A woman has enlisted help from the internet after sharing that her boyfriend shamed her for disposing of her menstrual pads in his bathroom while she was on her period. This week, Reddit user u/ThrowAway568931 went viral when she asked in the popular forum r/AmITheA**hole if she was in the wrong for throwing away her used pads in her boyfriend’s trash can. As she explained how her boyfriend called her “disgusting” for disposing of her menstrual pads at his house, many people have since called attention to what’s known as “period shaming”. The 18-year-old girl revealed in the viral post that she’s been dating her 23-year-old boyfriend for about three months, and that this was the first time she spent the night over at his place while she was on her period. “Since yesterday, I’ve been changing my pads in his bathroom and each time, I wrapped the used pad in a plastic wrapper and put it in the trash can,” she wrote. “The trash can has a lid and there’s a plastic garbage bag in there, so the pad was touching nothing but the trash that was already inside.” “I genuinely didn’t think it was a big deal, until my boyfriend took out the trash this morning and noticed the plastic wrappers in the bag,” she continued. “He knew they were the packaging for my pads because he had seen them before and quite outraged, he asked whether my used pads were also in that bag.” When she informed him that she had disposed of her pads in his trash, she claimed that he called her “disgusting” and told her to “take out the trash myself.” He then told his girlfriend that she should’ve “just kept” the pads in her purse until she got home, despite the fact that she was sleeping over at his apartment for the next three days. “He stated that he didn’t want my blood all over his trash and that I should find another way to dispose of my pads ASAP,” she said, adding: “I don’t think my attempt of an explanation why period blood isn’t as disgusting as he thinks it is got through to him and he’s quite set on his opinion.” The Reddit user believed her boyfriend “was a bit childish” because she didn’t “understand how an adult straight man can be so disgusted by period blood,” but when she texted her 19-year-old brother, he agreed with her boyfriend. “As I’ve been outnumbered, I wanted to see whether other people also believe what I did was an AH [a**hole] move.” Unsurprisingly, her post was immediately flooded by thousands of Reddit users encouraging her to break up with her “immature” boyfriend. “Please put him in the trash. Get yourself an adult boyfriend,” read one comment. “Women’s bodies are not gross. Imagine him having daughters with him behaving like this.” “He is too immature to date, he’s not ready for a relationship with a woman,” another person wrote. “He’s not the one, not for you and not for anyone until he learns to be more accepting of bodies.” Others pointed out that menstrual cycles are not something to be ashamed about, like one person who said: “I can’t imagine going through cramps, the hassle of leaks, and the overall discomfort of a period and on top of that having someone shame you for it.” “You deserve to be with a man that understands that menstrual cycles are part of life and not something to be grossed out about,” they added. While menstruation is a natural part of life, there has been much shame and stigma around “that time of the month.” In 2018, a poll found that nearly half of women in the United States have experienced “period shaming” – being made to feel a sense of embarrassment simply because they were on their period. The research – which was commissioned by feminine hygiene company THINX – even found that 42 per cent of women have experienced period-shaming, with one in five being made to have these feelings because of comments made by a male friend. Meanwhile, 12 per cent of women have been shamed by a family member and one in 10 by a classmate. Additionally, 44 per cent of men admitted to having made a joke about or comment on their partner’s mood when she was on her period. More than half of the men involved in the study also believed that it is inappropriate for women to openly mention their menstrual cycles in the workplace, which is likely why 73 per cent of women surveyed said they’ve hid a pad or tampon from view on their way to the bathroom. After her post went viral on Reddit, she revealed in a follow-up post that she didn’t break up with her boyfriend just yet, but she has cut her three-day visit short. “I’ll be honest, I did post this hoping someone would back me up on this, but I didn’t expect to have hundreds of people telling me to break up with my boyfriend,” said u/ThrowAway568931. “I think you’ll be pleased to hear that I’ve cut my visit short and gone home for the time being,” she explained. “No break-up I could talk about yet, but I’ve taken the comments to heart and if I don’t get some kind of explanation/apology in the near future, I’ll have to reconsider whether maintaining this relationship is actually worth it.” Read More Triathlete proudly shares ‘beautiful’ racing photo where she bled through swimsuit while on her period Bullies criticised a photo of my period stain during a triathlon. 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The formula for the perfect fish finger sandwich has been revealed: it's made with four fish fingers, 'real' butter, two slices of white bread, ketchup... and cut sideways.  A poll of 2,000 adults who eat fish finger sandwiches found that 42 per cent said it was their sandwich of choice.  According to those polled, the optimum fish finger sarnie is also made with lettuce (21 per cent), cheese (15 per cent) and tomato (12 per cent).  Nearly half (43 per cent) like their sandwich to be cut sideways, so there are whole fish fingers on both sides of the bread. But 30 per cent like to cut their sarnie lengthways, so all fish fingers are in half, and nine per cent go as far as cutting everything into triangles. Commissioned by Birds Eye, The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and Iceland Foods, which sells MSC certified products like Birds Eye fish fingers, the study found 76 per cent would opt for a fish finger sandwich made from sustainably sourced cod.  