Welcome to The Keeper and Moon Cup Menstrual Cup Q and A Page! We hope you will get all your questions answered.
How does it stay in place?
THE KEEPER® or MOON CUP® is designed to catch your menstrual flow rather than absorb it. Its bell shape allows THE KEEPER or MOON CUP to fit snuggly and comfortably up against your vaginal walls, below but not touching your cervix. The rim is designed to help create a suction that keeps THE KEEPER or MOON CUP in place and collects your menstrual flow inside of it. The small holes around the rim allow air into the cup to help release the suction when you remove the cup.
How do you remove it?
Reach and pinch the base of the cup until the seal releases, then gently guide it out. Keep the cup vertical until it is out, then dump the contents. When you’re getting started it can be helpful to practice in the shower, and some women find it easiest to do their emptying in the shower, particularly since you’re more relaxed then.
What is it made of?
THE KEEPER® is made from natural gum rubber (latex).
The MOON CUP® is made from medical-grade silicone (perfect for women with latex allergies).
Where is it made?
Both THE KEEPER® and The MOON CUP® are manufactured in the USA.
How long has it been around?
We have proudly educated, empowered, and supported women with THE KEEPER cup since 1986 and are eagerly awaiting our 35-year anniversary!
Is it safe?
THE KEEPER and MOON CUP have both been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?
Results of lab testing indicate that it is very unlikely to amplify the bacterial associated with TSS. Our menstrual cups are non-absorbent. That’s not to say it cannot happen but reduces the chances dramatically. To reduce the chances even more, follow common good hygiene rules of clean hands and nails. wash your hands before inserting and removing your cup and do not use harsh chemicals that could deteriorate the smooth surface of our cups. When cleaning your cup remember to clean the holes below the rim by pushing your choice of cleaning/sanitizing methods through the holes. Also, clean the inside of the stem the same way. Trimming your fingernails will reduce the chance of putting small cuts into the surface of the cup. Signs of TSS: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355384
Should I be concerned about infection?
A few women have found that their KEEPER or MOON CUP aggravated a urinary tract infection. Please check with your healthcare provider.
Will it get lost inside of me?
No! 🙂 Your cervical opening is far too small to allow a menstrual cup through.
Does it touch or come close to the cervix?
No it doesn’t 🙂
How long will it last?
With proper care, THE KEEPER has a “potential” life expectancy of up to 10 years. Learn more about proper care here.
The MOON CUP has not been on the market as long as THE KEEPER, so we are not yet certain on its life expectancy. However, the durability of silicone is well documented elsewhere.
Is it comfortable?
It looks so big. At first you may notice THE KEEPER or MOON CUP, but once you get used to it (usually during your first few days of use), you will not be aware of its presence.
Is it messy?
No, not once you get comfortable with it. In the beginning, you need to become accustomed to removing and emptying your KEEPER or MOON CUP. If the suction seal is not properly released before you remove the cup, it can sometimes be messy. Once you learn to release the seal and remove your cup properly, there should not be any problem. Pulling THE KEEPER or MOON CUP out too fast, or tipping it at too steep an angle could cause some spillage. Again, once you get some practice removing and emptying THE KEEPER or MOON CUP, things will be fine. Just remove the cup slowly and as close to straight down (with minimal tipping) as possible.
Will it leak?
No, THE KEEPER or MOON CUP itself does not leak. However, there are conditions that could cause leakage. If the cup has not been inserted properly and the seal was not created. Sometimes it may mean that you may have a cup size that does not match the strength of your vaginal wall muscles.
I’m having trouble with leaks. Help!
1.Try running your index finger between the rim and the vaginal wall to make sure the cup has fully opened and fitting tight up against your vaginal walls.
2. It is helpful to insert the cup quite low and slide it up. Your vaginal muscles will adjust the cup into a position that fit’s your body.
Will I be able to feel it inside?
Not if it has been properly inserted. If you do feel it, then it has probably not been inserted in the correct position and is too close to the vaginal opening. Adjust or reinsert THE KEEPER or MOON CUP slightly higher in the vaginal cavity. Remember, most of the stem remains outside of your body.
Can I wear it overnight?
Yes.
Do I remove it to urinate or to have a bowel movement?
No. However, you may find that your KEEPER or MOON CUP has traveled down closer to the entrance of your vagina if you push your muscles harder than normal. So, the cup may need to be readjusted after urination or a bowel movement.
What if I need to empty it while in a public restroom?
First, wash your hands. You may find it useful to take a wet paper towel into the stall with you. Remove, empty, and wipe THE KEEPER or MOON CUP before reinserting (you may use toilet tissue to do this). Then, use the wet paper towel to wipe off your fingers. Wash your hands again before leaving the restroom.
Can I wear THE KEEPER or MOON CUP during intercourse?
No. THE KEEPER or MOON CUP is positioned below the cervix and at the vaginal opening, so it would interfere with intercourse.
Will it work like a diaphragm as a method of birth control?
No. THE KEEPER or MOON CUP is NOT like a diaphragm and CANNOT be used as a method of birth control.
Can a virgin use It?
Yes, it would be much like a tampon. However, if you have strong personal feelings about keeping the hymen “intact,” you may not want to use THE KEEPER or MOON CUP. Please check with your personal physician for advice.
Does it work with a tilted uterus?
Yes.
Can Athletic/Active Women Use It?
Absolutely! Many women who are active in sports find THE KEEPER or MOON CUP very convenient and effective.
Can IUD users use it?
Yes, they can. But we suggest that you speak with your own personal physician, OB/GYN, or other health care provider when you have concerns about using THE KEEPER or MOON CUP.
If you still have questions, please reach out to us! Visit our contact page to find all the ways you can get a hold of us. You can also stay connected through Facebook.
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