The ELLEN tampon The tampon
The ELLEN tampon is the result of Swedish research collaboration between Lund University, Chalmers University of Technology and independent scientists in the fields of biochemistry, microbiology and gynecology.
ELLEN is a patent registered, Swedish designed tampon made of natural fibres treated with the substance Lacto Naturel (LN), which contains human lactic acid bacteria, a natural part of healthy women’s defence against infections.
Natural lactic acid bacteria restores the natural balance
An old, tried-and-tested household remedy against vaginal discomfort entails dipping a tampon in yoghurt. The ELLEN tampon is a spin off of this concept. The lactic acid bacteria in LN is however not the same as that used in the dairy industry. All lactic acid bacteria in LN is of human origin and are the most common strains found in healthy women’s natural vaginal flora.
Different types of bacteria affect each other and some bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria are a vital part of human beings’ defence against infections. The probiotic principle of adding beneficial bacteria that boosts our natural defence against infections reduces the risk that harmful micro organisms will take over. As long as the right conditions are provide, beneficial bacteria multiply, the bacteria flora stabilises and the natural balance is restored. The milieu is stable and harmful, symptom-causing bacteria have been crowded out. The ELLEN tampon is treated with LN - an active substance comprised of the human body’s own lactic acid bacteria.
In principle, women who want to reinforce their own bacteria flora for preventive purposes can use ELLEN as a menstruation protection product. ELLEN is used exactly like other tampons and only during menstruation. ELLEN helps you to maintain a natural bacterial balance and natural vaginal pH levels. For best effect, you should use ELLEN regularly for at least three to four menstruation periods.
The appearance of the tampon
The tampon’s viscose fibres have been treated with LN (lactic acid bacteria). The spots that appear on the tampons are fibres that have a high concentrate of lactic acid bacteria. These spots may vary in size and concentration, appearing more intense sometimes and hardly visible at other times. On some tampons, the lactic acid bacteria have been applied in the middle rendering them almost invisible.
Common vaginal problem
More than 30 per cent of all women suffer regularly from vaginal bacterial imbalance, a condition that occurs when benevolent lactic acid bacteria are crowded out by unwanted bacteria. Signs of imbalance include an unpleasant odour, excess discharge, itching and irritation.
Stronger defence against infections
Lactic acid bacteria colonise naturally in healthy female vaginas where they boost the body’s defence against disease-causing bacteria and infections. The same type of lactic acid bacteria is used in LN. The bacteria in LN are freeze dried to ensure good shelf life and product lifespan and facilitates application on tampons. The bacteria become active after about two hours in the warm, moist vaginal milieu.
The bacteria in LN are both preventive and restorative. They are also self-regulating making it
impossible to overdose. Antibiotics treatment is sometimes required to first eliminate harmful bacteria that cause the imbalance. Contact your personal physician, gynaecologist or medical guidance centre for a prescription. After completing the entire treatment you can use ELLEN to restore your natural bacteria flora again.
Proven effective
ELLEN is the result of Swedish research collaboration between Lund University, Chalmers University of Technology, gynecologists and independent scientists in the field of microbiology. The effects of lactic acid bacteria are proven in several clinical studies. ELLEN is also tested for safety and quality.
ELLEN is designed to fit your body
ELLEN’s surface reduces the risk of fibre fluff. The tampon expands sideways and therefore naturally conforms to your body and its rounded tip makes insertion easy. The tampon is made of viscose and the string of cotton.
Store ELLEN in a dry, cool place
Store the tampons in a dry, cool place at temperatures not over room temperature (maximum 25°C). The effect of lactic acid bacteria may diminish if stored at higher temperatures. The tampons have limited keeping qualities so read the best-before date on the package. While the effect of the tampons may diminish after the expiration date, they are still an excellent menstruation protection product.
Inserting the tampon
Wash your hands both before and after insertion. Avoid touching the tampon itself. Pull out the cotton string and ensure that it is properly attached. Place your finger on the base of the tampon and use the string to keep the tampon steady. Use your free hand to separate your vaginal lips and gently easy the tampon up and forward. The tampon is in place when you can no longer feel it. Make sure the string is hanging outside your body. Remove the tampon by gently pulling the string downwards.
Choose the right size
Choose a tampon with the right absorbency. Let the tampon stay in place at least two hours to allow the lactic acid bacteria time to act. Remove the tampon when it is saturated—no more than four to eight hours. Avoid removing the tampon “dry” since this may irritate the mucus membranes. Use only one tampon at a time. Absorbency for ELLEN Mini: 6-9 grams per tampon, ELLEN Normal: 9-12 grams and ELLEN Plus: 12-15 grams.
Information about Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but dangerous disease caused by a bacterium commonly found on the skin. TSS is sometimes called the tampon disease since it has in a few cases been traced to the use of tampons. The symptoms of TSS are sudden high fever, nausea, fatigue, rash and a sore throat. If the bacterium is in the vagina and a tampon with menstrual fluid is allowed to remain for too long in the vagina, the disease can develop in these favourable conditions. Therefore, practice good hand hygiene before inserting the tampon and change the tampon when it is saturated. Should you experience the above symptoms in connection with menstruation, immediately remove the tampon and call a physician. The disease can be life threatening but is easily cured if properly treated in time.
Where to buy ELLEN!
Ellen AB entered a pertnership that means that RFSU is marketing and distributing the tampons in the Nordic countries. I Europe the product is distributed by JNB in Germany and by IPRAD in France. You will find more information about the companies under ”Our distributors”.
Would you like to know more?
Find out more about the ELLEN tampon and vaginal health under Frequently Asked Questions. Always contact your gynecologist, family doctor, midwife or medical guidance centre if you feel at all uncertain about vaginal health problems.
For more information about the tampon, send an email to: info@ellen.se
ELLEN is manufactured by är Ellen AB, Svärdvägen 27 SE-182 33 Danderyd
Contact Ellen AB at phone +46 8 412 1000 or email us at info@ellenab.com
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