, or venue? Contact us at hello@fablittlebag.com. Related Reading Female Athletes and Periods: Breaking the Silence on Menstruation in Sport
Period Disposal While Travelling: Your Complete Guide
How Schools Can Better Support Students Through Their Periods

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The Period Equality: Breaking the Cycle report by phs Group reveals a powerful truth – more girls miss school due to their periods than for any other reason. In a Census-wide poll of 1,262 girls aged 13-18 across the UK, the report tells us that the average absence is three days per term, surpassing colds, flu, mental health, and truancy.

Surprisingly, nearly one in five girls admitted staying away from lessons due to embarrassment about being on their period, while 8% highlighted the unavailability of period products as a contributing factor.

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25% of girls in the UK are struggling to afford period products.

500m girls and women globally don’t have the essentials they need to manage their period.

20% of girls aged 14-21 in the UK have experienced teasing or bullying around their periods.

Period poverty isn’t just about money. It's a ‘toxic trio’ of issues preventing girls from managing their periods as they need to.

1. The cost of period products.

Many struggle to cover the cost of their periods. They may go without products or unsafely improvise with rags or other materials.

2. The lack of education about periods.

Young people aren’t being taught how the menstrual cycle works. And if you don't understand your body or what a healthy period looks like, you can’t ask for medical help when you need it.

3. The shame, stigma and taboo about periods.

Girls are made to feel there’s something wrong with their bodies when they have their period. They may withdraw from activities and be denied the chance to enjoy life to the full.

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Plan International is a global children’s charity striving for an equal world. One where every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future.

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65% students are unable to access school toilets at their freely at any time

29% of students needed permission from a teacher to leave the classroom

5% of teachers reported school toilets being locked

16% of teachers had prevented a student who has periods from using the bathroom during class

30% of teachers felt that students on their periods should wait until the end of a lesson to access a toilet

26% of teachers admitted there had been a subsequent issue, such as a student bleeding through their uniform

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Decades of global experience tell us that due to their gender and their age, adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to having their rights denied.

In 2016 the State of Girls’ Rights in the UK report showed that here in the UK there are also specific challenges for girls, as well as many of the same problems of gender-based violence, discrimination and gender stereotypes that hold girls back around the world. Girls are not only feeling unsafe in schools, on the streets and online, but their education, career choices and ability to be heard are also being negatively impacted. Having listened to the concerns of girls in the UK about their rights more broadly, Plan International UK wanted to explore some areas of specific concern more thoroughly, such as digital rights, street harassment and relationships and sex education.

This report therefore seeks to examine a key issue for girls – menstrual stigma and taboo – and expose the negative impacts on their lives and the solutions that could challenge this stigma and address its impacts.

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Menstruation and Cultural Practices: Diverse Traditions Around the World

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Menstruation and Cultural Practices: Diverse Traditions Around the World

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Menstruation in India: A Blend of Rituals and Restrictions

Menstrual Traditions in Japan: Ancient Beliefs and Modern Practices

Africa: A Continent of Varied Menstrual Practices

Native American Tribes: Menstruation as a Sacred Experience

Western Cultures: Breaking Menstrual Taboos

FAQs About Menstrual Traditions

Conclusion: Embracing Cultural Diversity in Menstrual Practices

Get Involved: Advocate for Menstrual Equity and Education

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Menstruation and Cultural Practices: Diverse Traditions Around the World | Pinkishe Foundation Blog

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Discover the diverse cultural practices surrounding menstruation across the globe. Learn how societies from India to Japan and Africa to Native American tribes view and practice menstruation. Explore the Western world’s efforts to break menstrual taboos and promote menstrual equity.

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Blossom Health Talks is a youth-led podcast dedicated to raising awareness about feminine health. Each episode explores informative topics, personal stories, and expert insights to break stigmas and empower listeners. Tune in for engaging discussions, practical tips, and inspiration to spark change. Based in NYC

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Listen to empowering conversations on feminine health, teen wellness, and breaking stigma. Tune in to the Blossom Health Foundation podcast.

