How to Use
Compare Costs
Caring and Storage
Q&A
History
Interesting Facts
Self Help
Testimonials
How to Use
The Keeper is a natural gum soft rubber cup that is worn internally during your menses. If you have sensitivity to rubber please do not try this product. The cup can be worn confidently anytime including overnight and during sports. Since it holds 30 mls (entire average monthly flow approximately 90-120 mls) the Keeper needs to be emptied only a few times a day and can be worn up to 10 hours.
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.
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.
When inserted properly the cup should not cause any discomfort.
You may wish to lightly moisten the rim lightly with clean water, too much will cause leakage
The cup follows the natural slant of the vagina. The Keeper does not touch the cervix, but rests comfortably below it.
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.
It is important to stay relaxed when using your Keeper. The more relaxed you are, the easier you will find it to insert and remove, and will ensure a better seal.
If you experience a heavy flow, leaking may occasionally occur while using your Keeper. To help prevent this you can combine a reusable Moon Pad together with the Keeper that is still a responsible and sustainable choice that saves your budget!
Useful Hints
Become familiar with your genital area and stay relaxed when inserting the Keeper. Some women find their Keeper occasionally moves towards the cervix, making it difficult to reach. Push down with your stomach muscles until the pull tab is closer to your vaginal opening. 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 you 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.
Extra’s
Some women have an extra Keeper handy to avoid inconvenience when their period arrives unexpectedly. The Keeper is ideal when travelling overseas, camping outdoors or for the active woman, especially those involved in water sports.
Compare Costs
In a woman’s lifetime, she is likely to use 15,000 sanitary pads or tampons. The Keeper is the economical, environment-friendly alternative.
| 10 Year Comparison | |
|---|---|
| Disposable Products | $10.00 monthly x 120 months = $1,200.00 | One Keeper | 37.5 cents monthly x 120 months = $ 45.00 |
That is a saving of $1,155 over 10 years. With proper care one Keeper can last at least 10 or more years.
Caring and Storage
At the end of your period wash the Keeper in hot soapy water, using a mild detergent. Consider using a little brush to clean the rim. Ensure the tiny holes around the rim are kept clean. How to care for your KeeperYou will achieve this by soaking your Keeper in hot water for a few minutes, and then squeeze the cup in the water to create water flow through the holes. This will also help to keep the inside of the stem clean. Consider using a small pin to keep the holes clear.
Soak the Keeper again for 5 minutes in water that has just boiled and then rinse with a vinegar solution (one tablespoon per cup of water). Dry your Keeper thoroughly and store in the pouch provided.
Some women have an extra Keeper handy to avoid inconvenience when their period arrives unexpectedly. The Keeper is ideal when travelling overseas, camping outdoors or for the active woman, especially those involved in water sports.
Over time the natural rubber may change colour over time but this does not impair its use. Do not boil your Keeper.
The Keeper has a life expectancy of 10 years. Usage and handling of the Keeper and your own body chemistry will influence your cups life span. There is no need to use harsh chemicals.
If the Keeper shows signs of deterioration such as small cracks, you should replace your cup.
Q&A
How does The KEEPER menstrual cup work? The most amazing thing about The Keeper menstrual cup is it is designed to catch your menstrual flow rather than absorbing it. The bell shape allows The Keeper to fit snugly and comfortably up against your uterine walls, below but not up against your cervix and inside the vaginal opening. The rim and tiny holes above the rim are designed to create a suction which keeps The Keeper in place and collects your menstrual flow inside. The Keeper is a simple device and is simple to use.
What is the KEEPER made from? The Keeper menstrual cup is made from natural gum rubber, also known as latex.
What about latex allergy? Unfortunately if you are sensitive to rubber The Keeper may not be for you. Please consult with your health care provider if you are unsure.
Who makes The KEEPER? The Keeper is manufactured in the U.S.A.(Cincinnati, Ohio) by The Keeper Incorporated.
How long has The KEEPER been available? The Keeper first came on the market in 1986.
Why have I not heard about The KEEPER before now? Since the Keeper menstrual cup is reusable, lasting up to 10 years, a woman will only purchase a few menstrual cups during her menstruating years. It is not a money making product for big companies with the ability to make a product “highly visible and available”. In the early days it was difficult for the Keeper to find anyone to allow them to advertise. No one wanted to write about or be associated with something called a “menstrual cup”. The Keeper menstrual cup has achieved it’s internationally known status purely on the hard work of it’s distributors and their strong commitment to let other women know of an “alternative” to the commercially made feminine hygiene products available. Credit also goes to the health food stores, midwives, holistic practitioner, food co-ops, and women’s health clinics who understood the need to bring The Keeper’s availability to the attention of women through out the world and gave the distributors a voice, show place, or shelf to promote a product they truly believed in.
