back to main Keeper page Keeper usage guide
Facts, Questions
and Answers
The Keeper sounds too good to be true!
How do I remove the Keeper?
If Toxic Shock is a risk, why are tampons still sold?
What about toxic shock syndrome?
Can virgins use The Keeper?
Are there any other concerns about using The Keeper? What
about possible infections?
How long has The Keeper been around? Has it been approved by
the 'right places'?
But what if I'm smaller/larger than average?
Will I be able to feel The Keeper?
Isn't it messy?
What type of Rubber is the Keeper
made from?
How often do I need to empty it?
Will it leak?
My flow is heavy. Will it leak?
Is the 3-month guarantee in writing?
What is the percentage of returns?
I'm very physically active. Will it work for me?
Can I use the Keeper for camping or when traveling?
Isn't The Keeper too expensive?
The Keeper looks big?
Is it comfortable?
How do I clean the Keeper?
Does the Keeper leak?
Can I use the Keeper if I have a tilted uterus?
What is the difference between size/style "A" and size/style
"B"?
How do you trim the little tail?
The Keeper sounds
too good to be true!
Every so often, a product or idea comes along
that challenges conventional thinking. You and your mother have
probably used the same approach to feminine hygiene all your
lives. The Keeper is the solution to the inconvenience of your
monthly cycle. Many women write us testimonials lavishing
praise on the product and their new found freedom. It is very
rare that a woman cannot be satisfied with The Keeper.
The original menstrual cup was available in the early 1940's, but was quickly overshadowed by the popularity of disposable products. Popularity in the Keeper is rising dramatically now, because women are so much more ecologically conscious, science knows how much damage is caused to the environment by disposables, and medical studies have associated Toxic Shock Syndrome with tampon usage. It is amazing that with very little advertising, word of mouth referrals have led to tens of thousands of women now loving the Keeper. We at Health Keeper Inc. are dedicated to educating women about The Keeper through advertising and new material like this booklet.
How do I remove the Keeper?Get comfortable on the toilet in a way that gives you good access to your vagina. (Sitting on the toilet works best I find.) Reach inside with your fingers until you feel the base of the Keeper or the tab. When you find the tab, hold the tab and wiggle it gently downwards, squeezing with your abdominal muscles, to get the cup to move far enough down to grab. Pinch the bottom of the cup until you feel the suction release as the rim of the Keeper come away from the vagina wall. You might have to wiggles the Keeper from side to side (or you may discover your own method) to get the suction release.
If Toxic Shock is a
risk, why are tampons still sold?
Each of us is responsible for making the
choices that affect our health. The government allows tobacco and
alcohol to be sold also, but you know there are associated risks.
The hygiene companies are huge, profitable, politically
connected, and most women do not get serious tampon related
diseases. However, the previously cited risks of tampons and pads
are well documented, and the previously cited benefits of The
Keeper are compelling reasons to use it. Why risk your health
when there is a better alternative?
What about toxic shock syndrome? The Keeper has not been linked to any negative health conditions, since it came on the market in 1986. It was tested in 1998 for its relationship to TSS (toxic shock syndrome), and found to be a low-risk product. The Keeper unlike tampons does not absorb your flow and does not contain synthetic fibres; which means it does not provide a good environment for the bacterium that causes TSS. (High absorbency tampons made out of polyester are especially high risk to TSS.) If you have tested positive for the TSS bacteria you should consult with your doctor before using any internal menstrual product.
Can virgins use
The Keeper?
Yes. Many young women use The Keeper. In fact,
if one starts out using The Keeper, they may have an easier time
of it. When you've used tampons all your life, The Keeper can
seem a very strange concept to some. It is quite different from
using tampons. The only concern for virgins would be the breaking
of the hymen. You can use tampons as a guide. If one would have
worn internal products such as tampons, they can also use The
Keeper. There may be some "discomfort" associated with
the first insertion. You might want to try inserting a tampon
first (This will stretch the hymen.), and then using The Keeper.
Are there any
other concerns about using The Keeper? What about possible
infections?
Very rarely, there will be someone who finds
that The Keeper will aggravate a urinary tract infection. If you
have any tendencies toward dehydration or UTI's, you might want
to try drinking extra water during the time you will be using The
Keeper. Also it is important to empty the Keeper on a
regular basis and wash it well after each emptying.
How long has The Keeper been around?
Has it been by the US Food and Drug Administration?
The Keeper has been manufactured since 1986 and is FDA-accepted.
What is the
difference between size/style "A" and size/style
"B"?
Style A is designed for women who have
experienced vaginal childbirth ("A"fter vaginal
childbirth). Style B is designed for women who have NOT had
childbirth, or who have experienced caesarean childbirth only
("B"efore vaginal childbirth). Before vaginal
childbirth, the vaginal walls are slightly firmer than after.
Therefore, style B is slightly smaller in diameter and is made
with slightly firmer gum rubber than style A.
But what if I'm
smaller/larger than average?
Although you can use "Before" and
"After" childbirth as a guideline, the difference
between the two sizes is not extreme. Some women who have had
vaginal childbirth, but feel that they are a smaller body type
than average (They may have been fitted with a small-size
diaphragm, for instance.), have successfully used the size
"B". And occasionally a woman who hasn't had
childbirth may experience The Keeper moving upwards and -
although this is not a problem - they may decide that they need
the size "A". So, you must use your own judgement as to
which size to order. But Before/After Vaginal Childbirth is still
the best guideline.
Will I be able to
feel The Keeper?
You may notice it slightly immediately after
insertion and/or for the first few times you use The Keeper. But
once you get used to wearing it, you will probably find that you
don't feel it at all. You must be careful not to forget you're
wearing it. Sometimes all that is needed is a slight tilting of
The Keeper into a more comfortable position - and then you will
not feel it. It should be tilted (aimed) slightly towards the
small of the back for the best comfort. This is achieved by
pulling The Keeper slightly forward, gently, after insertion.
