FAQs

Backflow / inverted postures!!

Hi, I have been looking through your site and think that the mooncup looks fantastic but i have one reservation/question. As the menstrual blood is just collected rather than absorbed, what would happen if you were to go upside down or lay down with your pelvis raised above your body. I know this sounds a really strange question but i do really want one and i just need to know what woud happen if i was to lay down or go on an upside down ride at a theme park. Sorry if you think this is an odd concern!
Thank you for your enquiry. Firstly your concern is far from odd, it is not an uncommon query! Using the Mooncup as a collective device will not create any additional risk. I don't know if you are aware that there is an ongoing debate regarding whether or not it is appropriate for women to adopt any inverted postures during menstruation, for instance shoulder stands in yoga are considered by some to alleviative menstrual symptoms during a period, whilst others say that this posture should not be done during menstruation because of the potential for retrograde flow (back flow). It comes down to a personal decision, depending on your opinion. You can read some more on this subject here and here .
I think that overall the concerns in these areas are associated with being in inverted postures for a prolonged time, and even then the retrograde theory is just that, a theory, it has not been shown be true. The Mooncup is suitable for night-time use and all forms of sports so there is no need for concern in the doing the activities you describe. I hope that this helps you, let me know if you have any further questions.

Cleaning

How should I clean my Mooncup?
It is always important to wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling your Mooncup.
There is no need to sterilise your Mooncup during your period, as the vagina has its own self-cleansing system, and medical grade silicone (from which the Mooncup is made) is specially designed not to support the growth of bacteria. To clean your Mooncup during your period, you can simply use water or non-perfumed soap.
It is important to always rinse the Mooncup well with water after using soaps (or sterilising fluid), as any traces left on the Mooncup may cause irritation to your vagina.
If you want to sterilise your Mooncup between periods, you can either:
* boil it immersed in water (in a pan put aside for this purpose) for 5-7 minutes
* use sterilising solution/tablets. These are more commonly used to sterilise baby equipment, and we recommend you follow the manufacturer's guidelines for dilution. Immerse your Mooncup completely and soak for the minimum recommended time, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
You may use a microwave steriliser, but the Mooncup will need to remain immersed in water throughout the sterilising process. We do not recommend using a dishwasher, as we do not know the effect the dishwasher powders/detergents may have on the Mooncups medical grade silicone over time.
It is important to keep the Mooncup dry after your period and keep it in the cotton breathable bag provided.

Coloured cups?

Dear Cathy and Kate, I was wondering why your company does not make coloured menstrual cups. Is there a reason for this?
We do not believe that dyes are healthy, either for the environment or for women's bodies. Using dyes adds an extra ingredient to production that we consider unnecessary, and an added ingredient to the menstrual cup with unknown long- term consequences. Even though the dyes are tested for a range of heavy metals and other toxic substances, they remain a chemical additive. It seems unnecessary and potentially unsafe to us at Mooncup to add an ingredient that has no function except aesthetic!

Endometriosis

Hi Cathy! I have endometriosis, how would the Mooncup work for me?
I am sorry to hear that you have this challenging condition. The feedback I have received from other women in your situation has been positive. This is because the Mooncup will hold up to three times more than disposable sanitary products. The Mooncup is able to accommodate clots because it collects your menstrual flow, as opposed to a tampon which is designed to absorb and therefore is not able to accommodate clots. It is also useful to use the Mooncup because you can measure how much you are actually bleeding and report this to your gynaecologist.

Heavy periods

I have really heavy periods. Will the Mooncup cope?
Thank you for contacting us for advice. Yes, the Mooncup works very well for heavy periods because it collects up to three times more menstrual blood than disposable sanitary products. This means that you will need to attend to the Mooncup less often. Women have reported back to me that this has significantly improved their quality of life (you can read more on the testimionials page)
The Mooncup also allows you to accurately measure your flow. This means that if you are concerned that your periods are too heavy, your doctor or gynaecologist will be able to know exactly how much you bleed and will be able to treat you accordingly and quickly.

How often should I empty it?

How often do I need to empty my Mooncup?
You will need to empty your Mooncup every 4 -8 hours, and after a nights' sleep, depending on your menstrual flow. Women often find they have to empty their Mooncup much less often than they change tampons or pads, as the Mooncup actually holds three times as much as a super plus tampon!

Hymen

I saw the Mooncup at a festival and was rather dubious about it but I have been thinking about it quite a lot as I want to become more active and learn how to swim. As far as I am aware my hymen is still intact, so I was worried about using it and wasn't quite bold enough to ask the lady at the stand.
The hymen is a thin membrane, with a space or spaces for periods to flow through, which partially blocks the opening of the vaginal entrance. It is perfectly safe to use a Mooncup if your hymen is still intact, however - as with tampons - it is not recommended if you wish to keep your hymen whole.

Is it messy?

I only heard about your Mooncup today, but am intrigued, especially for the health aspects. I have big reservations though about how messy it is. Can you please tell me whether this is true? Do you tip any blood into the toilet then wipe it? Is there a lot, it sounds horrible! Is it like inserting a tampon though in terms of the amount of blood you come into contact with?
Thank you for your enquiry. The Mooncup is actually surpisingly un-messy to use. Yes, when you insert it it's the same as inserting a tampon with regard to the amount of blood you come in contact with. When you remove the Mooncup the outside of it is relatively clean, with the vast majority of the blood collected inside of it. It stays upright (and is rarely full anyway) until you tip it up to empty it down the loo. Then you simply rinse, or wipe, befor re-inserting. You will see your blood, but you will not have much actual contact with it. Many women find that once they get used to it, seeing your blood is actually a very good way of being in touch with your body and can lead to a greater sense of acceptance and well-being during menstruation! It's really not horrible, it's just different at first. Let me know if you have any further questions at all.