Has The KEEPER been approved by the appropriate agencies? Yes. TGA in Australia and approved by the Ministry of Health in New Zealand. FDA in the USA, and appropriate approvals in other countries.
Isn’t The Keeper Cup a little expensive? Comparatively speaking, no. Most other forms of protection cost anywhere from $8.00 to $10.00 a month while The Keeper Cup average monthly cost is only pennies!
How long does The KEEPER menstrual cup last? If cared for properly the Keeper has a life expectancy of at least 10 years.
What if I can’t wear it or don’t like it? The manufacturer has a generous “3-month (90 days from the purchase date) no questions asked return policy”. Just return it to your place of purchase! All distributors of The Keeper menstrual cups are required to honour this return policy.
Is the 3-month return guarantee in writing? Yes.
Is it comfortable? It looks so big. At first you may be aware of its presence but once you get used to it that awareness will go away and you won’t even feel you are wearing the cup.
Is using a menstrual cup messy? No, not once you get comfortable with it. In the beginning it might be a little messy as you have to get used to handling the Keeper properly. This usually happens when you are first getting used to removing and emptying it. Not properly releasing the seal you created when you inserted The Keeper can sometimes be messy. Once you learned to release it properly there should not be any problems. Pulling The Keeper out tipping at an angle or too fast could cause a problem. Using the Keeper is like learning to ride a bicycle. Once you know how to it becomes second nature to you. Just follow the instructions closely.
Will the KEEPER Cup leak? No, The Keeper themselves do not leak. However, there are conditions that could cause leakage. If it has not been inserted properly, if something has caused the Keeper to move out of place, some leakage may occur. Please follow the instructions closely or feel free to email us with any queries. We are happy to give advice and are long time Keeper users ourselves.
Will I be able to feel The KEEPER Cup when it is inside of me? No, if you do feel it has not been inserted in the correct position and is too close to the vaginal opening. Reinsert the Keeper menstrual cup slightly higher.
Is it possible for The KEEPER Cup get lost inside of me? No, you can not lose the cup inside. If you are unable to grasp the pull tab, push the cup down using your stomach muscles. The cup will then move towards the vaginal opening.
Does it fit near the cervix? No, the Keeper rests below the Cervix.
How often should The Keeper be emptied? You never want anything to stay in your body for an extended length of time without removing it. The Keeper Cup should be emptied and rinsed every 10 hours. More often if you are experiencing a heavy menstrual flow.
Can The KEEPER cup be worn overnight? Yes.
When I urinate or have a bowel movement do I need to remove my menstrual cup? No. However, you may find your Keeper travelled down closer to the entrance of your vagina if you were pushing your muscles harder than normal. The cup may need to be re-adjusted.
What if I need to empty my KEEPER in a public restroom? Not a problem … first wash your hands …it is suggested that you wet a paper towel and take it into the cubicle with you. Remove, empty and wipe the Keeper before reinserting. Use part of the wet paper towel to wipe your fingers. You can also take a small water bottle with you to rinse the Keeper.
Is it sanitary? Yes, if cared for properly. Always wash your hands before handling your menstrual cup.
Can I wear The KEEPER during intercourse? No. Menstrual cups are positioned below the cervix and low near the vaginal opening.
I use my diaphragm sometimes for my menstrual protection, can The KEEPER Cup be used as a method of birth control? No. Menstrual cups are not like a diaphragm and can not be used as a method of birth control.
Can a virgin use The KEEPER menstrual cup? Yes, it would be much like a tampon. If you have strong personal feeling about keeping the hymen “intact” you may not want to use a menstrual cup.
I have a tilted uterus, can I use The KEEPER? Yes.
I am physically active and very involved in sports. Can I wear a menstrual cup? Absolutely!
Can IUD users use The KEEPER? The Keeper would pose the same risk to an Intra-Uterine Device user as that of a tampon. The Keeper’s manufacturer’s OB/GYN consultants suggest it may be “used with caution”…”there should be no problem”. The risk would occur if The Keeper Cup would travel up, which generally does not happen. We always recommend that women speak with their own personal health care provider when concerned about using The Keeper.
What about possible infection? If you have a history of dehydration or UTI’s, you may want to drink extra water during the time you are using your menstrual cup. A few women have found that their menstrual cup aggravated a urinary tract infection.
