There is always a "chance" of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS) with any menstrual product. GladRags are one of your safer options because blood is flowing out of the vaginal canal, where the development of TSS is most likely to occur. TSS is caused by usually harmless bacteria found on our skin or in parts of our body. If they get into the bloodstream, through a cut or tear, they release a toxin.

Laboratory studies show that the INSTEAD® Softcup® does not promote growth of the kind of bacteria that causes TSS. Use of super absorbent tampons that contain hundreds of fibers is associated with an increased risk of acquiring TSS. Unlike tampons, the INSTEAD® Softcup® has no fibers and is not absorbent. To date, we have not had any reported cases of TSS, but we continue to monitor to determine the actual risk of TSS.

The DivaCup has not been linked at all to getting Toxic Shock Syndrome. Toxic Shock Syndrome results from a chemical imbalance in the vagina caused by the absorption of vaginal fluids that carry dead cells and other organisms away. Tampons absorb these fluids, disturbing your body's natural cleaning cycle, which is why they put you at risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome and bacterial infections (read the warnings on the side of your box of tampons for more info).

TSS is a very rare condition caused by bacteria multiplying rapidly and being absorbed into the bloodstream. TSS can affect men, women and children and some cases have occurred in women using tampons. It is important to remember that the bacteria are the cause of the illness - not the tampon. There???s no need to avoid tampons or worry about it. Just make sure you try to use a tampon with the lowest absorbancy suitable for your needs and change it as often as directed on the pack.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, often life-threatening illness that develops suddenly after an infection and can rapidly affect several different organ systems, including the lungs , kidneys , and liver . Since toxic shock syndrome progresses quickly, immediate medical treatment is needed.

Toxic shock syndrome is the rare result of infection by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) or Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. These bacteria produce toxins that can affect most people. However, people who haven't developed an immunity to these toxins can have a severe reaction to them, resulting in toxic shock syndrome.

Because it progresses so quickly, toxic shock syndrome is usually diagnosed and treated based on symptoms and signs of infection without waiting for laboratory results. Additional blood and tissue tests can help identify the type of bacterium causing the infection.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is the bodys response to a toxin produced by a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. We all have bacteria throughout our bodies, and in fact we need them to have our bodies function properly. Up to 50% of people will carry this particular strain of bacteria at any given time. Most of the time, it does not cause us any harm, and many of us have natural resistance to the toxin it produces.

Toxic shock syndrome is a very rare complication of the diaphragm, which is usually a consequence of failure to remove the diaphragm within 24 hours. The user should seek medical attention if any symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are displayed (sudden high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, muscle aches or sunburn-like rash).

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Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious infection caused by a bacterial toxin. It may be caused by different bacteria but is usually due to streptococci and staphylococci. The number of reported TSS cases has decreased a lot in recent years. About half the cases of TSS reported today are associated with tampon use during menstruation, usually in young women. TSS also occurs in children, men, and non-menstruating women.

Toxic shock syndrome is a very rare complication of the cervical cap, which is usually a consequence of failure to remove the cervical cap within 48 hours. The user should seek medical attention if any symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are displayed (sudden high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, muscle aches or sunburn-like rash).

If you currently think using GladRags seems gross, let us just say that many GladRags users were once in this exact spot. In fact, even some GladRags employees once thought reusables were gross. We are just like you. You don't have to fit a certain stereotype to consider using reusables. We know what you are thinking (we've heard it a bazillion times), "GladRags are for those hippie-earth-loving-crunchy types right?" The truth is GladRags are for EVERY woman.

Yes! All cotton GladRags are soft and breathable, which is so much better than plastic pads that can chafe and irritate your skin. Most of our customers are surprised to find GladRags are as comfortable as they are. Our customer Nicole had this to say about trying GladRags: "I just wanted to send you a line of appreciation. I love Glad Rags. I just started to use them. I cannot believe I waited this long! I am sold!! I am a lifer now. They are so comfortable and easy on my skin.

GladRags are designed to be comfortable and efficient. The flaps that snap around your underwear act as wings to protect the sides of your panties from getting stained and there is no stitching where your flow can pool. Your flow will just naturally go toward the absorbing inserts, which have a layer of cotton terry cloth inside. GladRags can leak if left unchanged for too long, just as disposable pads will if they become too saturated.

Women all over the world are using GladRags...no specific stereotypes can be (or should be) applied here. Students, businesswomen, filmmakers, mothers, artists, travelers, and Peace Corps workers are just a few that come to mind. Everyday women use GladRags-the woman next to you on the street, at school, or at work might very well be using them right now.

Remove the inserts from the holder. Soak or pre-rinse the GladRags in cold water. Wash your pads in cold or warm water. Despite what your mother might have told you about getting laundry extra clean, avoid using hot water to wash your GladRags. Heat will seal in the iron from your blood leaving a stain and is hard on the fabric. If you're leaving them to soak, change the water daily.

You will find GladRags to be very absorbent. We found terry cloth to be the best naturally absorbing weave around, so all GladRags inserts have a layer of terry cloth sandwiched between the two outer layers of cotton flannel. The daytime holders are made of two layers of cotton flannel, and the inserts slip between each layer, like a letter inside an envelope. Each GladRags pad comes with 1 holder and 2 inserts, and you can opt to use as many as 3 inserts with a holder for your heavier days.

GladRags are made to last at least 5 years. Many women still use the same pads they bought from us when we started in 1993!

GladRags are meant to be as versatile as our customers are. You can customize your GladRags according to your menstrual flow by using more or fewer inserts inside the holder. On heavy flow days, use both inserts that come with the GladRag, or add a third (you can purchase extra inserts and extra holders in the GladRags Extras section of our website). On light days use only one insert, or even just the holder alone as a panty liner.

Sit down, if you’re not already sitting or lying down! If the first shock doesn’t correct the problem you may receive another. You want to avoid further injury as you may fall onto something. Your doctor should have given you instructions on how to proceed. Generally, if you have received multiple shocks they will want to see you immediately. If you have a single shock and you feel fine, you should still give your EP office a call.

GladRags Day Pads: These pads are perfect for day use and are composed of a holder and 2 inserts. Depending on your flow, you can use one or both of the inserts. The GladRags Day Pad with both inserts is the equivalent of an average disposable maxi pad. GladRags Night Pads : These larger pads provide added protection to be worn while sleeping. The night pads consist of a holder and 2 inserts, both lined with absorbent terry cloth.

Because GladRags are thicker, some fear that they can be seen through clothing. GladRags are thicker because we only use highly absorbent breathable cotton as opposed to using chemicals or gels as absorbing agents, which are often used in the thinner disposable pads. It has been our experience, however, that GladRags don't show through your clothing. To further support our scientific findings, we have never had a customer return a GladRag because they could be seen through clothing.