The Keeper Frequently Asked Questions

If your question isn't answered here, please make sure you have read the main description page for The Keeper. Some of the unsolicited testimonials we've received from real users are posted on our Testimonials page.



  1. 1) What about TSS?
    The Keeper has not been linked to TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). It has been laboratory tested, and results indicated that it is very unlikely to amplify the bacteria responsible for TSS.
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  2. 2) What about possible infections?
    Occasionally, some women find that The Keeper will aggravate a urinary tract infection (UTI). 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, to help prevent this.
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  3. 3) How long has The Keeper been around? Has it been approved by the 'right places'?
    The Keeper has been manufactured since 1986 and is FDA-accepted.
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  4. 4) What is the difference between size/style "A" and size/style "B"?
    Style A is designed for women who have had vaginal childbirth ("A"fter vaginal childbirth). Style B is designed for women who have NOT had childbirth, or who have experienced cesarean childbirth only ("B"efore vaginal childbirth). Style B is slightly smaller in diameter and is made with slightly firmer gum rubber than style A, although the difference in size is not visibly discernable.
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  5. 5) 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 always 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.
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  6. 6) 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. 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.
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  7. 7) How short should I trim the stem?
    The stem is essential for the purpose of insertion and removal. You may trim the stem. However, do not trim off more than one half of the stem, because, in the event that you wish to replace or return The Keeper within the 3 month money back guarantee, you would not receive a refund or replacement. If you decide you are satisfied with the product and want to keep the product, then you may trim the stem to the length you desire but do not trim the stem all the way to the bottom of the cup. If you do trim the stem too short, it could be difficult to grasp the stem if the the cup has moved upwards a bit. (This can sometimes happen while wearing the cup overnight.) If this happens, you can use your pelvic muscles to push the cup downward.
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  8. 8) 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 pelvic/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.
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  9. 9) 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 wash 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. And 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.
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  10. 10) Will it leak?
    If inserted properly, The Keeper “should” not leak. However, some women find that it does-especially on those first 2 days. If you have a heavy flow or 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.
    NOTE: We have heard from a few women who say that their Keeper leaks some, no matter what they do. Most of them do say it is still "worth it" and is still more convenient than tampons. Each woman's experience may vary. Also, adding a cloth pad for backup is a comfy solution.
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  11. 11) How much does it cost?
    The Keeper is $35 + $2 shipping and handling. However, you can try it with little risk. The Keeper has a 3 month money-back guarantee (less s&h). When you add up the cost of pads and tampons year after year, The Keeper is much more economical and can pay for itself very quickly. It has a "life expectancy" of at least 10 years.
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  12. 12) Is the 3-month guarantee in writing?
    Yes. It is on the instruction booklet that comes with your Keeper.
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  13. 13) When removing The Keeper, it makes a loud noise, and it hurts a little.
    If you pinch the cup up a bit higher on the cup (instead of the very bottom), this should release the seal quickly. Pinch the cup, then pull downward slowly. Releasing the seal like this keeps the noise from occurring (and keeps it from hurting as much). Just be sure to let the cup open back up before it is completely all the way out. This way, fluid settles back down into the cup so it should not spill.
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  14. 14) What if I have a latex allergy?
    Although The Keeper is made from natural gum rubber (versus a synthetic polymer), it is still made of rubber, which is also called latex. To be conservative, don't use it if you are allergic to rubber or latex, or think you might be.
    The Keeper Mooncup is also a reusable menstrual cup we highly recommend. The Keeper Mooncup isn't made of latex, but of durable medical grade silicone and, like The Keeper, does not expose women to the hazards of bleaches, chemicals, rayon fiber absorption and chafing.
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  15. 15) Can virgins use this?
    Yes. But if you have strong feelings about keeping the hymen "intact", The Keeper would not be recommended in that case.
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  16. 16) Is The Keeper effective for active women?
    Yes, The Keeper is excellent for women who are active in sports, hiking, scuba diving, swimming, horseback riding, etc....
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  17. 17) What about sex?
    This product serves one purpose and is not recommended for use during sexual intercourse!
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