A spokesperson for the supermarket chain said: "We know our fish fingers are not only great value, but they taste good too - making them a quick and easy meal that is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser for families. "With one third of the world's fish stocks overfished, it is more important than ever for shoppers to choose seafood from sustainable sources." Exactly nine in 10 said the fish finger sandwich is a quick, easy and affordable meal that tastes good. In addition, just over two thirds (68 per cent) said they care about making mealtimes more sustainable. But 62 per cent claim they only have a vague idea of what sustainable fishing is. Encouragingly, 80 per cent correctly believe the process of sustainable fishing ensures fish are left in the ocean, impact on habitats and ecosystems is minimalised, and fisheries are effectively managed. However, one in 16 mistakenly think sustainable fishing happens once a year so there is enough fish left in the ocean for everyone else. When asked to describe the meaning of the blue MSC label, 42 per cent were “unsure”. However, 44 per cent rightly said it is the symbol of sustainability for wild-caught fish and seafood. More than half (55 per cent) said they care about the impact their food choices have on the planet but find it confusing, while 39 per cent of those who took part in the OnePoll.com study simply can’t afford to make the necessary changes. A spokesperson for MSC said: "The creators of the fish finger, Birds Eye, helped to co-found the MSC to help protect seafood supplies. While Iceland, who won MSC UK Newcomer of the Year in 2020, has made great progress in increasing the availability of sustainable seafood to its customers. "And now offers the highest percentage range of MSC certified wild seafood among all UK retailers.” A spokesperson for Birds Eye added: “We are very proud to be working closely with the MSC. Fish is good for our health, and so for the good of our oceans the Birds Eye fish range is 100 per cent MSC certified to make sure future generations can enjoy fish too.” SWNS Read More Order a bagel and schmear at Feltz Bagels, and you'll be fed an original piece of art Kale, crispy bacon upgrades grilled cheese to an adult level Six healthy recipes that both you and your gut will love Being vegetarian may partly be in one’s genes, study finds Jamie Oliver says he’d choose anonymity over fame if given the choice again

With record levels of gonorrhoea and syphilis cases reported by the UK Health Security Agency, it’s important to take sexual health seriously – and not just for young people. In fact, the number of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among over-65s increased by 20% from 2017 to 2019, according to the Local Government Association. This is why if you are sexually active, regular testing is necessary whatever your age – even if you don’t have any symptoms. “Sexual health check-ups are important because STIs can be silent but can also have significant health implications,” says Dr Priyanka Patel, consultant ambulatory gynaecologist at London Gynaecology. “STIs such as chlamydia can affect female fertility, and STIs such as HIV weaken the immune system.” To mark Sexual Health Week (September 11-17), Dr Patel talks through some key points about STI screening… How often should you have an STI check? “You need to have an STI check whenever you have a new partner, especially if you’re not using condoms, or think you were exposed to an STI,” says Patel. “Everyone should have an STI screen, including an HIV test, every year if having sex without condoms with new or casual partners.” Testing is also advised for anyone who develops possible symptoms. These may include unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus; pain when peeing; blisters, sores, lumps or skin growths on the genitals or anus; itching or a rash. What will you be asked at a check-up? You can find your nearest sexual health clinic via the NHS to book an appointment. Many sexual health services now offer free self-sampling kits to order online for people who don’t have any symptoms and want to do a check-up at home. “Men may have to hold their urine before testing, but women do not need to do anything in particular to prepare,” Patel says. “You will be asked about your sexual history, partners, contraceptive use and general health. You will be asked for details about your recent sexual partners and types of sex you have.” These questions may feel personal or intrusive but are important to ensure the correct tests are done. Remember, taking care of your sexual health is about being safe and empowered and healthcare professionals are there to help. What tests are done? “The testing will depend on the answers you give about the types of sex you have,” says Patel. “Vaginal, throat and anal swabs may be done – these will be used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.” To do this, the clinician rubs a cotton bud inside the area for a few seconds. A blood sample will be taken to test for syphilis and HIV. Patel continues: “If you have symptoms, then the clinician will usually carry out a speculum examination to look at the health of the vagina and cervix.” How do you get STI test results? The way your results are delivered varies between clinics, and they will advise when you should expect to hear back. “Most will send results via a text message or give you a number to call for results,” says Patel, while some have a ‘no news is good news’ policy, meaning if you don’t hear anything then you’ve got the all-clear. For home testing kits, you’ll get a notification to say your samples were received and results are usually sent via text message. “If you test positive for an STI, they will arrange for treatment and offer support,” Patel explains – which goes for both clinic and self-sampling. She adds: “It’s important to notify partners of any positive results and the sexual health clinic can also assist in anonymous partner notification.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 9 arthritis myths we all need to stop believing Prince Harry spotted at Windsor Castle on anniversary of Queen’s death How the weather can change the way you dream

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