Posted by KarenC on January 21, 2004 at 23:13:16:
In Reply to: does the keeper hurt? posted by laura q. on January 21, 2004 at 22:49:16:
I have no idea about your cramps question (the Keeper is similar to a tampon in many ways but very different in others so it's hard to say... if it's just the fact of having something inside that causes them then it might) but generally speaking, the Keeper absolutly does not hurt! Like Shannon and I said, we can't even feel it when it's in! If you can safely use a tampon then you can safely use a Keeper. The only thing that takes some getting used to is inserting and removing it. It doesn't hurt at all, it's just that the sensations are very different than anything you've ever experienced and you need practice to do it right.
As for TSS, there isn't an increased risk if you keep it in too long. The reason that tampons increase your risk is because they absorb all vaginal fluids (not only menstrual fluids) and change the fluid and ph balance of the vagina. The Keeper does absolutly nothing but catch menstrual fluid.
At first you'll probably be like me and empty it as often as you would change a tampon. Then you'll get to know your own cycle and body better and you'll learn when you 'really' need to empty it and what works for you. I usually do it first thing in the morning and last thing at night, just because that's what I'm comfortable with.
You can definetly give it a shot, with the money back guarantee you can't really lose. You can go to www.thekeeper.com (I think, try some variations on that if it doesn't work) for more detailed info. There's also a Yahoo group for the Keeper. I used to be on it when I was new to using it, great list with lots of info and experienced Keeper users. Just go to Yahoo.com and do a search for The Keeper and I'm sure you'll find it.
Karen.