How To
How do I insert The Keeper Cup, The Moon Cup, Lunette or The DivaCup?
  
First, fold the cup by pressing the sides of the cup together. Now fold it in half again. Hold the folded cup between your thumb and index finger. Then, while sitting on the toilet or in some equally relaxed position, simply insert the folded cup completely into the vagina. (If necessary, lightly moisten the rim with water or water-based lubricant -- NOT petroleum jelly). Release your fingers from the cup so the cup will unfold inside. That's all there is to it!
These are the basic instructions for inserting The Keeper Cup, The Moon Cup, Lunette, and The DivaCup, but there are many other helpful usage tips that can help you with insertion and removal as well.
How do I remove the menstrual cup?
While sitting on the toilet, grasp the pull-tab firmly so the tips of your fingers pinch the base of the cup. This action will allow air to enter around the cup, releasing the suction and helping with removal. Ease the cup gently forward and downward, supporting the bottom of the cup with your fingertips to prevent spilling. Empty and rinse, then simply reinsert. It's easy with a little practice.
How often should I empty the menstrual cup?
The Keeper Cup, The Moon Cup, The DivaCup, and Lunette Model 2 hold one full ounce. Lunette Model 1 holds just under an ounce. Since most women flow 2 to 4 ounces during their menstrual period, emptying the cup a few times a day is usually adequate. When your flow is heavy, empty the cup frequently to avoid leaking -- every 2-4 hours. After a month or two, you'll become familiar with your own menstrual flow pattern. It is safe to wear menstrual cups at night.
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The Menstrual Cup Experience
 What is a menstrual cup?
The Keeper Cup, The Moon Cup, Lunette, and The DivaCup are reusable internal devices that catch menstrual blood, rather than absorbing, as a tampon does.
Why use a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is one of the most convenient, economical, and environmentally-friendly forms of menstrual protection around!
There are lots of great reasons to use menstrual cups. Here are just a few of the ones we know about:
1. You will never run out of protection - menstrual cups are reusable on the spot.
2. Cups are great for active sports like bike riding, ultimate Frisbee, dance performances, swimming, yoga, running, hiking, etc.
3. When traveling, you won't have to worry about packing lots of products to bring with you or the unavailability of products in foreign countries.
4. They are perfect for backpacking when every inch of space in your pack counts. It's also the ultimate way to "pack it in, pack it out"!
5. No need to carry products around with you all day -- you can just rinse and re-insert.
6. You'll have no surprises if your period comes early -- just keep a menstrual cup in your bag and you'll always be ready. You can even wear it when you expect to start, unlike tampons, which are uncomfortable to wear at the beginning and end of your cycle.
Are menstrual cups comfortable?
Some women don't feel the cup at all and rave about how comfortable it is. Others find that the stem may bother them or at least they are aware of it. Some women trim the end of the stem a bit and find that helps. Don't trim it more than halfway, though.
Which size should I order?
Keeper or Moon Cup Size A or The DivaCup Size 2 is for women who have had vaginal childbirth.
Keeper or Moon Cup Size B or The DivaCup Size 1 is for women who have had a Cesarean Section or who have not given birth vaginally.
There is not a large difference between the two sizes. Style A is a bit larger in diameter than Style B; they are otherwise the same.
Lunette Model 1 is intended for lighter flow or for women with short vaginas. Lunette Model 2 is intended for heavier flow or for women who have given birth. For more information on choosing a size, please visit Lunette's FAQ page and click Which Size Should I Choose?
Will it leak?
Some women experience leaking and others do not.
If any leaking does occur it may be due to one of the following conditions:
The cup was not placed in its proper position or pressure against the vaginal wall due to constipation or a full bladder has pushed the cup out of its proper position. It also may be time to empty your cup. On heavy flow days, you will need to empty your cup more frequently. You will become more familiar with when to empty the cup with each use.
We suggest wearing a GladRags Day Pad or GladRags Pantyliner as backup protection.
Menstrual cups do not work for everyone. We are all shaped differently and have different flows. If, after trying your cup for 2-3 cycles, leaking continues to occur immediately following insertion, a menstrual cup may not be your menstrual product answer. If, however, you find that it works well for the most part, with only minor leaking, you may want to wear a GladRags Pantyliner with it as extra protection. Many women find this system works well for them.