What if I have a yeast infection? First and foremost, you must get medical treatment for your yeast infection. The manufacturer’s (The Keeper Inc.) consultants report that all that is needed to treat your Keeper is simply cleaning it with warm soapy water and rinsing the cup afterwards with a vinegar solution to avoid soapy residue.
What happens with returned KEEPERS? They are destroyed.
History
During the 1930’s both the tampon and menstrual cup became available although neither were well received, woman continued to use the sanitary napkin, possibly due to several reasons including the reticence of woman to touch their genital area. Mrs Chalmers worked with several gynaecologists over the years to produce the Tassette Menstrual Cup which was first available in the 1930’s, although, did not increase in popularity until the mid 1950’s when both she and Robert Oreck (with whom she had joined forces) attempted to make it available to a larger audience. Again it was not hugely successful.
There is also the question of the Daintette cup which may have been available prior to the introduction of the Tassette Cup however very little information is available. Today we have far greater choice with a number of cups on the market as well as other sanitary items. The Keeper was developed by The Keeper Incorporated during the 1980’s. The cup was initially developed by the manufacturer to give her daughters more choice and to assist in the reduction of the enormous quantities of sanitary waste. Ref The Museum of Menstruation and Women’s Health.
Interesting Facts
Over 700 million tampons and 1 billion pads are used once and disposed of annually, clogging our overburdened landfill sites.
An average woman throws away 250 to 300 pounds of tampons, pads and applicators in her lifetime. The great majority of these end up in landfills, Be environment friendlyor as something the sewage treatment plants must deal with.
Plastic tampon applicators from sewage outfalls are one of the most common forms of trash on beaches.
For building owners, pads and tampons that are flushed down the toilet are the most common cause of plumbing problems.
Documented by Liz Armstrong and Adrienne Scott in their book, Whitewash: In early 1989, British women launched a publicity campaign to halt the use of the environmentally hazardous chlorine gas bleaching process used in the manufacture of diapers and feminine products. Result: After 6 months, the women won, and this hazardous process was no longer used.
A March-April 2001 E Magazine article states that, according to the Centre for Marine Conservation, over 170,000 tampon applicators were collected along U.S. coastal areas between 1998 and 1999.
The TGA does NOT require that the ingredients in tampons and pads be listed anywhere in or on the package.
The National Women’s Health Networkstates that twelve billion pads and 7 million tampons pollute landfills annually in the US.
Self Help
Why is it that what used to be considered the essence of Mother Earth, powerful, the matriarch, and even endeared as Goddess like is now thought of as a bind, even a curse to the millennium woman. What has changed with the passing of time to alter the female thought process? Where will it lead?
Let’s celebrate being a woman and what it offers. The freedom of crying openly, the choice of a third piece of chocolate, creative energy, and the new beginning which the monthly release offers.
Menstruation need not limit your lifestyle and routines. There are natural health care options, some simply based on your diet, that can help alleviate the sensations which some of us experience. Consider an exercise routine, this will increase circulation – as well as make you feel great
The average fluid loss is around 90-120 mls per month during the period. This is very easy to monitor if your choice of sanitation is the Keeper. Women generally find their period becomes heavier as they get older. Some women suffer from very heavy periods with many reasons for this, which could include an hormonal imbalance, approaching the menopause or the presence of fibroids, or simply, due to our individual makeup. If you suffer from heavy periods ensure you have an adequate intake of iron, magnesium, zinc and the vitamin B group. If you have any concerns consult your doctor.
The most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are nervous tension, irritability and mood swings, there are several reasons for this but attention to diet and regular exercise may alleviate the discomfort.
Woman with a high fat and low fibre intake may have increased levels of the hormone oestrogen, some doctors believe that elevated levels of this hormone may result in anxiety. It has also been suggested that high caffeine intake is associated with a more likely chance of suffering from PMS. Interestingly, low levels of the vitamin B group can cause irritability and lead to the incidence of thrush.
Ovulation occurs 14 days before the arrival of your period. Some women are never aware of ovulation taking place while others may Breast examination suffer from acute cramps. One old fashioned and effective remedy is to relax with a hot water bottle on the affected area. Consider reducing your intake of caffeine and increasing the amount of green leafy vegetables. Regular exercise will keep your muscles toned and promote general well being.
Consult your doctor if you suffer from severe pain regularly.
Breast tenderness is another common symptom which can occur up to two weeks before your menses. By reducing your caffeine intake and, if you smoke, the number of cigarettes coupled with attention to your diet may help reduce tenderness. You may wish to consider eating skimmed instead of full cream dairy products, removing fat from meat, and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables every day, which of course, are low in fat and high in nutrients.
Regular breast examinations are vital; if you discover an abnormality consult your doctor.
