I'm going on an overland tour to Africa for nine weeks and am a bit worried about having my period.
I know it's not such a good idea to take the pill for that length of time, so I was wondering about the Keepers / Instead / Sponges etc people have previously mentioned. I live in Britain by the way so I don't know if their available over here. I'd certainly never heard of them before!
Can anyone help? It's be much appreciated.
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Apparently it doesn't matter at all if you go straight on to
your next packet of pills without having a break. My advice
is to keep taking the pills and forget the period all
together. They're a pain at the best of time!!
why don't you get pregnant?...
your period should stop...
They have periods as well. Bring your tampons with you
though I would suggest ones with applicators so as not to
put a dirty finger inside you. Or bring wet wipes so you
can have clean hands before you insert one. That's what I
did when camping in the wild bush. Just be careful where
you throw them out when in the wild. Animals can smell when
you are on your period.
Nine weeks shouldn't be a problem for staying on the pill
but any longer is not a great idea. (Although I know someone
who took the pill non-stop for six months and then thought
she was pregnant because she hadn't had a period!!)
The previous poster said be careful where you through
tampons in the wild - don't throw them anywhere you should
be burying them or keeping them in a sealed bag until you
get to a bin.
I have to agree with the first and fourth posts - taking
the pill constantly for 3 months shouldn't cause you any
problems at all.
I took the pill for over a year, for extra bad cramps &
have had no problems at all. It's no worse for your body
than being pregnant.
It may also be worth mentioning that the bleeding between
one packet of pills & the next isn't a real period - I
think it's called a withdrawl bleed. It is only there to
convince you that you really aren't pregnant!
Anyway, make sure you don't let this issue ruin your
adventure - have a great time.
Take the pill for 9 weeks and fuck your self stupid with big black Africans. No pregnancy. But AIDS! Oh well take the good with the bad.
Are you already on the pill? If you are I wouldn't worry
about taking it for nine weeks solidly. I think I have done
three consecutive packets because sometimes it really isn't
convinient. (ie Safari and long jorneys) It isn't the most
practical place to have a period and not the cleanest so
just sack it off and take the pill for nine weeks without a
break.
I have been having the pill by injection for the last
six years. One jab in the bum every 12 weeks and
believe it or not I have had about 2 periods in 6 years!
No other side effects, it's a fantastic alternative to
the oral pill which I wasn't too reliable with (and I
have two gorgeous boys to prove it). Some women don't
like the idea of not having periods but I think it is
absolutely bliss and all the money I save on tampons etc.
I just get the jab at the GP or the Family Planning Clinic.
Hi
I have similar reservations about taking the pill for a long
time without a break, and tampons are a nuisance to get rid
of when you're not sure of the plumbing.
I've just invested in a Keeper, and although I haven't
actually used it yet, it looks OK in theory. The main
advantage over sponge seems to be that you can wipe it
rather than rinse it, might be handy in the middle of
nowhere. I live in the UK as well and ordered it via the
Internet (they take credit cards and it only took about 2
weeks to get here). I think they would also do mail order,
it's a Canadian based company. I don't have the details on
me, so you could either search for 'Keeper' or
'Eco-logique', or contact me on the above e-mail.
Pam
What the hell is a "keeper?"
I would also have reservations about taking the pill for so
long without a break. A friend did it once and when she
finally decided to take a break, it was a really bad one!
Discuss it with your GP. I don't know too much about this
kind of thing, but I think you can use a diaphragm to
"catch" the blood. I'm not sure about disposing of them of
how often you have to change it. Good luck!
I've travelled for 6 months in Africa, few years ago. I
don't know why, probably too much emotions, but my periods
stopped for 4 months. May be it will be same for you!
After that, tampons were O.K. and you can buy anywhere in
the cities.
i don't think taking the pill straight is a good idea at all. talk about a way to mess up your body. i know people that have used the keeper and love it. if you do use ob type tampons while travelling, it is really important to have clean hands, to avoid any chance of toxic shock, etc. and use all cotton whenever possible. i use rags at night, just like in the old days. just take a clean cloth and fold it up, and wear it in your underwear. in the mornings i put in a tampon.
baby wipes are a great way to keep yourself clean too.
Hi. Try this adress: http://infoweb.magi.com/~keeper
Please be Pregnanat. I like children:-)
DON'T WORRY ABOUT A PILL. JUST GO TO THE DOCTOR AND GET A
SHOT THAT WAY YOU'LL BE FREE OF YOUR PERIOD FOR LONGER
can we please change the topic--how would you like it I
asked, "what should I do about my wet dreams for 3 months
while I'm in Africa?"
hey majic man get grip of yourself.
I travelled in India and stayed on the pill...no mess no
fuss no hassle
Attention budget travellers visiting Thailand.
As a westerner who spends a lot of time in Thailand I feel
the need to comment on the interaction I witness between
travellers and Thais, especially in the Khaosan Road area
of Bangkok.
This relationship has deteriorated over recent years which
is a shame for all concerned. The responsibility for this
has to be shared between both local Thais and travellers but
the bad feeling and mutual lack of respect is escalating and
needs to stop.
Being more involved with Thais here than travellers I would
like to explain my version of their side of the story.
They have a hard time understanding the attitudes they are
experiencing from the travellers. Without exception they say
that travellers are arriving here with very different
attitudes to the travellers several years ago. Some of this
may simply be a case of remembering 'the good old days' but
much of it seems to be a real change for the worse.
I understand that people travelling on a budget have to
watch their expenses carefully and no-one is critical of
that. Many of the Thais in this area know as well as anyone
what it is like to live on a low budget. The problem is in
the accompanying attitude to this attempt to live cheaply.
Please remember that there is more to everyones lives here
than the size of your budget. The world goes on and people
live their lives. Hard nosed bargaining and constant
complaining about prices does no-one any good. If you want
sympathy about your finances, don't expect to get it from
local people trying to earn a living. They are here
providing the services and products that make your travel
possible and supposedly enjoyable. They do this as work or
business to earn money. Fortunately or unfortunately this is
the reality of how the world works and it is foolish to
expect anything different.