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freedom4girls.co.uk

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We're so back! Starting this season off strong with an episode about our least favourite thing in the world...periods! We talk about out own personla experiences as well as chatting to Tina Leslie, founder of Freedom 4 Girls, a UK charity fighting against period poverty.
You can find more about Freedom 4 Girls here:
www.freedom4girls.co.uk @freedom4girls on instagram

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What do you really know about the menstrual cycle? In this award-winning podcast India Rakusen explores the whole bloody story, discovering facts that could change your life. Periods are just the beginning.

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What do you really know about the menstrual cycle? Periods are just the beginning.

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Our whitepaper reports serve as pivotal resources, offering deep insights into the pervasive issue of period inequality across the UK. Through meticulous research and analysis, our reports sheds light on the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals in accessing period products, confronting stigma, and advocating for equitable policies and practices. By documenting the scope and nuances of period inequality, these reports not only raise awareness but also provide a foundation for informed action and policy reform. Our dedication to producing comprehensive, evidence-based research underscores our commitment to driving meaningful change and fostering a society where periods is met with dignity, accessibility, and equality for all.

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Download Our Whitepapers on Period Equality: Essential Resources

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Access phs Group’s whitepapers on period equality, providing in-depth research and insights into period poverty and associated challenges. Download now for comprehensive information.

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Your Turn: Period and Poos Apple Podcast

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Your Turn: Period and Poos Apple Podcast

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The Teen Commandments

Come on in for period chat, as one listener has tampon trouble plus a mum’s been in touch to share the most memorable moment of her parenting life. Spoiler alert - the story contains a drawer and a poo.

A teacher’s been in touch with a spectacular story about a group of year 8 boys and one gorgeous listener has recommended Teen Commandments to the police.

Ooh and you know how Sara and Clare have always said they are absolutely not here to give advice? Well never forget that Sara has her 20-meter swimming badge and Clare is a qualified hairdresser. What more could you want from ‘teenage experts’?

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Podcast Episode · The Teen Commandments · 28 May 2025 · 22m

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Approved by medical experts here are some useful words you might want to get to know, so when it comes to chatting periods, you can go with the flow.

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We’ve pulled together a few words you might want to get to know, so when it comes to chatting periods, you can go with the flow.

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Peer Support: 10 Top Tips to supporting people that bleed

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Peer Support: 10 Top Tips to supporting people that bleed

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Having understanding people to talk to is a massive support for girls and young people who have periods. Even if you're not quite sure what to say, just listening is great. You can always advise them to speak to a parent or carer, school nurse or doctor If they're having a tough time. Simply understanding if they don't seem quite themselves is a great way you can offer some support.

This image is a great top tips guide you might want to use.

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Welcome to The Blobcast: Free the Period, a ground-breaking podcast that tackles all things related to menstruation with candour, humour and expert insights.

You can catch The Blobcast on your favourite podcast platforms:

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

YouTube.

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The Blobcast: Free the Period – Empowering Conversations About Menstruation

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Discover The Blobcast: Free the Period, where open conversations about menstruation foster education, empowerment, and destigmatisation. Explore episodes covering pain, products, and societal taboos.

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You should always try to take some time-out to look after both your physical and emotional health, especially when you’re on your period. Your body is working really hard during your period, so listening to what your body and emotions are telling you is super important.

Here are some easy top tips to help you.

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It’s good to enjoy a bit of what you crave from time to time but try to top up your body with some of these mood-enhancing, energy-boosting, bloating reducing heroes too.

Check out this simple guide to help you out when choosing what food to eat, and what to avoid!

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The fact is, there is no one set ‘normal’. One person’s normal is different from someone else’s normal when it comes to periods. This guide describes all the different types of normal that you might experience when it comes to period blood.

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Key findings:

•

21% of girls, women and people who menstruate in the UK are now struggling to afford period products – an increase of 12%

•

41% kept sanitary pads or tampons in for longer and 8% have to re-use disposable pads.

•

37% said they had used tissues or cotton wool instead of sanitary pads, whilst 13% said they had used socks or other clothing and 9% resorted to using paper or newspaper.

