Ok boys. For those arguing about a GST and suggesting "tampons are a luxury", you're about to get a lesson in periods.

When women menstruate, there are generally 2-3 heavy bleed days and 2-3 light bleed days. Periods often catch women by surprise - especially young girls, though many women have a clockwork feel for when their period is coming. Generally women spend around 1 week out of 4, or a quarter of their time, menstruating.

Periods are messy. Sanitary pads are a flat object you stick to your knickers, but they're very poorly designed. Firstly, if you walk more than 5 metres, as one generally tends to do over the course of a day, they crunch up uncomfortably in the middle. They often come loose, or even completely dislodged, when bending or riding or running or working out. Many activities, like swimming, are impossible.

Pads are very prone to leaks so have to be changed - in many causes - every hour or two. Pads are a stupid invention and they make daily activities difficult. They feel wet and irritating.

Tampons aren't a 'luxury' version of a pad. They're a way to proceed with daily activities without feeling like you've wet your pants, or like you have a twisted wad of damp tissues jammed in your crotch.