I am not saying don't bargain, just do it gently with a
smile and in the appropriate situations. Not everything is
bargainable, no matter what your travel guide says. Goods
for sale on the street normally are, Guest house rooms, food
in restaurants and Airline tickets normally are not.
Attempting to wear people down by giving them a hard time
only generates bad feeling. Please remember that the people
you deal with while you are here are living their normal,
routine, regular life. They do what they are doing day in,
day out, all year round, not just for the 1 or 2 months of
your trip.
Can you imagine if in your regular job you dealt all day,
everyday with people complaining and hassling you about the
price of your service, purely in an attempt to get a $US
0.10 cent discount. That is what it often comes down to.
It's tiring, it's demoralising and it leaves people
wondering why they bother. It also leaves behind a very bad
impression. The Thais see you as people who can afford to
take a year off work, fly all around the world and yet are
so tight with money that you try to deny them what little
profit they get on their goods and services. They have lives
to lead and families to support too. If you want to do
things, use services or buy goods, check around, find out
what the prices are and decide if you can afford it or not.
Don't give everyone you deal with a hard time expecting them
to come down to meet your budget. They probably can't and
won't and you are just helping the bad feelings escalate.
Some of the blame for this rests with travel guides such as
lonely planet. Firstly, due to the length of time between
writing and publishing, prices have sometimes risen
noticeabley in local currency (often not in real terms).
This gives people the impression they are being 'ripped off'
because their travel guides tell them things should be
cheaper. The guides normally explain this in their
introduction but I can only assume no-one reads it or takes
notice of it.
The Thais are a generous, easy going, fun loving, happy
people and it is sad to see them being worn down by this
tiring attitude from foriegners, 365 days a year. When all
that seems to concern the people they deal with is how
little money they spend rather than what value they get it
is not surprising that they begin to get no other
satisfaction from their work and focus only on the money
they earn.
Please remember that you are a guest in this country and you
should respect local culture, not try force your culture on
the locals. Shouting, waving arms and pointing fingers are
not respected here (attention Israelis! This is not the
middle east!). Rather they are seen as a sign of weakness
and defeat. Try to leave a good impression. It will help
everyone who follows in your foot steps in the years to come
and you will have a much more enjoyable experience.
Remember there are no prizes for being miserable on the
least money for the longest time. Loosen up, have fun and
enjoy this wonderful country.
Happy travelling!
Hey Majik-man, about your wet dream problem-- Try not sleeping! Drinking lots of cafine ought to do the trick, and just think about all the extra stuff you can see! Nine or ten cups of Seattle-style expresso a day should do it, but you will have to work up from there. Otherwise, just live with your sticky sheets!
All in jest, with no disrespect intended to what seemed to be a serious feminine issue question, --Sean.
You ask a period question and you get guys on here talking about wet dreams. Get a life guys, don't you have anything better to do?
I've been using natural sea sponges for about 20 years,
including considerable travelling. The advantage of the
sponge is that you have no trash, NOTHING to discard except
the blood itself. After I watched the town of Aguas
Calientes at Machu Picchu take its garbage and throw plastic
and everything into the Urubamba River, I try to travel in
"civilization" the same as in the wilderness and attempt to
LEAVE NO TRACE of my passing as much as possible. Tampons
and applicators are a lot of "trace" and messy to pack out.
You do need to be aware about attracting animals in
wilderness settings (rinse away from your sleeping area) and
you do need to be careful about hygiene. I rinse the sponge
in drinking quality water which I make by filtering or
iodine treatment. Wash your hands in that water too. It's a
good idea to wash your hands frequently anyway to stay
generally healthy. Just carry a water bottle.
Where to buy them? I'm a potter, so I buy egg-sized sea
silk sponges at ceramic supply places; I've seen them at
health food stores occasionally. Always have 2 sponges
(switch every day or few days; allow one to dry while you
use the other). Little cotton drawstring bags are a handy
case to keep them clean travelling.
--tara
I am planning an 11 week trip in africa and am more worried
about having a wee. Has any body got any tips on this?
I may be being very ignorant here but what the hell is a
keeper?
Kate
Well, I dont know what pill you are talking about. There's a pill to stop your periods????? YAY! hah
I know the birth control pill....but besides that, never heard of the other one.
I am going on a study abroad program in the fall (to india, nepal and tibet) and i decided to get on the pill (birth control) to decrease the days and flow.
anyone have any other suggestions??
I have never used the keeper myself, but my best friend has
just returned from travelling for a year in South East
Asia. She swears by the keeper. She says that you can
wear it for longer at a time without changing it, and that
when you need to clean it you either wipe it out if there
is no water, or wash it. She says its clean and
comfortable, and best off, no need to carry boxes of
tampons or pads around.
I think that its very encoruaging that people are thinking
about others safety in the world and what is going to be
left for the rest of us. Keep thinking like this for it
will make the world a better place
This is general warning to all travelers planning a trip to Greece, especially the island of Mykonos. Recently I was drugged, beaten and robbed while there. An organized group of thugs is putting "date rape" drugs in drinks at bars (possibly aided by bartenders), then beating and robbing the victems. I lost my memory for 2 days, suffered a broken rib, and my lungs filled with fluid. I was lucky to only loose a diamond ring. Be careful out there. Avoid Greece if possible, especially Mykonos, and very especially the Super Paradise Bar on Mantosgianni Street. Any feedback from fellow travelers is greatly appreciated.
what the hell is a keeper?? would someone stop talking about them long enough to tell us what the hell they are??