What is the difference between The Keeper Cup, The Moon Cup, Lunette, and The DivaCup?
These products are all very similar and are we think they are all great!
The Keeper is the direct descendant of Tassette, a menstrual cup manufactured in the 1930s. The Keeper Inc. began manufacturing The Keeper Cup in 1987. It is made in the USA out of natural gum rubber. The cup has a long pull-tab, which allows you to trim it according to your needs. The Keeper is not recommended for women with latex allergies. The Keeper has a 3-month return policy.
The Moon Cup is the latest cup manufactured by The Keeper Inc. Wanting to offer the same tried-and-true Keeper solution to women with latex allergies, The Keeper Inc. developed The Moon Cup, which is made from medical grade silicone. It too has the longer, trimmable pull-tab and 3-month return policy.
The DivaCup is manufactured in Canada and has been in production since 2003. The DivaCup is made of medical grade silicone and has a shorter pull-tab than The Keeper Cup and The Moon Cup. The DivaCup is not returnable or exchangeable.
The Lunette cup is a medical grade silicone cup manufactured in Finland. It is slightly smaller and softer than the DivaCup and Moon Cup and has a shorter, ridged pull-tab. The Lunette is not returnable or exchangeable.
 Can I get Toxic Shock Syndrome from using The Keeper Cup, The Moon Cup, Lunette, or The DivaCup?
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is caused by normally harmless bacteria found on our skin or in other parts of our body. If the bacteria get into the bloodstream, the toxins released can cause serious and even fatal disease. It is a rare disease and has been associated with tampon use -- especially high-absorbency tampons, as they can dry out the vaginal canal by absorbing the vagina's natural moisture, creating the opportunity for miniscule tears to occur and increasing the chance of TSS. Menstrual cups "catch" your flow, rather than absorbing it and have not been linked to TSS. However, if you have ever had TSS, you should consult your doctor before using any cup or tampon.
Are menstrual cups safer than tampons?
The menstrual cup has a lower risk of TSS and is healthier and more comfortable for your body than tampons. The vaginal canal is one of the most porous parts of our body, which makes the absorption of any residual chemicals found in tampons a possibility. If you have ever had TSS, you should consult a medical professional before using tampons or menstrual cups.
How long can I leave it in?
You can leave your menstrual cup in for up to 8 hours. On your heavier days, however, you will need to empty it more frequently. Some women need to empty it every 1-2 hours. You will quickly get a feel for the time frame that works best for you. It is safe to use a cup while sleeping.
I'm allergic to latex. Which cup should I use?
The Moon Cup, Lunette, and DivaCup are made from medical grade silicone and work for women with latex allergies. The Keeper Cup is made from natural gum rubber, which is a form of latex and is not recommended for women with latex allergies.
Can I use a menstrual cup if I have an IUD?
You should consult your doctor if you are using an IUD.
I'm not sexually active (have never had vaginal sex ). Can I use a menstrual cup?
Yes, though it is up to you. You will probably break the hymen if it is still intact, and experience some initial discomfort. You might have better luck if you've already used tampons. Some women start with Jade & Pearl Sea Sponge tampons and work their way up to a cup.
Can I trim the pull-tab on my menstrual cup?
Yes, you can trim the pull-tab on your Keeper Cup, Moon Cup, or Lunette up to half its length. Do not trim more than half.
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Cleaning
How should I clean it?
At the end of your period, wash your menstrual cup in hot soapy water -- no need to boil. Dry thoroughly and place in the convenient bag that comes with it. If you wish, you may rinse it in a mild solution of tea tree oil or vinegar and water, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
 Should I boil my menstrual cup?
There is no need to boil the cups. Boiling The Keeper Cup is not recommended, as it may damage the rubber. However, you may boil the Moon Cup, Lunette, or the DivaCup, though it is not necessary for sanitation.
How do I clean my menstrual cup in a public restroom?
You can simply empty it and reinsert it, or you can wipe it off with toilet paper and reinsert. You might also carry a little bottle of water with you to use to rinse it out over the toilet before you reinsert it. Another option is to take a damp paper towel in the stall with you to use as a wipe.
