Today, I was reminded what poverty is like when I had to choose between buying food and buying pads. Now, I have to take constant bathroom breaks and wipe off my pad. I don't get paid until after my period ends. FML
Collection
Fall
Dead leaves, the first cold of the season and an umbrella flipped inside out: fall, the season of grace.
Today, while sitting on the toilet, I noticed there was no toilet paper left, so I dug through my purse to use my one and only pad as a substitute. It clogged the toilet, and I started my period ten minutes later. FML
Today, I've been debating all day on whether I'm going to have to sell some of my video games to afford pads. FML
Today, I realized that every time I hear running water, I have less than a minute to find a toilet or I'll pee my pants. FML
Today, I woke up to realize I got my period a week early. The day of the after-wedding brunch. In a sort of remote area. Without pads or tampons. I need to be at the breakfast in a half-hour. FML
Today, I had to decide between buying medicine and buying food. FML
Today, I invested in some menstrual underwear to save money on sanitary products and for environmental reasons. I got to wear them only once before they were accidentally washed too hot and completely ruined. FML
Today, I got my period early. While traveling. For a funeral. I had to walk through two entire airport terminals to find a shop that had any period products, and the only option was an $18 box of tampons. Six tampons, to be precise. FML
Today, I ran to a public bathroom because of explosive diarrhea. In the middle of it, I noticed there was no more toilet paper nor paper towels remaining. The smallest bill in my wallet was a 5. I had to pay 10 dollars to wipe my own butt. FML
Today, I got a diaper rash from a pad. FML
Today, I came home to my boyfriend wearing one of my pads on his hand, because he didn't want to pay to go to the hospital for stitches. FML
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Top comments
Welshite 40
Invest in a menstrual cup. The cups are reusable and pay for themselves over just a few months.
laurellkawes 31
You could always use toilet tissue as a pad or a cloth. Not the best option, but better than not eating
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Comments (227)
mrosewrosem 12
I don't know if it's free in the USA but I use the pill which is free and have a type which stops my periods completely. Saves so much on pads and tampons!!
RosesThorn17 7
Wiping off a pad and reusing it is really unhygenic. The blood that has already absorbed and dried into the pad can carry loads of bacterias which could lead to infection. I have to agree with the other commentors. You really need to invest in a menstrual cup, or at least fold up a wad of tissue and keep replacing the tissue. (since I'm assuming you get free tissue/tp at your workplace) And if your situation is really that dire, I suggest you sign up for a foodbank.
sjjane 2
I know the feel right, FOL (**** our lives). Stick to wearing daggy undies and leggings/black pants and maybe try free bleeding at home? Just because keeping the same pad on (even though you're wiping it) can be harmful for you and could lead to infection. Just be safe and mindful :)
squishie_batman 4
Take off the pad, that's an infection waiting to happen. Use toilet paper, clean socks, unused makeup sponges, 25¢ pads/tampons from a bathroom dispenser, ect.
beetlebailey 16
get a diva cup or something similar. It has saved me about $400 in the last year.
catherinecas 30
Is there a local health union you can go to? They'll usually hook you up with some pads or point you in the direction of someone who can. And you live by a college go to the health Union and ask for pads and they'll give you some no question. Also: local churches can usually help you out even if you aren't a member of the congregation. And the Catholic Daughters will definitely help you out if there's a chapter nearby.
bunnylady08 13
what's more, feminine products are considered a luxury item in the usa and are taxed as one... sorry op
CrusherKitty 17
Toilet paper is also considered a luxury item. What's your point, caller?
bobsanction 18
Back in ye olden times, women used cloth towels instead of sanitary pads. Hence the term "on the rag".
Sora_McKain 36
To be honest, I never knew that that's where the term came from. Thank you for educating me.
juuuliaaa_fml 28
Use toilet paper. works just as good!
emilae 6
1. why can't a friend/family member give you pads until you can repay her? or lend you money to get pads? 2. toxic shock syndrome is real you need to switch pads regularly 3.ask for some pay ahead of time from work and repay them later!