The keeper is a receptacle for menstrual fluid. It is made out of rubber. All you do is insert it, and remove it every few hours to empty, wash, then reinsert. This is a very environmentally friendly alternative to the tampon, as it can be reused for up to 10 years. Try www.keeper.com
Now, what is this pill that every one is talking about that stops your periods???
is in fact, not a pill. Its name is Depo-Provera. It is administered in the form of a shot given every 13 weeks. In three years on this drug I have had two periods -likely due to extreme stress- and the only symptoms I experience are PMS-like warnings when I am due for a shot. (Some of us need the shot a little more frequently to control the raging hormones and other types of pain.) The shot is almost pain free if you have it injected in your hip but the arm is another story entirely. According to my GYN's office that last statement is true for most women but some will tolerate a shot to the arm with no trouble. BTW, I started using this drug to control periods so bad they made me ill 2 weeks out of 4; I was also experiencing complications with other illnesses due to the stress on my body. I live with depression and I could become suicidal during my PMS time; Depo-Provera has stopped that cold. It is also safe for women in high risk categories who are on the Pill --i.e. diabetics, over age 35, stroke risk, never given birth, etc. I can not recommend this form of birth control highly enough.
I travel the world with my wife and this has never been a
problem for her. A small supply of compact tampons for
emergencies carried in her pack is all she takes. Rely on
local sources unless you'll be in the bush only and not in
towns. The world is remarkably well supplied with Western
toiletries.
There's nothing wrong with non-stop pills. I've done it
for a year -- to combat horrible migraines -- and my friend
has for 3 years. Her doc said she'll have no problem
conceiving later.
Might take a month of a little spotting until you are
period-free. I have read studies about it with good
results and few complaints from women in the study. Only
weird thing is not having that reassuring blood come to
signal no (well, 99%) pregnancy. A couple EPT tests will
set your mind at ease. Incidently, two months after I
started I was crazy with worry about being pregnant. My
friend gave me an EPT test (she had a case of them from her
first year of fear) and I took it into the bathroom and
BLED on it! No worries after that! ;)
Looking for more info on spain,planning late summer to southern spain any help please feel free to drop a line. by the way if you need any info in the states i'am a pilot and can help.
Hi, i wondered if there is anyone out there who is up on
the political/danger situation in Sri Lanka.
I know that the north is no go but would appreciate feedback
off anyone who has been there recently (i.e. with regards
to the general atmosphere etc.)
I am planning to go around August time with my girlfriend,
she is a bit concerned given the terrorist problem; and
particularly with the recent bomb in Colombo.
Thanks very much,
Chris
Many of the feedback on the pill have been positive. However, different doctors have different opinions. My gynae says that generally they are safe for that length of time - but she would not recommend it !
Ona different note : would appreciate if anyone has any info / helpful hints for travelling mainly in France & Austria - like must see sights, spectacular experiences, etc. It would be good to have personal opnions other than from Guidebooks.
Tampons are not suitable for every woman in those hot and
dirty countries. Take a reasonable syrong "pill" and use it
without a pause. There are other health problems in Africa
then that. Think please of Malaria Tropica etc. Vaccinations
are a must. Dont swim in the East African lakes!
What did I read about a sponge?
Worth trying!
Succes
Appie Lindemann MD
I am (hoping)to cycle to Koln in August from
France or The Netherlands and am looking for any info. if
anyone else has done this and has some stories hints etc. i
would be grateful. The other thing is that i will be
travelling alone (more than likely) and need some feedback
on the dangers and stuff about a girl travelling alone in
Europe.
thanks.
I spent last summer travelling through Europe on my own and
didn't encounter any problems at all. In fact, I really
enjoyed travelling on my own as it meant that I had the
freedom to either be by myself or to hook up with people I
meet at hostels. Definitely stay at hostels as they are the
best place (next to people that you may know who live there)
to meet other travellers. Always keep an eye out for your
backpack(s) in train stations, especially at night. And if
you plan to take a night train, bring some kind of bicycle
cable locks to lock your bags to your sleeper or seat and
always keep your bag next to you. I got my daypack stolen
the last week on a night train mainly because I got careless
and didn't sleep with it. Boy, was I P.O.'d for the longest
time. Other than using your common sense as you would in a
big city, there are no problems whatsoever for a woman to
travel alone. Oh yeah, beware of crowded buses in Italy,
I've had some men grope me - just step on their feet or
better, if you can, tell them off in Italian. Most of all,
have fun! (BTW I am planning to travel by myself to SE Asia
in the next two years and I am not worried at all)
I am
plannin
g to
live
and
work
in the
Czech
Republi
c for a
year
startin
g this
August.
Does
anyone
have
any
useful
info/he
lpful
hints?
Thanks
much!
Good lord, can anyone else jump on the "period" bandwagon? And what's all those other questions about cycling for? I can't even remember who was asking the question for all the responses. But here is my Menstrual tip of the day. I have done the consecutive pill taking for one year and had no problems. Just confirm with your GP first. a hell of a lot better than fighting with pads, tampons and cramps. As far as the Keeper goes, does it have ziplock features? Sounds kinda freaky. As far as the guys being curious, I have five brothers. the best way i could describe a period to them was to suggest wearing a diaper, eat some elax but don't shit and then let me kick them in the balls a few times. That's what it's like for me. Oh the joys of being a woman!
For those that want to know more about The keeper, here is
some info.
- it is inserted internally (much like a diaphragm except
not on the cervix) and it catches your menstrual blood
- they have been around since the 1930s in North America
- no problems have been reported to the FDA (US) and Health
Canada
- my female doctor used one and recommends it
- they are made of natural rubber
- you only need 1 cup and it lasts at least 10 years
- great for active women and travellers
- if you don't like it, it comes with a 3-month money-back
guarantee
- you can buy it off the internet at
http://www.magi.com/~keeper
- I've had mine for 5 years and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!
- I haven't used pads or tampons since
If you have other questions, go ahead and ask. I've been
trying to get women to know about the product because it
works for me and has liberated me in many ways.
Sandra
I took the pill non-stop for 2 months as I was travelling
through SA - unfortunately, I bled everyday for 1 month,
despite taking the pill. I stopped taking the pill when I
got back home and the bleeding stopped. I also experienced a
fluctuation in weight and I generally didn't feel too good.