Can The Keeper get
"lost" inside of me?
No. The Keeper resides near the vaginal
entrance. In some women, it may sometimes travel up a bit higher.
If, when you go to remove it, you find that this has happened,
simply bear down gently with your abdominal muscles, pushing The
Keeper downward. Then if you need to, grasp the stem, to help
pull The Keeper down a bit before pinching the base of the cup to
release the seal.
Isn't it messy?
The Keeper can take some getting used to. Remember to remove
it slowly so that it will not spill. Some women take a dampened paper towel
into the toilet stall with them in order to wipe their fingers. Others find
that they do not have to empty it very often during the day. So this is not
a problem for them. Others simply add a panty liner on their heaviest days in
lieu of emptying The Keeper more often in the middle of the day. They can then
take care of it later in the day, in the privacy of their own homes. (The Keeper
can be worn up to 12 hours.)
What type of Rubber is the Keeper made
from? The keeper is made from pure gum rubber from the gum tree. The
trees are tapped for their rubber, not cut down. If you are sensitive/allergic
to rubber or latex, please do not try the keeper. If uncertain, we suggest that
you wear the keeper against your body tucked between your clothing and skin
before trying internally.
How often do I
need to empty it?
Tampons and pads soaked with menstrual fluid
give many women a misperception of how much they flow. If you
currently change your pads or tampons frequently, you can
initially empty the cup at the same frequency. By monitoring the
fullness of the cup, you will then be able to accurately
determine the required frequency. After a couple of periods, you
will easily adapt to your own cycle.
Will it leak?
If inserted properly, The Keeper should not
leak. However, if you have a heavy flow and you wear it
overnight, you might want some added protection. Or, you may find
that you need to empty it slightly more often than you have been.
Some women find that (on their heaviest days) it can leak
somewhat, if it becomes full and is not emptied soon enough.
My flow is heavy.
Will it leak?
It should not leak if inserted as per the
instructions. Remember the Keeper holds one full ounce and the
average woman only flows about three ounces in her entire cycle.
Is the
3-month guarantee in writing?
Yes. It is on the instruction booklet that
comes with The Keeper.
What is the
percentage of returns?
About 4%. A few women find that they don't
like using it. It is quite a different experience from tampons
and takes a bit of time to get used to. A few aren't able to wear
it comfortably, or they may have a problem with urinary
infections which are aggravated by use of The Keeper, or some
other problem. Those that are satisfied (the great majority) are
usually extremely satisfied - so much so that they often
rave about it to friends and family members, who are then
persuaded to order one for themselves. However you, of course,
have 3 full months to make sure it is going to work for you or
you will receive your money back - less postage!
I'm very
physically active. Will it work for me?
Yes! It's fantastic for swimmers, outdoor
enthusiasts, aerobic classes, cycling, travellers, campers, and
so on. You will feel fresh, secure, and liberated. No feminine
hygiene products to pack (or run out of). No worries about
staying close to a bath room. No restrictions on physical
activity.
Can I use the Keeper for camping or when traveling? Yes, we have many customers that swear by the Keeper for camping and travel as it reduces the amount of stuff they have to carry around and also reduces the amount of garbage they have to deal with.
Isn't The Keeper too expensive?
Remember The Keeper is reusable. It's really an investment,
compared to the money you now spend on disposables. When you add up the cost
of pads and tampons, the Keeper can "pay for itself" very quickly.
Plus you are buying a product that will make your life easier, give you more
comfort, and more freedom. And its is healthier too.
The Keeper looks big?The Keeper is sized to ensure it collects fluids effectively. It is just slightly over two inches tall, not including the tail, and 2 ¾ inches across. It folds up for insertion, when its folded it is about one inch at the widest point...just a bit bigger then a large tampon. Most women do not have any problem inserting it and once inside it opens again to its full size, but you will not feel it. Any discomfort in wearing it is usually associated with the little tail which needs to be trimmed to a comfortable length.
Is it comfortable? Most women find the Keeper is so comfortable, they do not know they are wearing it and find it to be more comfortable then tampons. The one crucial thing is to make sure the little tail is trimmed the best length for you.
How do you trim the little tail? The tail needs to be trimmed to the right length - this can differ for each woman. When you get you Keeper try it without trimming the tail - you may find you’re getting ‘poked’ by it, in which case, you will need to trim the tail, using good scissors or a sharp knife. Only trim off ¼ inch to start with and see how it feels. If needed trim off more until the Keeper feels comfortable. Trim up the tail as far as you need to, making sure you have enough of the tail left in order to grab the Keeper to remove it. Some woman find they need to trim a large amount of the tail off. AND do not worry, trimming off the tail does not in any way void your money back guarantee, as long as a small portion of the tail remains, and the base of the Keeper has not been cut into.
How do I clean the Keeper? Wash the Keeper in hot, soapy water and rinse it well before using it your first time. Use a mild, non-toxic soap. Wash it in clean water each time you empty it and if possible use some soap - rinse very well. If you cannot wash it each time you empty it, then at least rinse or wipe it, but wash it when you get the next chance. Once your cycle is over give it a good washing and let it air dry. Some women like to soak the Keeper overnight in a mixture of 50/50 vinegar and water. Keep the pouch clean, too (do not put a unwashed Keeper in the pouch!). Do not store the Keeper in a plastic bag as it will not allow it to dry out.
Does the Keeper leak? Some women find the Keeper leaks slightly. Usually these can be rectified, by trying the "fixes" outlined below.
Can I use the Keeper if I have a tilted uterus? Likely you can, we have many women with tilted uterus wearing the Keeper without problems.