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More Usage Tips
I think my menstrual cup has a leak, what should I do?
We have never had a menstrual cup returned to us with a hole or crack in it. In order for blood to actually "leak" out of your cup, the hole would have to be big enough for you to see. Sometimes women are confused because the pull-tab is not solid on The Keeper Cup and The Moon Cup, creating the illusion that blood is leaking out the end. If you examine your cup you will find the base does not have an opening.
I keep getting leaks, what should I do?
First, please note that it takes time to get familiar with your cup. We find it takes  2-3 cycles to determine if a menstrual cup is the right product for you.
Second, note when the leaking occurs. If you had it in for 2 hours and then it began leaking, you may need to empty it a little sooner. On heavier days, you will need to empty the cup more frequently. You may opt to supplement with a GladRags Day Pad or a Pantyliner on your heavy flow days.
If you are getting leakage shortly after insertion, you can try placing the cup at different depths. Sometimes it's a matter of finding just the right place. Another area to explore is what to do once you have it inserted. Try turning or wiggling it a bit and giving it a little pull downward. Other women have good luck by clenching their pelvic muscles and pulling the cup down slightly at the same time.
I've tried all the recommended tips and it still leaks, what should I do?
We are all shaped differently and have different flows. Therefore, menstrual cups will not work for everyone. We offer the 90-day money back guarantee for The Keeper and The Moon Cup so you can try it over 2-3 periods. If the cup does not work for you, see the returns and exchanges section below. Please note that the DivaCup and Lunette are not returnable.
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Returns/Exchanges
I want to return my cup, what should I do?
Please keep in mind that it often takes some trial and error to become comfortable with a menstrual cup. Please read the usage tips above or you can call us with any questions you have at 800.799.4523.
If you are making a Keeper or Moon Cup return within 90 days of purchase, take your receipt to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.
If you purchased the Keeper or Moon Cup from www.gladrags.com, send it back to us within 90 days of your received date along with your invoice or invoice number. Please see the returns page for full instructions.
The DivaCup and Lunette are not returnable.
I want to exchange my cup, what should I do?
Give us a call to determine if an exchange is possible. 800.799.4523
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Jade & Pearl Sea Sponge Tampons
How do I insert a sea sponge tampon?
 After washing your hands, wet your sponge with warm water and squeeze out the excess moisture. Squash the sponge and gently push into your vagina until the sponge feels secure and comfortable. If you feel any pressure, you may remove your sponge and trim it to a smaller size by trimming around the perimeter with scissors. Do not cut the sponge in half.
How do I remove a sea sponge?
Simply feel for the perimeter of the sponge, grasp it and pull gently. If you wish, you may sew a piece of cotton strong to the sponge to aid in removal. However, keep in mind that sea sponges are very delicate and may tear, so be sure to tug gently -- especially if you have attached a string. After removal, rinse sponge thoroughly in warm water, squeezing out all excess moisture. Please do not rinse your sponge in public sinks. If you will not have access to a private sink, consider carrying an extra sponge and a ziplock plastic bag to transport your used sponge home.
How often should I rinse a sea sponge?
Every woman's flow is different! You will become familiar with your own cycle and learn how frequently you need to rinse your sponge. Sponges should be removed and rinsed at least every 3-4 hours for maximum absorbency, although they can be safely left in overnight. Sea sponges, like tampons, may leak when full, so you may wish to also use a GladRags Pantyliner on heavier flow days.
How should I clean my sea sponges?
At the end of your cycle, disinfect your sea sponges by soaking them in a mixture of one cup of warm water and one tablespoon of either baking soda or apple cider vinegar for about 15 minutes. After soaking, rinse your sponge thoroughly and let air dry. More options for cleaning your sea sponges are included with with your order. Please do not boil or use harsh soaps on your sea sponges.
Why use sea sponge tampons?
Sea sponge tampons are sustainably harvested and are reusable for up to six cycles or more -- way less waste than conventional tampons! Additionally, sea sponges are absorbent but won't over-dry vaginal tissues like disposable tampons can. And they are comfortable, convenient, and easy to use!
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