•

60% of respondents had to prioritise purchasing food, and 48% prioritise purchasing gas/electricity, over purchasing period products.

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Cost of living: UK period poverty rose from 12% to 21% in a year in 2023

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An ActionAid poll in 2023 found that the number of UK women and people who menstruate who are struggling to afford period products has risen from 12% to 21% in one year.

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Wellbeing of Women - Menstrual Health Survey

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Wellbeing of Women - Menstrual Health Survey

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FabLittleBag is now part of The Fab Bag Company, still transforming awkward moments into confident experiences, so you can move, run, play, travel, work and live life without hesitation.

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Eco-Friendly Period Disposal Solutions | FabLittleBag

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Discover FabLittleBag’s eco-friendly period disposal bags. Biodegradable, discreet, and hygienic, protecting the environment and ensuring confidence on the go.

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Somerset School Nursing Service

Young People (11-19) - 07840 635516

Call: 0300 790 9854

Email: schoolnursingduty@somerset.gov.uk

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Somerset School Nurse Team

Parents: 078406 35515

Call: 0300 7909854

Email schoolnurseduty@somerset.gov.uk

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Understanding Periods and Tips to Cope with it - Childline

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Understanding Periods and Tips to Cope with it - Childline

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Your periods might be irregular when they first start as your body adjusts to the changes in your hormones This can sometimes make it hard to know when your period will happen so you could keep a sanitary pad or tampon in the zipped section of your bag or in a make-up bag or pencil case in case you need it.

You might miss a period after your first one as your body gets used to the changes. Being ill, not eating and some types of medication can also make your period late. If you're worried or your periods don't settle down into a regular pattern, it may help to talk this through with a doctor or nurse.

A period doesn't mean you'll bleed all day. It's normal to stop bleeding for a few hours and then bleed a bit more. Everyone is different and what you experience may be different to what someone else experiences.

The amount of blood you lose during your period is about 30-70 ml, which is 5 to 12 teaspoons full, although it might seem like a lot more. If you're worried about the amount of blood, try this quiz to help you to decide what to do.

Period blood is red but can be pink, brown or black on lighter days. All of these are normal but if you're worried about anything it's okay to talk to an adult you trust, like a parent, carer, relative or your school nurse.

If you find that you have very heavy periods, or you have bleeding between periods you should talk to your doctor.

Common symptoms of PMT:

mood swings and getting easily annoyed

crying or feeling sad all of a sudden

not being able to concentrate

feeling really tired

your breasts feeling softer than normal

your stomach feeling really full or bloated

cramping in the stomach area

temporary weight gain

headaches.

Tips for period pain

Gentle exercise, using a hot water bottle, having a bath or taking some pain relief tablets can help. Always ask your parent, carer or school nurse about pain relief tablets before you take them.

If the pains get too much, you can talk to your doctor about other options or to see if there's another reason for the pain.

Lots of girls use sanitary pads because they're very easy to use. These are strips of padding which have a sticky side that you can attach to your underwear to keep them in place.

There are lots of different sizes of sanitary towels, so you can change them depending on how heavy or light your period is and some have "wings" that attach around your underwear to help keep them in place.

These are specially made small tubes of cotton wool which have a string at one end. You put these into your vagina and they soak up the blood before it comes out of your body. The string is to pull it out when you need to change it.

Some tampons have applicators which you might find easier to insert into your vagina. This will be explained on the pack when you buy them or you could ask an adult you trust how to use them.

When you buy tampons read the instruction leaflet in the box which explains how to use them correctly. When a tampon is in the right position you shouldn't be able to feel it, so if it hurts, it's best to remove it and try to insert a new one.

A tampon can never get stuck or lost inside you and the muscles of your vagina hold it in place. It will expand inside you as it fills with blood so it will look bigger when you take it out.

Always change tampons regularly, every 3 - 6 hours and 8 hours is the maximum time to leave a tampon in. Try to alternate tampons with using sanitary pads and use a tampon that matches the blood flow you have, like not using a super absorbency tampon when you have a light period day.