I love the keeper. I find it a lifesaver for someone who
has had heavy periods which can get messy when
travelling. (It is a natural rubber cup that you insert
and it catches the blood and then you empty it, clean it
and re-insert it until your period is over.) there is a
website someone listed earlier. It has saved me a ton of
money in pads & tampons and I use it all year round and
intend to never switch back.
A caution, however, is that if you are travelling to
somewhere where the water isn't hygenic, you might want to
be certain you don't forget to wash your keeper out with
filtered water. I took mine to Morocco and found it
wonderful. I had a canteen of filtered water with me all
the time anyhow to avoid de-hydration and so it wasn't
inconvenient, but is is an important thing to remember!
I'd recommend this over pads or tampons any day especially
for long distances.
IS EVERYBODY IN DUBBO ON THEIR PERIODS
My experience with the pill has been pretty bad. I have
depression, something I am able to guard myself against by
maintaining a happy lifestyle and a good network of friends,
no drugs and no therapy. However, I went on the Pill last
year to keep from getting pregnant and suffered from
horrible bouts of the worst depression I have ever
experienced. As if that wasn't enough I gained about
10 pounds (And I wasn't eating much). Just keep that in
mind. The Keeper sounds like a good idea.
I noticed the keeper advertized in a travel packing list on
the net. What the hell, I thought, I'll give it a try. I
ordered it and I love it. Funny thing to say about that sort
of thing but it's easy to use, no mess (I was very
skeptical), no leakage AT ALL, and it has significantly
shortened my period (many people have reported this as
well). With tampons, menstrual fluid can back up into the
cervix (when the tampon is full) and thus lengthen your
period. No cramps either due to the reason above and less
bloating. Wish I'd known about this 20 years ago. I'll be
heading to South America this Fall for 9 months travel and
I'm taking this keeper with me (plus a spare). I will never
go back to tampons. Check out www.keeper.com for more info.
Francine there is very helpful and can answer any
questions about the keeper.
yeahh, periods stink, especially when you travel, but be VERY cautious stopping them by the Depo-Provera shot. I'm glad the gal using it who recommended it had no probs, but I have 2 good friends who really got messed up. They gained a lot of weight, experienced hot flashes, bled continuously for the first several weeks (before it stops your period), and had a lot of pain. They swear it was awful, and stopped. Unwarranted extra hormones can really screw up your body's intended function!
is there anyone out there with experience using the Keeper
while cycling? I'm looking to take a three-four month tour
and an wondering how comfortable it will be...
I get the picture. The Keeper seems to be the invention
we've all been waiting for. How come this is the first time
I heard about it?
And, if a Keeper is like a diaphragm, can you use it like a
diaphragm too or do you have to take it out?
Health Keeper Inc. is the supplier for the Keeper Menstrual
Cap. You can get all the information on ordering it by
visiting our web page www.keeper.com
We ship the Keeper anywhere in the world. You will love
using The Keeper especially if you are travelling afar.
Warm regards
Francine Chambers
President
Here in the USA you get a Keeper like product over the
counter in most drug-stores. The Depo-Provera shot can take
up to 3 shots (1 shot every 12 weeks) for a total of 36
weeks to minimizes your period. If you are traveling in the
next few weeks it may not help. I started it 6 weeks after
the birth of my second child and I have had no problems with
it after 8 months.
Here in the USA you can get a Keeper like product over the
counter in most drug-stores. It is called - Instead - It can
be used for 12 hours and then changed for a new one, they
come in multi-packs. Do not use them if you have an IUD!!!
The Depo-Provera shot can take up to 3 shots (1 shot every
12 weeks) for a total of 36 weeks to minimizes your
period. If you are going to be travling in the few weeks, it
would not have time to change your period. I started it 6
weeks after the birth of my second child and
I have had no problems with it after 8 months. I know that
I need to be careful about my weight but with two kids and a
fulltime job I stay on the run.
How do you discretely wash the thing out and re-insert it in
a public bathroom? This is the one thing that keeps me from
trying it. I work in a large building and there are always
women at the sinks in the restroom.
-
Did someone say you have to do this every two hours? I
can't imagine finding a bathroom that often while traveling.
I'm still interested, but puzzled by these two questions.
I checked out the website and have some more questions.
First of all, is it comfortable. I know people say it is
but that thing looks huge. Also, what is the most often
that you have to change it during your heaviest day? I
really can't do it at work if I have to be at a sink.
Well. I haven't read the entire debate, but frankly there seems to be one clear answer, if you can handle it. Tampons might be freely available, but think of the disposal they will require and the damage to environment that they bring (sorry, but it's true), and although the pill is always an option, it's probably not best to go on it purely to avoid periods. I have just bought my first Keeper (from Bristol in the UK, don't have the address to hand), and it seems an ideal way to deal with the situation. There is no rubbish, no extra cost, not lots of things to carry, it's good for the environment and won't muck up your hormones. The only problem is getting used to using it. It's not quite as easy as it seems, but I'm going to pursue, so I'll let you know in a few weeks how it all goes!!!!
Here's a couple of issues you might want to take into consideration if you use or plan to use the Keeper. Research has shown that rubber (ie/the Keeper, diaphragms) provides an atmosphere for the Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin to develop. Rubber is porous and thus oxygen is present on its surface, oxygen being one of the components that the TSS Toxin needs to feed on. This is written up in the new issue of Our Bodies Ourselves, a womyn's health guide published in the US. The Keeper does not come with warnings about TSS. The research shows that the risk of TSS is less with the Keeper than with mainstream rayon tampons, yet this is really not the point. Womyn must know that a risk does exsist to be able to make an informed choice.
Furthermore, you cannot boil the Keeper to rid it of bacteria as someone suggested earlier as this will cause the rubber to breakdown.
As for Instead, I would be wary of using a synthetic internal device that does not come with a list of product ingredients.
