Hi,
I just discovered your Web site as I searched for info on the Keeper. I ordered one recently but haven't received it yet, so I was looking for info on 1) ease of insertion, since I have had problems inserting non-applicator tampons in the past; and 2) TSS [toxic shock syndrome] risks associated with it, if any, since their Web site at http://www.keeper.com is very vague about that subject. The reviews are so mixed on #1 that I'll have to reserve judgment until I've tried it, I guess!
But on the second issue, the TSS risks, I saw your page on the new vs. the old Keeper. From that I assume that I'll probably receive the old version, since the new one doesn't appear to be on the market yet. Assuming that's the case, have any tests been done to determine the TSS risks associated with the old Keeper? [Dr. Tierno - see letter below - tested the old Keeper, because he compares it unfavorably with the new one in his first letter.] I didn't see any info on your pages regarding TSS and the old Keeper, only the newer one. I did see the note on the comments page saying that no TSS cases have been associated with the Keeper (by which I assume you mean either old or new), but are there any scientific studies to back that up?
Dear Harry,
"The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." Therefore not hearing about any case associated with the Keeper doesn't mean much. The Harvard student is wasting her time. [This student volunteered to search for cases of toxic shock and The Keeper in the medical literature. She found none.] Since the USAGE of the Keeper pales in comparison to tampons you are not likely to discover cases (because of statistics), if any, for a long time. However I would say that only the NEWER version of the rubber Keeper (which is not yet marketed and also needs some improvement), which allows for less adherence of staphylococcus aureus, is safer than most rayon tampons but not as safe as all-cotton products. The elastomeric polymer of the old Tassaway cups were better than the newer Keeper also.
Best regards,
Phil
Irregular menses identify women at high risk for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which exists in 6-10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is a major cause of infertility and is linked to diabetes.