These are smaller and thinner versions of sanitary towels or pads and are used on days when your period is very light. You can also use these if you have a lot of discharge in between your periods.

These are small rubber or silicone cups which can be put inside the vagina to catch the blood. The muscles of the vagina keep them in place so they don't fall out. They're then emptied, washed and used again.

5 tips to help you use tampons:

try to relax - if your muscles tense up it can be harder to insert

see which style of tampon works best for you

if you're struggling you may want to use a handheld mirror to help you see what you're doing

you should change your tampon every 3 to 6 hours

only use tampons when you're on your period.

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Your periods might be irregular when they first start as your body adjusts to the changes in your hormones This can sometimes make it hard to know when your period will happen so you could keep a sanitary pad or tampon in the zipped section of your bag or in a make-up bag or pencil case in case you need it.

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Puberty is a time of change when hormones start to kick in. It's important to understand the role hormones play, the changes the body will go through, and how to better manage these changes. This E-Learning Module helps provide you with the knowledge and skills to better understand body changes as a result of puberty

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Hormonall by Vichy: Women’s Hormonal Wellbeing Across Every Life Stage

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Hormonall helps women decode hormonal changes with expert insights and science-backed support from Vichy. Navigate your hormonal journey—from puberty to menopause, passing through menstruation and postpartum—with clarity.

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The symptom checker only asks about whether you experience heavy bleeding and/or period pain, but you may experience other symptoms in relation to your period, or no symptoms at all. If you're looking for information about periods not related to heavy bleeding or period pain, visit our periods hub.

This checker is not to be used if you have irregular periods and bleed fewer than four times a year, in which case please see your GP. If you have other changes such as bleeding in between your periods or after sex, please see your GP.

This checker will not diagnose you. It will help you decide if you need to see a doctor, help in discussions with your doctor, and it will also give helpful information about periods.

Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your health.

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Period Symptom Checker - Wellbeing of Women

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If you’re having periods that are negatively impacting your life, our symptom checker can help. Answer a few short questions about your experiences an

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At the Bladder & Bowel Community, we help support the millions of people in the UK who are living with conditions that affect their bladder or bowel. Whether you have a condition yourself or are a relative, friend or carer of someone who does then you’ll find all the support, information, guidance and help you need.

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Supporting Your Bladder & Bowel Health | Bladder & Bowel Community

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At Bladder and Bowel Community, we aim to break the taboo of living with a bladder or bowel condition and offer support for those who do. Check us out today.

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Supporting Vaginal Health:Understanding the Microbiome’s Role in Bladder Health

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Please call Bladder Health UK for information and support on all bladder issues

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The British Menopause Society (BMS) is the specialist authority for menopause and post reproductive health in the UK. Established in 1989, the BMS educates, informs and guides healthcare professionals, working in both primary and secondary care, on menopause and all aspects of post reproductive health.

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The British Menopause Society (BMS) is the specialist authority for menopause and post reproductive health in the UK. Established in 1989, the BMS educates, informs and guides healthcare professionals, working in both primary and secondary care, on menopause and all aspects of post reproductive health.

# data[].attributes.body
The British Menopause Society (BMS) is the specialist authority for menopause and post reproductive health in the UK. Established in 1989, the BMS educates, informs and guides healthcare professionals, working in both primary and secondary care, on menopause and all aspects of post reproductive health.

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Cysters Reducing Menstrual, Mental, Maternal and Menopausal Health Inequalities

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Cysters Reducing Menstrual, Mental, Maternal and Menopausal Health Inequalities

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Cysters is a grassroots charity committed to breaking down the systemic barriers that create menstrual, mental, maternal, and menopausal health inequalities. We believe lasting change happens when communities lead the way, when every story, struggle, and triumph is heard and valued.

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At Endo Buddies, their mission is to provide comprehensive support to people with Endometriosis; fostering hope, resilience, and connect and to empower individuals with Endometriosis to lead lives of vitality, resilience, and community.