Personally, I did use the both the Keeper and reusable cloth pads on my last trip through India and Southeast Asia. However, since finding out about the above health issues I no longer use the Keeper. I now only use cloth pads and will be relying on them during my upcoming journey.
Feel free to ask me any questions about these issues.
Hello, in case anyone is still following this debate I just thought I'd let you know that I have had success with my Keeper and will definitely be using it for the foreseable future (including my planned trip to Nepal). Despite the risk of TSS mentioned above, it still seems a great thing and I feel incredibly liberated (I'm strange, I know). I mean, before I was using tampons during the day, still risking my body to Toxic Shock, so I don't see that this is much different, and unfortunately I'm not hugely keen on cloth pads.
: )
I've been using my Keeper menstrual cup for 5.5 years and
I've never looked back.
I have read the caution notice about tss, but feel that The
Keeper is the least dangerous (other than washable pads, I
guess) on the market regarding menstrual products.
Check out http://www.magi.com/~keeper (Eco Logique Inc.) for
pictures, a FAQ section, testimonials ....
If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Olivia
I too am going on a long overland trip through Africa and
having to cope with heavy periods in the bush was the one
thing that was really bothering me (a bit stupid with so
many other things to worry about, but very inconvenient
none the less!) I can't take the pill or anything that
affects hormones (due to medical reasons), and as I have to
travel light, taking large boxes of tampax, towels etc is a
real pain. I've never heard of the 'keeper' before either:
in theory it sounds great for all the reasons already
discussed, but the practical side of it needs some
convincing. It sounds incredibly messy, but if it really
doesn't have to be changed every couple of hours, it would
be handier while on the road for long hours at a time.
Any advice/tips on how to cope with being a girl in the
African wilderness would be greatly appreciated!
I know it's a little late for the gal going to Africa but...just wanted to comment on all the pill and depo-provera comments. If you haven't taken the pill before it may not stop you period. From personal experience, if you have high Estrogen, you could bleed continousily on the pill and Depo-provera!! Plus Depo-provera can have a side effect of weight gain. 10 lbs. per shot for me!
The Keeper works great in the bush if you have water with
you. I have gone on many hyking, camping trips and it's
been great. I also have friends that do tree planting in
the summer for 6 weeks at a time.
The Keeper is not messy once you get used to it. It's a
change in routine and mindset, but well worth it!
You need only to remove The Keeper, empty it, and pour water
on it to clean it before reinserting it.
Try it, you'll love it.
Olivia
I've been on the pill for two years non-stop now. I travel
a lot and trying to start going on it each time i travel
would be a big drag because of the initial bleeding. So,
just stay on it all the time. You have no idea how many
travellers, athletes, and other active people use the pill
this way. It hasn't caused me any problems and my doctor
said it was OK. She did it herself for many years because
she was an athlete. It just takes all the pressure off
having to wonder whether a particular day is a good day for
doing a particular thing. You can just relax. Speak to
your doctor, and chances are, you can do it too.
I am a doctor who has recently graduated from uni and now
doing my internship at a hospital. I studied Gynaecology
but never knew such things as the KEEPER. I am planning to
backpack through South America + Middle East for several
months next year and will revisit this site to find out
more about menstrual control. I've used the pill in the
past and am a bit wary about the side-effects. The KEEPER
and WASH CLOTHS are options that I never knew existed until
now. What an amazing world!
After using the Keeper for a couple of years, I brought it
into my female doctor for her and I to discuss. She has
known about The Keeper for years and recommends it.
For any woman going on safari in Africa-
I used to live in Africa and went on safari alot. What
you'll want to use depends on what kind of safari you will
be going on. On most upper scale trips tampons work fine,
you'd be amazed at how developed the world can be. However,
If you are going to be out in the bush, and you can't use
the pill, I recomend what ever last the longest between
changing or cleaning times. I don't know anyhting about the
keeper except what I've heard on this page, but If you can
go longer without cleaning it than changing a tampon I would
say go for that. Most safaris, or trecks in Africa (and I've
been on my share) don't really allow for frequent or hygene
bathroom breaks. If you are going on a rugged trip I'd say
you'll be lucky to get to a bathroom every 6 hours, even
then it is just a hole behind a tree. i hope this helps give
you a better picture on what's a head of you. If you want
any more info I'd be glad to share my experiences.
Almost everyone has been raving about the Keeper but I'm
wondering how safe is it to keep rubber inside you for all
those hours. And about bacteria developing...
On a side note, I'm menstruating right now and decided to
let myself "flow" for once. Used cloth pads for most of it,
and just let it flow naturally. (I usually run for the
tampons.) It's been the shortest period ever! Usually can't
indulge myself in this way but if you can take the time off
just to rest and be with yourself at this time, you'll be
amazed at the difference.
There have been studies made on The Keeper and it's proven
to be safer than regular tampons or pads on the market.
On my regular flow days, I only need to empty the cup every
8-9 hours. Of course, this will be different for all women.
I believe there's a satisfaction guarantee with the product.
Check it out. You'll love it.
Is anybody familiar with the cervical cap (a birth control
device)? I have one and was wondering if it is at all
similar (in size and fit) to the Keeper and could be used
in the same manner (and for similarly long periods of
time). Thanks.
It seems like either the Keeper or old-fashioned rags are
the best environmental choices. If you're considering
hte pill and environmental impact is something you're
factoring into your choice, think of all the
cardboard/plastic containers you'll be throwing out.
Hello, I've been using my keeper for under a year now and I love it.
-I change it less often on my heavy days, it works better than a super absorbant tampon in that respect.
-the rubber it ismade of is anti bactirial, naturaly
-I know a girl who wears her Keeper while cycling, she says it's fine
-I wear my keeper while swimming
-when I use public washrooms I bring a travel sized shampoo bottel filled w/ water to rinse my Keeper in the stall
-you can do all of your regular bathroom stuff w/o removing your Keeper
-on my light days I change my Keeper 3 times a day
-once durring a heat wave (people in my area actualy died durring this heat wave) I used my Keeper even though I couldn't shower for 5 days because I was camping. My friends w/ their tampons were miserable...but it was actualy one of the best weekends of my life.
