Blog: Teens
Guest Blogger: Lisa Elifritz from You ARE Loved
Last summer, my world changed forever when my younger daughter, Amy, died as a result of tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Amy knew about TSS and did all of the right things including using the lowest absorbency tampon needed for her flow and changing frequently, yet when she experienced flu-like symptoms, no one thought it might be Toxic Shock until it was too late.
Amy died at age 20.
In the year since her passing, I have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the reality of tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and to provide factual information about menstruation. I have read everything I can find, talked to as many experts as possible, and listened to the stories of those who have suffered from it and heard from family members who lost a loved one as a result of it. I have told Amy's story to anyone who will listen. I will continue to tell her story and do everything in my power to raise awareness and save lives.
Recently, I founded a nonprofit organization, You ARE Loved in Amy's memory (Amy Rae Elifritz—ARE). By talking to students in public schools, partnering with bloggers, and engaging in a variety of collaborative ventures we are doing our part to ensure everyone is aware of tampon related TSS. I invite you to join us in this effort by reading then sharing our brochure with those you know and care about.
We appreciate the manufacturers of feminine hygiene products who take seriously the need to produce quality products that do not subject users to the possibility of Toxic Shock Syndrome. When you use an Instead Softcup, you do so with the assurance that there have been no cases of TSS associated with any of the over 100 million cups they have sold.
Lisa Elifritz
You ARE Loved
Founder & Executive Director
Anonymous Says:
so you can leave this in for 12hrs and it not cause any problems whatsoever ???
Anonymous Says:
Yes you can leave soft cup in for 12 hours with no problems. TSS is associated with the absorbency in tampons soft cups do not absorb they collect also tampons can leave fibers behind when removed so you can get TSS even when you are done bleeding and have removed the last tampon used. soft cups do not leave anything behind when they are removed. Soft cups also leave you feeling cleaner and they are more natural feeling. I am so happy that I found soft cups they have changed my period forever. You can also wear them doing any activity you might want to do even sex but not as a birth control option they do not prevent STI's, STD's, or pregnancy they are a period protection option only!!!
Anonymous Says:
The only reason TSS is associated with the absorbency is because higher absorbency tampons are left in longer. This creates a breeding ground for Staphylococcal and Streptococcal bacteria, which are the REAL cause of TSS, not the tampon. I can't see how keeping them contained for 12 hours would be any better.
Tracey Says:
In Softcup's clinical testing, Softcups were shown to leave women's bacteria levels and pH levels the same (before, during and after use). The results of this study were recently published in medical publication, the Journal of Women's Health.
Ashleigh Says:
i absolutley love the way a softcup feels.. At first when i seen the box i was like this is a joke but they really work i could sometimes feel tampons when i moved but i cant feel them at all. I love the fact that they are healthier for you, they also prevent odors that you sometimes smell when a tampon or pad is on and that is awesome. Since is has nothing to do with TSS i find it so cool. I had no clue that tiny particles could be left behind on you after a tampon now i really feel cleanier. Even though some people think this is weird and that it is nasty, my stepmom thinks its weird that its too big to be inside you but its really not. They have way better side effects as well (:
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