tampons vs. the keeper

[choo-choo-bear.livejournal.com]

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/tamponsabs.html

Regardless of what the U.S. FDA claims, I know for a FACT that I use a
menstrual product that does NOT come equipped with health warnings (unlike tampons), and that's all that matters to me. Oh, and of course,
the Keeper is environmentally friendly too!

Comments

[lizdefiance.livejournal.com]

the FDA is so corrupt that it's completely laughable. i'm glad you feel & know what you do despite what they say!

[choo-choo-bear.livejournal.com]

A friend and I have been discussing the alleged health risks associated with tampons. She said that just because the Keeper doesn't come with warnings about TSS doesn't mean that it's necessarily risk free. She figured that there must be the same risks if the Keeper is left in too long as well, from bacteria sitting in the cup for so long. She even said that because the Keeper isn't "regulated" as much as tampons (says who?), maybe the necessary information isn't included when you buy one.

I only hope that she was playing devil's advocate because I'm getting tired of arguing with women who seem content with using tampons just because they've always "worked" for them ... I'm positive that if only they gave a the Keeper a chance, they'd be asking themselves why they waited so long to try it in the first place!! But, as I've said so many times, I found the biggest challenge with the Keeper to be the steep mental learning curve; but, as I'm discovering, it's even more difficult (if not impossible) to convince _other_ women that this is one learning curve WORTH tackling. In my case, my body adjusted to it relatively quickly; it was my way of _thinking_ that took a long time to change. The Keeper forced me to realize that menstruation is not something to be ashamed of or hide (despite what tampon companies say). Instead, menstruation is a much more positive experience for me now, and much simpler as well since my Keeper hardly ever leaks!

In case you couldn't tell, I LOVE my Keeper ;)

[peregrin8.livejournal.com]

I use sea sponges (also not regulated, as in, the FDA hasn't demanded any tests as far as I know)... my GYN simply said I should keep them very clean & be alert to any sudden high fever or other signs of TSS. I think every woman should know what the symptoms are & go to a doc if those symptoms occur while she's menstruating, but other than that, I don't worry about it!

[balmofgilead.livejournal.com]

there's some info on TSS and the keeper here: http://www.mum.org/tamsafty.htm#anchor347195