-I have always thought tampons w/o applicators were "gross" (my nick name is Princess, what can I say) but I switched from Tampax to my Keeper w/no problems
I recomend it to everyone.
****just a note on keeping your Keeper clean &yourself safe
-wash it w/a gentle soap B4 you insert it @ the beginning of your period &once a day durring your period
-@ the end of your period soak your Keeper in a solution of 1/2 water 1/2 vinegar for 12 hrs max. (this isn't really that important but if you put anything in your crotch for a few days a month it will eventualy start to smell)
First off I was going to respond to put my two cents in
about the sponge but I cannot believe some of the things
some of you are doing to your bodies. Yes, a period can be
inconvenient and annoying, but stopping your period through
chemical means (ie the Pill) is just not smart or healthy.
Personal opinion of the Pill aside, stopping a natural cycle
in your body is just not on Breathing is a cycle too, God
knows I would interrupt that if I could the next time I
travel through Delhi with the air quality - but its not on.
Ceasing your periods causes an imbalance, whether or not you
believe , or indeed perceive it. Having had problems with
regularity with my periods I know how it has affected me.
Pleading ignorance or blind faith in the medical community
doesnt stop the effects. Not knowing (or accepting) anything
in life is not good enough. For example, the world
communities lack of serious action on Global Warming until
it was "proven" to be happening did not stop the temperature
from rising (and its other effects).
Anyway, I have no experience with the keeper, but the sponge
is exellent for me. The sea sponges you can buy in any
chemist , drugstore, or place that sells cosmetic sponges.
Choose the shape and size for you. They can last for 6
months , or less edepending on you.
Lastly, the lady who wrote about rinsing the keeper or the
sponge out in a busy washroom... you can grin and bear it.
Or,you can go in to the toilet prepared with paper towels
and a cup of water and do it in the stall. Not optimum I'm
afraid but if you try either method (keeper or sponge) the
benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
I dont know about the 'two-hour time limit' on the keeper,
but the sponge should last- between rinsings- as long as a
tampon.
best of luck all
i'd just like to mention that instead is not a keeper-like
product. for one, it's not reusable, and for another it
goes up much further. (you can have sex whilst using
instead, but not the keeper) i've never tried using
instead, but it looks horribly uncomfortable. my flatmate
tried using it once and was unable to get it in. i on the
other hand have been using the keeper for a long time and
think its brilliant. whoever asked about the ziplock
feature, what are you talking about? if you're taking it
out, you would dump it... i can't think why you'd want to
ziploc it?? also, as i said it doesn't go in as far, so you
definately can't use it like a cervical cap as someone else
asked. as for comfort, i don't even notice it's there, and
i've used it whilst swimming, running, travelling,
everything. a few other womyn have said they feel liberated
by it, i would have to agree.
I've been using my keeper for 4 months now (bought after reading this thread) and in general it's great can't tell it's there, as mentioned by above post). However a question for some of you more experienced users: the last couple of months I've leaked quite badly on the heaviest days. Why would this be? It was fine the first couple of times, even though I hadn't quite got the hang of it. It rather ruins the whole idea if I have to carry towels round 'just in case'! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
you just have to empty it more frequently on your heavy
days. i might go 8 or 10 hours on the first and third days,
but only 4 or 6 on my second. also make sure it's unfolding
and creating the 'suction'.
I KNOW I'M OLD FASHIONED BUT DON;T YOU RECKON JUST
WEARING PADS WITH WINGS IS SAFER IN AFRICA THAN KEEPING
THIS THING CLEAN? I TRAVELLED 6 MONTHS IN AFRICA HITCHING
ON TRUCKS,ETC. WATER WAS TOO IMPORTANT TO WASTE ON THIS
TYPE OF THING. JUST TAKE PADS AND BE CAREFUL DISPOSING
THEM WHENEVER SUITABLE BINS AROUND.
I also got the Keeper after reading about it here (see
www.keeper.com). I don't bleed a lot but I have noticed that
it does leak occasionally, not necessarily on a heavy day. I
think that I may have broken the sunction a couple of times
when that happened. I have used it for 4 months and will
continue. The only issue I have is that sometimes I find it
hard to urinate while wearing the Keeper, I think because
the Keeper must be pressing against the urethra or
something. Has anyone else had this problem?
WHY DO SO MANY WOMEN RELY ON THESE TOXINS?
IGNORANCE & STUPIDITY OR JUST HORSE-BLINDERS?
just carry tampons or sponges. just do it.
For the sea sponge thing, how does that work?
How do you hold it in place, do you wear plastic around
it, or what? Please explain!
This keeper sound like a great little invention, I'm
surprised I've not heard of it until today. Anyway, does
anybody know of any distributers in Australia, or retail
sellers in Sydney Australia?
Hi, I just used my Keeper for the first time this week and I
am having problems with leakage. Am i perhaps not using it
correctly? Also, my fingers get a bit ummmm, wet and I think
that's because I had to cut the tab really short. has
anyone else had problems with this? Or am i using it
improperly? (reason is that an earlier post stated that it
wasn't messy at all and that doesn't seem to be the case for
me...)
The Keeper people have a great site for more info
at http://www.magi.com/~keeper
I've been using mine for 5 yrs. and I think it's great.
It doesn't leak (I make sure I have a good seal by rotating
and pulling down once I've inserted it), I do exercise, I
sleep with it .......
I use natural sea sponges at home, but have switched to
tampons for the convenience while traveling. The above
posts regarding environmental concerns are right on. I
liked the advice in 22. As long as you use your drinking
quality water to rinse your sponges, so that you stay
healthy, sounds like the way to go.
Just noticed post 79. These questions need answers!
You wear a sponge just like a tampon. Just tuck it way
up. You want it big enough so that you can fish it out
again (this part is sometimes a little messy, but can
improve as your technique does!). Also, big enough for
decent absorption. Rinse out in clean water, soapy if you
want - just rinse it really clean before reinserting.