Endometriosis
Can cause severe cramp-like pain, heavy bleeding and painful intercourse. The tissue forming the lining of the womb grows outside the womb and around the organs with the pain most severe around the time of ovulation. You may wish to consider a diet low in animal fat and high in fibre which may avert oestrogen pitches.
It is recommended that everyone should ensure they have a well balanced diet with an adequate intake of iron, magnesium and vitamin B. Often once someone has improved their diet they find the symptoms of PMS subside. Avoid those mid morning snacks of cakes and biscuits, your body has to work much harder to assimilate processed sugars than those found in fruit, also consider eating more nuts and seeds.
Complimentary therapies such as yoga, massage, cranial osteopathy, homeopathy as well acupuncture and acupressure may help as well as improve your general health.
Interesting
Some women suffer constipation the week before their period, which may also contribute to uncomfortable bloating.
Increased levels of progesterone can cause an unpleasant taste or smell on the breath.
A particularly high number of woman who suffer from agoraphobia also suffer premenstrual symptoms.
Testimonials
Testimonials
“I bought a Keeper from you over a year ago and am extremely pleased with it. After having children I was having difficulty keeping tampons in despite my best efforts to improve my pelvic floor but the Keeper has proved to be 100% effective. I also love the fact that there is nothing to be disposed of and have found it invaluable while travelling. What a brilliant product!’ (Gil, via the Internet, Jan 08)
“I have had my keeper for around 6 months now and I LOVE it. I travelled throughout India and it was a blessing. I love it so much in fact I am interested in distributing them throughout my university and to friends, is this possible? I just want as many people as possible to share this amazing product.” (Liz, via the Internet)
“I bought the keeper a few months ago and I would encourage every woman to give this a try. In my experience the keeper has been more comfortable and safer to wear than an average tampon. I am hardly aware of having my period with the keeper. It is also cheaper and great for water sports (or any sports for that matter) plus good for the environment. I wish every woman could find out about this excellent product!”
(Kaz, via the Internet)
“I bought the Keeper a while ago. I am writing to say that I am very happy with it and will be telling my friends about it. It has taken some getting used to but I am really pleased that I made the decision to give it a try, and I will not be going back. Thanks!” (Rebecca)
“I do a lot of aquatic sport and The Keeper is just ideal… Had I known this was available I would have been using it for years, and so would a lot of other women.”
(Susie, via the Internet)
“I have used The Keeper for 3 months now and it is the greatest invention for women since sliced bread. It is soooo convenient, no messier than using tampons, no waste, no cost after initial purchase…and no GST!”
“Great to see The Keeper is known here. I’ve had mine for 7 years and I wouldn’t be without it. I travel a lot and it goes everywhere with me.”
(Canadian tourist, Salamanca market, TAS)
“This is my third period with The Keeper and I am comfortable with it – and I am discovering that I feel less pain from cramping during the 3 days of flow. Very little pain compared to when I was using tampons. Could the severe pain during the menstrual flow be partly due to wearing tampons? What chemicals are in tampons? And are those chemicals leaching into our systems through the walls of the vagina?”
“I have recently purchased a Keeper and have just used it for the first time. By the second day I had the hang of using it. At first I was a little unsure about it and had some doubts in my mind, however by the end of my cycle I was amazed at how effective and comfortable it was. I even felt confident using it in public toilets.”
(Amanda, Newcastle, NSW)
“I have been using The Keeper for the first time and wanted to tell everyone how pleased I am with it. I haven’t been able to use tampons for years and am sick to death of the discomfort and restrictions of pads. This is such an advantage for our environment. Where can I find information on selling/distributing the product?”
“The Keeper is practical, saves money and is absolutely invaluable when you are travelling. I went backpacking through the highly environmentally sensitive “Walls of Jerusalem” in Tasmania. All rubbish has to be taken out and dumped and I was so relieved I didn’t have to spend the week lugging soiled sanitary wear around with me. It’s essential if you’re doing a long trip overseas to remote areas where sanitary protection is expensive and/or unavailable.”
(Beverly, Sydney, NSW)
“I have been using the Keeper for about 6 months now – I love it! It FEELS so much cleaner than tampons and eliminates any smell. Thank you for making this product available.” (Kristie)
“Thank you Deborah for the prompt delivery of my keeper. It is my second one as I’ve had the first for about 9 years and the rubber was not as pliable as at first and the stem was disintegrating. I have been really happy with it and am yet to convince my 5 daughters that they are immeasurably more versatile and practical than disposable products. Your site is a great one, all the best.” (Elizabeth, March 2009)
