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vaginapagina2002-03-22 06:23 pm
lasttraintocool.livejournal.com) wrote in vaginapagina2002-03-22 06:23 pm
prompted by a heated discussion about tampons last night..
Because of its relationship to menstruation and the use of tampons, TSS has not received adequate attention from medical and government authorities, as have other fatal diseases. It is classified as a "rare" disease. This classification gives women a false sense of security about our chances of getting Toxic Shock. The truth is, that it is no more "rare" than certain forms of cancer and AIDS.
other sites dedicated to telling you what the syndrome entails basically limit the info to just that. thepage that goes into the most amount of depth, explaing just WHY the disease occurs is at the keeper's site.
[there are some rather interesting statistics here]
Tampons are typically manufactured from rayon. There is a risk of rayon fibres being absorbed into the vaginal walls. Tampons may also expose you to absorbency gels, bleach, and chemicals such as chlorine. Chlorine can cause the production of dioxins, a potent carcinogen (cancer causing agent).
of course, you could always believe the tripe that the FDA wants you to believe. it's an american governmental organization; i don't believe a word.
other sites dedicated to telling you what the syndrome entails basically limit the info to just that. thepage that goes into the most amount of depth, explaing just WHY the disease occurs is at the keeper's site.
[there are some rather interesting statistics here]
Tampons are typically manufactured from rayon. There is a risk of rayon fibres being absorbed into the vaginal walls. Tampons may also expose you to absorbency gels, bleach, and chemicals such as chlorine. Chlorine can cause the production of dioxins, a potent carcinogen (cancer causing agent).
of course, you could always believe the tripe that the FDA wants you to believe. it's an american governmental organization; i don't believe a word.
no subject
Dioxins, one of the main "culprits" of this whole thing, aren't formed by putting something treated with chlorines into your body; they're formed basically by buring chlorine stuff, it looks like. (If you're that hot, good for you :) but I don't think it's a risk from tampons) http://www.ejnet.org/dioxin/ gives more information on this; we're more at risk from dioxins from the environment (a valid problem) than we are from tampon use.
About TSS not being "rare"--AIDS and many cancers are rare, it's just that yes, they have gotten widespread attention. Should TSS? Of course. Does that mean tampons are necessarily "bad"? I'd say not; it's like saying that having sex at all is bad because you could get AIDS. Of course, having unprotected sex is dangerous; so is leaving a tampon in too long, or brushing off flu-like symptoms while you're using tampons. But it's my opinion that one goes too far if one tries to demonize an entire industry simply becuase their products can make some people sick--this happens all the time from products ranging from foods (all sorts of allergies) to excercise equipment (improper use) to cosmetics and soaps (rashes, etc.) To me, the more important thing is that consumers be made aware of the risks involved in anything so they can make their own choices. Tampon manufacturers do put out lots of literature about TSS; every package I have ever used lists symptoms and says--usually in large red letters--"If these occor, see a doctor ASAP" or words to that effect.
For most people, tampons seem to be a safe choice if they are active in taking care of themselves. There will always be exceptions, but life is not risk-free. *shrug* just my 2c worth... sorry I wrote so long on this. :)