You can get sponges at health food or "natural" stores;
I've also found them in cosmetic departments of Wal-Mart
and Long's (if you're a US shopper). They are walnut-size
or a bit bigger or smaller. You'll fine tune what size
works best for you once you try one. I have 2 and
alternate them each day so each gets a chance to dry out
completely. I also boil them in clean water every couple
months just to zap any bacteria that may develop, but I've
never had a problem and I'm not sure this is really
necessary.
On heavier days you may get some leakage if you don't rinse
it out often enough; also when you laugh or sneeze! Mini-
pad works well.
I like sponges because they don't over dry me the way a
tampon does. And no little microfibers left behind the way
tampons do. Did you know that the commercial tampons
(except the 100% cotton ones) contain asbestos and bleach?
Very, very bad for us. And I'm glad not to be concerned
about TSS anymore.
And of course, using sponges is way better for the
environment. I wonder how long a tampon lingers in a
landfill?
Hope some of this is helpful. Yeah for conscious women who
care!!
If you check out the web site www.keepers.com, they talk
about this menstrual cap. I myself have never used it, and
don't really need it. I have always made sure I have a pad
and tampon on when travelling especially. Drink ginger root
in boiling water for the pain, and do exercise it helps
alot.
I have used a Keeper cup for 2 years or so now and I
backpack a lot. It's been great!
I got mine at Eco Logique http://www.magi.com/~keeper
I had a lot of questions and they were really good in
providing me with information before the purchase.
Also, The Keeper comes with a 90 day guarantee.
Unbelievable, but true so I figured I had nothing to lose.
I can't believe these things have been around for so long
but are so hard to track down. Guess all those big
companies don't really want to market something with such a
long-life... Anyway, does anyone know where I can get one
in the u.k and how much it will cost?
i checked out the web site but i would prefer to buy
locally can you get them in australia?
The keeper sounds quite good but i'm worried if it is hard
to insert? Is it harder to insert compared to a super ob
tampon? It look real huge and scary to me. Please advice:)
To answer the question above, yes it is harder to insert
than a tampon but you will get used to it after a few
times. I find that removal is very easy and not messy at
all. I love the Keeper - I have gone 10-12 hours without
removing it, with no leaks (so it is good if you are on the
road all day, like at work or travelling). BUT, it did take
me a couple of months to adjust to it - now that I have I
will never to back....to tampons.
Hi there, like to know if anyone has gone scuba diving with
their keeper or sponge? Is it ok?
I can't believe this is still going on, one year on. I have been using my Keeper for ages now and I really love it. They do seem scary to insert, but after a few goes, you won't believe they ever seemed hard. It takes a while to get used to, just like tampons did, but once you're used to it, you'll never go back. Environmentally, financially, and healthwise, they are I think the best option. The address for them in hte UK is: The Keeper UK, PO Box 616, Bristol, BS99 5UN. Good luck
I have a friend who goes up to 3 months taking the pill
without a break to avoid her periods and she has no
problems. However, I've tried the same last year while
traveling in Greece and after 6 weeks I started to spot
everyday, sometimes more heavily, and had some mild cramps.
So it's not a bad idea to try it, but it may or may not work
for you.
Just wanted to let any Toronto gals know that you can buy
the Keeper in some of the eco stores on the Danforth. I got
mine at a store called Grassroots - they cost about $50.
Apparently other stores in the area also carry it. Good
luck if you're looking for it!
Got my Keeper in the mail this past week, and I tried
inserting it last night. Uugghh. What a pain. I imagine if
you're handy with a diaphragm, the Keeper would be a breeze,
but I could never manage a diaphragm either. The width of
the thing folded up is about three-fingers wide. Then
getting it out. Even worse!! I tried relaxing and going
slowly, but still wound up bruising myself. I'm just not
very good at inserting stuff into my vagina. Can you tell
I'm not heterosexual? The directions advise against using
lube. I'm stubborn enough to keep trying because I'd really
rather not rely on tampons for my extended trip, but boy oh
boy, I wish it were easier to get that thing in and out! And
I also envision problems with hygiene using the Keeper in a
squat toilet in Asia. Plus you need to make sure your hands
are very clean before inserting it, which requires having a
big supply of moist towellettes, I suppose. Just thought I'd
"insert" my experience into the discussion.
For the women who asked about diving - yes, no problem with
the Keeper. I've gone diving, swimming, rafting and the
ability to do water sports without worry is one of the many
benefits of the Keeper.
~
For the woman above with penetration issues, yes, it can be
hard to insert. The first time I tried, I was very
frustrated and a bit sore! After the first month, it was
easier and now, after 6 months, I'll never go back to
tampons.
~
In spite of the directions, I do often use a little
lubricant (don't put directly on Keeper) in addition to
wetting the Keeper with water. This make is easy and now
I'm quite used to the insertion. Removal, I've never had a
problem with - I just reach in, grab it & squeeze gently,
and pull it out. No spillage, no pain, no mess. Again, this
may be something you need to get used to. BELIEVE ME, IT IS
WORTH THE EFFORT!
Keeper users: Did you wind up having to cut off a large
part of the tab? I find that the end of it comes so low down
that it's uncomfortable to sit with the Keeper inserted. I'm
afraid of cutting much of the tab off because then it will
be even harder to get it out. Are you all just getting it
much higher up than I am to begin with?
*
To the lube lady: You put the lubricant directly on
yourself, if not on the Keeper? Sorry to be so dumb. Are you
pulling it out by the tab or by the cup itself? I'm just
having a hard time, and I'd like to try and get this down by
the time I leave next month!
Yes, I cut a LOT off the tab. I did it slowly to make sure
that I wasn't cutting off too much. As long as I could
still feel the tab (while walking), I kept cutting. In the
end, I was left with about 1 cm only of the tab. Now I
can't feel it at all when it is inserted, very comfortable.
