The Keeper is simple to use. Just empty the cup as required, rinse and reinsert. It is not necessary to remove the Keeper for urination or bowel movements. By monitoring the fullness of the cup you will be able to accurately determine how often you should empty it.
Always wash your hands well before and after handling the Keeper.
Insertion
Step 1 Hold The Keeper
Hold between thumb and forefinger and squeeze the cup together.
Step 2 Fold The Keeper
Hold the folded sides between your thumb and forefinger with the curve facing down.
Step 3 Insert
While sitting on the toilet or squatting, relax your muscles and separate your labia with your free hand, then insert the folded cup completely into your vagina, the curved side first. Release your grip from the cup and it will unfold.
Trim the stem to a comfortable length. If the pull tab is located between your labia, you will have to trim it so that no part of the stem is outside your vagina. Cut the pull tab a little at a time until you find a comfortable length. If you trim of the pull tab completely we won’t be able to offer you our three-month-money-back guarantee.
You may wish to lightly moisten the rim lightly with clean water, too much will cause leakage. When inserted properly the cup should not cause any discomfort.
The Keeper does not touch the cervix, but rests comfortably below it and is worn lower than disposable tampons.
Removal
While sitting on the toilet, push your cup towards the vaginal opening using your stomach muscles. Then relax and grasp the pull tab firmly with your fingers. Pull your cup down so you can grasp the bottom of the cup. Pinch gently to release the seal. Slowly pull the cup down while moving from side to side. Removal is more comfortable if the cup is brought out one side first followed by the other. Ensure you keep the cup upright to avoid spillage.
Ensure you relax your muscles before removal. Moving your Keeper from side to side while removing avoids any discomfort. A few sheets of toilet paper dropped into the bowl before emptying your cup will avoid residue in the toilet bowl.
Rinse your Keeper with clean water or wipe with a tissue before re-inserting.
If you are in a public toilet, you may wish to take a small bottle of drinking water with you to rinse your cup.
Leakage
Do not wear the Keeper too high. The Keeper is worn low under the opening of the cervix.
Exercising your pelvic floor muscles a few minutes each day will assist in holding your Keeper in place and avoid leakage. A small push with your stomach muscles after insertion will bring the Keeper into the correct position.
Useful Hints
Don’t panic, you cannot lose the cup inside! Some women remove the pull tab completely, which we only recommend when you are comfortable using your cup and if you have used the Keeper for over three months. Always trim the pull tab a little and then try. Ensure that the pull tab is inside your vagina to avoid discomfort.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare but can be serious and fatal if not detected early. TSS is caused by the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria. The warning symptoms can include:
Feeling ill, headache, muscular pains, high fever and chills (usually 39C or above), vomiting, diarrhoea or confusion, and a sunburn-like rash during your period or a few days later.
TSS is linked to high absorbency and prolonged use of tampons. The Keeper is a receptacle that collects the menstrual fluid and therefore not linked to TSS.
If you experience any unusual symptoms while using the Keeper, please stop using the Keeper immediately and seek medical advice.
Caring and Storage
At the end of your period wash the Keeper warm water, using a mild detergent.
Step 1. Rinse (not soak) for a few minutes in warm, mild soapy water.
Step 2. Rinse in a dilute vinegar solution of one part vinegar to nine parts water.
It is a well known that vinegar is a sanitizing agent and will remove any soapy residue.
Let you Keeper dry and store in pouch provided.
No need to boil
Customers who have not boiled or used harsh chemicals on our cups have reported their cups lasting ten and even fifteen years. On the other hand, women who boil their cups, or use harsh chemicals to clean them, often re-order within a much shorter time.
About Discolouration
Your cup will discolour over time depending on your own body chemistry. A discoloured cup is still clean and usable.