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Supporting the Wellbeing of People with Endometriosis

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Endometriosis South Coast is an inclusive charity set up to support people who haven’t started their diagnosis journey, are going through the diagnosis stages, or have been diagnosed with Endometriosis and/or Adenomyosis. They also support friends, family, and cheerleaders of the people who have to jump through hoops to get started on the diagnosis pathway. Local support groups available

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Endometriosis South Coast is a registered charity offering a safe place for those affected by Endometriosis. Help, Advice and Support.

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Many of the symptoms of Fowler’s Syndrome are caused by an inability to empty the urine that is stored in the bladder.

The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some women experience complete retention. Others experience partial urination with a residual amount of urine left in the bladder.

Some women may experience back pain, suprapubic pain (pain over the bladder) or dysuria (discomfort/burning whilst passing urine) due the urinary infections that retention can cause.

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he Guidance Suite, founded by Dawn Heels in 2022. A not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing women with a safe and accessible space, both online and in person, to access information and guidance on fibroids and other womb issues. Their mission is to empower women with knowledge and information, enabling them to take control of their womb health and advocate for themselves.

In the past, we have collaborated with Vapianos and The London House of Wellbeing to host in-person support group events, fostering community, sharing experiences, and providing valuable support to those affected by fibroids.

Follow us on Instagram @guidancesuite to stay up to date with future support group details, events, and join us in our journey to support women’s health and well-being.

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Welcome to The Guidance Suite, founded by Dawn Heels in 2022. We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing women with a safe and accessible space, both online and in... Read more »

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The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) is trusted worldwide as a lifeline of support, information, and resources for those affected by Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME).

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Irise International is an award-winning, global leader in menstrual justice programming, policy and research. Includes toolkits for schools and support for young people

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Irise International - Global Menstrual Justice

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Towards Global Menstrual Justice. Irise International is a global leader in menstrual justice programming, policy and research - imagining and building a world where nobody is held back by their period.

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Irise International 2024 Toilet Policy Toolkit for Educational Settings - Developed by young people & educators to help schools revolutionise their toilet policy for period equity and beyond...!

To support primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and 6th Forms, in fulfilling their legal obligation to provide toilet access to all students by equipping them with the tools needed to create an accessible, inclusive, working toilet policy to ensure all students can use the toilet facilities as and when they need.

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UK Schools Toilet Policy Toolkit | Irise International

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Irise brought together a diverse group of young people from across the UK, alongside their allies and educators to directly inform a ‘Toilet Policy Toolkit’, to equip schools with the tools they need to create a Toilet Policy that works for everyone.

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This collection of resources was created as part of the Faith-Informed Menstrual Health Project — a collaboration between Irise International, Dr. Maria Tomlinson at the University of Sheffield, Cysters, and DiverseCity Development Trust, with support from our friends at the Menstrual Health Project. ​

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The resources available on this page were created in consultation with over 100 Muslim women from Sheffield and Rotherham. Guided by what women said they wanted to know and how they wanted the information presented, four key resources were developed covering:

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Period pain & menstrual health conditions

How to talk to your doctor & advocate for yourself

Menstrual products

Diet and menstrual wellbeing

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The resources are available to download in English, Urdu, and Arabic - and will soon be available in Somalian. Resources tailored specifically for Sikh communities are currently in development and will be added to this page in the near future!

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This work is funded by the University of Sheffield.

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All of our resources are created by and with a diversity of young people and are available for everyone to use, for free. We can also help you design and evaluate menstrual health programmes, design and deliver training and capacity building, design and implement research, and develop policy.

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Babette Cole The Mummy never told me with that

Cole hair In Funny Places

Usborne lift the flap questions and answers about growing up books about what makes a baby

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We are Lady Garden. We stand together as daughters, sisters and mothers. We challenge taboos and do away with the 'private' in our 'private parts'. We are loud and we are bold. We are restless and we are relentless. We are Lady Garden. We will be Silent No More.

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The Love Your Period Campaign is an initiative to end period poverty and stigma. They provide free period products to those who need them.

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Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

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Empowering individuals with personalised, comprehensive care for navigating hormonal changes from puberty to post-menopause.

Specialised medical expertise and educational initiatives provide the support and knowledge you need to confidently embrace every stage of life.