~
As for lubrication, while getting used to the Keeper, I put
lubrication on the Keeper itself (against the rules)! This
may lead to a little leakage because it may affect the
seal, so wear a pad/pantyliner to be sure. Once I got used
to the insertion, I stopping putting lub on the Keeper
itself and starting putting a little on me. I often still
do this now and I don't have problems with insertion or
with leakage. I hope this helps!
~
When I pull it out, I grab the base of the cup itself, give
it a little squeeze (breaking the vacuum seal), and then
gently pull it out. Never had any spillage and I have found
this to be very easy. Good luck!!!
I saw the size of the thing on the "Keeper' webpage, my God,
it is as huge as the Wimbledon Cup! Even when it's folded,
it is still enormous. I have even trouble with large
tampons, it hurts especially when you have to do it several
times a day. How can you stand it?
One of the best things is that you don't have to remove and
insert it several times a day! I put it in before work and
empty it when I get home so there isn't too much effort
involved. You get used to it - daunting at first, but not
bad after a while.
~
Oh, have I told you about the great benefits?? Sure it
probably isn't for everyone and may always be uncomfortable
for some (as tampons are), but I love it and wouldn't use
anything else!!!
im going on a long trip in a month and i'd like to try the
keeper. i've never had sex, so will there be a problem
with my being too 'tight'? will repeated insertion and
removal make me looser? i'm worried about this possibility
and would love an answer if someone knows. thanks.
Penetration problem girl - I had the same trouble at first,
definitely not used to getting things to fit up there and it
hurt like a bitch the first few months i tried it ( i
alternated using it and pads to give myself a break.) But i
kept trying because my friend reccomended it so highly, and
now it's pretty easy, prpobbaly because i have a better feel
for where it should go and how to handle it, and how to
relax those muscles. (there are some very nice ways to do
this...)
also, I think The keeper isn't as painful to keep taking in
and out because it doesn't dry you out like tampons do.
I have read somewhere that it is possible to use the Keeper
if you are still a virgin, but for me I think it would have
been very difficult. If I can be very forward, it may depend
if your hymen is still intacted (it may have ripped or
become "looser" through tampons, etc). Knowing my own body,
I couldn't have used it until I was no longer a virgin.
I use it and i am a virgin.
did it give you any problems at first Jill? Do you think it
'loosened things up'?
Mags, I think my hymen is gone (horseback riding, running,
tampons, etc.), but I have been told that im still quite
tight. (this is getting more embarassing by the second).
What do you think? Do you think I should try it anyway?
Thanks.
Given what you have said above and also others who are
virgins have used it successfully, I would say GO FOR IT!
Most places offer a full money back guarantee on the Keeper
(I ordered mine thru www.gladrags.com) so you could always
return it if you don't like it!
I'm another virgin who uses the keeper and i'll have to say
that i have no problem inserting it the for the very first
time. Sure it looked real big to me when i first saw it but
it is so easy to insert cos' it is rubber and slippery. It
just slips in so easily. I'll have to say that it is even
easier to insert than a super o.b. tampon cos the tampon has
got much more friction and restriction. I had no idea
that i even had a hymen. I think it broke b4 i even
noticed it. Too much outdoor sports maybe? I'll say go for
it. All virgins should go for it as there's a tonne of
benefits about it. Cut down on environmental pollution,
reduce garbage production, save on resources and it's so
super convenient and comfortable too. It gives you peace of
mind:)
Yes, i think i loosened up. I think it's really worth it to
keep trying it for a few months. if afterwards it still
hurts too much - get the refund.
Mags, I got my Keeper, used it fine for the first day of my
last period - it was actually very comfortable. But, then
on the second day, the Keeper & my body would just not
co-operate! I could not get the dang thing to get a good
seal! I used a diaphragm for years so I know what my own
body feels like but, the keeper would just not seal! I
moistened it, relaxed my muscles, blah blah blah but, I just
had no luck getting the seal. So, I gave up...went back to
my pads & tampons for the remainder of my period. I've not
completely given up & am waiting for my next period to try
it again. Am I missing something? How do you get a good
seal??
Hi M., don't really know what to say...I haven't really had
that problems, at least on a reoccuring basis. I used the
Keeper in conjuction with a pad/pantyliner for the first
few times. Even now, I often use it with a washable flannel
pantyliner (which I ordered from www.gladrags.com, same
people who sold me the Keeper) on heavy days just in case,
same as I would do with a tampon. I wanted to know that I
could trust it, you know what I mean! I would suggest this
to you as well and most importantly, give it a little more
time & practice (I don't know about you, but it took me a
little while to get used to tampons too - couldn't get it
in right...and my sister almost gave up trying when it was
her turn).
~
To get a good seal, it is recommended that you don't use
any lubricant to get the Keeper in. Try to position it
inside you as described in the instructions that come with
the Keeper. Normally I can hear it seal with that vacuum
sound. I give it a good turn (gripping the base of the cup
and/or the stem) and maybe a gentle tug to make sure it is
in place.
~
One thing - you know the Keeper comes in 2 different sizes?
A - Afterchild birth, B - before childbirth. I'm using B as
I haven't had children. I understand that very occasionally
someone who would normally use B, might need an A.
Thanks for the advice. I think I will try it. I really hope
the Keeper company is paying you guys a commission. You're
probably their best salespeople!
Hi, I don't get any commission but after using it for my 1st
month, i really think that it is the best solution to our
problems. Completely hassle-free, safer, environmentally
friendly. It goes on and on, just use it:)
I just really like the idea on all sorts of levels and I
like being able to share this with other woman (just 8
months ago I had never heard of the Keeper or anything like
it, so I guess most other women haven't either).
Thanks for the insertion tips, everyone. My period returns
next week--my last one before my big trip. I'll give it
another go and report back if I have time (amidst all my
other manic preparations!)
Why not try the pill injection, it stopped my periods
altogether and you only have to get it done every three
months. Sounds like a good alternative to m