IUD/Coil

Hi Cathy, A friend passed on your web link to me - it's amazing. Please can you tell me whether it is perfectly safe to use with the IUD? Thanks a lot and keep up the good work.
Thanks for your email. There should be no problem with an I.U.D as long as you remember to place the Mooncup low down in the vagina and take care to release the seal properly when removing the Mooncup.
When an I.U.D is first placed, please wait one whole period before using the Mooncup. This will help the I.U.D settle in. Also, it's a good idea to ask your GP/clinic if they can trim the IUD strings to keep them short. You should continue to check your IUD strings periodically to make sure it hasn't been dislodged.

Just started menstruating

I've just heard about your Mooncup and it sounds pretty good. I'm wondering if it is recommended for use by a girl who has just started menstruating. Any caveats I should know about? My 11 year old daughter is not quite there yet but will be sometime soon and if this is as great as it sounds I would like to recommend it.
The size B-smaller Mooncup® is technically designed for young girls to use, even when they first start their periods. Many young girls are now using the Mooncup! Use of the smaller Mooncup will depend on the girls' emotional maturity and knowledge about her body. If the young girl, or her parents/culture have strong personal feelings about keeping the hymen "intact," she should not use the Mooncup.

I usually suggest to girls to:

* Go and have a look at a Mooncup. Many of our stockists have a demonstration Mooncup in their stores. Check the online store locator for a stockist near you. Have a feel of it, and remember, it is folded for insertion!

* Talk to other girls or women using one

* Thoroughly read the Usage Guide

* Find out as much information as possible about the body, especially the vagina. Ask your school nurse for information, go back to your biology lessons, go to the local library.

* Contact the Advice Centre for more details on how to insert the Mooncup when first menstruating and getting other professional support during this time. You will get friendly and useful tips, and we are always very happy to hear from you!

Latex allergy

I have a latex allergy, is it safe to use the Mooncup?
It is absolutely safe to use the Mooncup as it is completely latex free.

Leakage

Dear Cathy, Just writing for some advice. I bought a Mooncup at Glastonbury festival after wanting one for so long. I have been using it month after month and still I leak. I have to use pads as well, and my main reason for wanting Mooncup was for eco reasons. Please help me because I don't want to go back to the old ways.
I am sorry that you are having problems but I am sure we can find a solution. Inserted correctly, the Mooncup should not leak at all, and the most common reason for leakage is not placing the Mooncup low enough in your vagina. The collection cup (where the stem is attached) should be just at the entrance to the vagina. No part of the stem should be outside the vagina so if any is, this is the part of the stem that you will need to trim. Check your Usage Guide and make sure the position of the Mooncup is correct, and trim the stem if you need to - following the Usage Guide instructions
If you have checked the above, and continue to experience leakage, please contact us and we will find a solution.

Light flow

My flow is very light and I find tampons extremely painful to remove. Is it ok to use a Mooncup with a light flow?
The Mooncup is perfect for light flow, as it collects without drying your vaginal walls - this means that you will find removal a lot more comfortable.

Lubricants

Hello! I am about to order a Mooncup (just waiting for my next paycheque), and I have a question. I know that oil-based lubricants and latex do not mix, but I also know that one of the unique things about the Mooncup is that it is silicone, not latex. Does this mean that I can use oil-based lubricants to help with insertion, without worrying about damaging the rubber? Thanks so much for your help!
We recommend that you do not use oil-based substances with the Mooncup as they can weaken the material over time. Water based lubes are fine or try just using tap water.

Menopause

I am going into my menopause, is it worth buying a Mooncup?
The Mooncup can be very useful in helping with the changes that occur during the menopause. Your periods may become heavier or lighter and the Mooncup can be used in both of these situations, saving you from needing to use a whole array of disposable products. The Mooncup is also well able to collect clots and to deal with sudden flooding. Another advantage of the Mooncup is that it allows you to accurately measure your flow. This means that for the first time your doctor or gynaecologist will be able to know exactly how much you bleed and will be able to treat you accordingly and quickly. For many women using a Mooncup improves the quality of their lives during the menopause. You can read some testimomials about this on the testimonials page

Overnight use

Hi can you please let me know if the mooncup is safe to wear at night? Many Thanks
Thank you for your enquiry. Yes, the Mooncup is safe to wear at night. You will need to ensure it is empty before going to bed and then empty it again as soon as you wake, but because it is safe to be in place for 8 or so hours there is no problem with using it at night. Please feel free to contact me again if you have any further queries at all.

Painful periods

I have really painful periods will the Mooncup help?
The Mooncup can safely be used with painful periods and many women report that using the Mooncup reduces their pain. One reason for this could be that the Mooncup is worn lower down in the vagina than a tampon and allows your menstrual blood to flow more naturally. The Mooncup is also hypoallergenic and does not react with your body.

Post-birth

Hello, I've been using a Mooncup very happily for the last year. I'm now expecting our first baby in October, and I wondered if I can use the Mooncup for the bleeding after the birth? I've heard that you shouldn't use tampons, but wondered whether the Mooncup would be OK.
It is not recommended to use internal protection for the first six weeks after giving birth. This is because of the increased risk of infection (after trauma to the vaginal tissues.) It would probably be a bit too tender as well! I would use washable cloths for this post birth bleed. Good luck, and best wishes Cathy

Public toilets

Can I change my Mooncup in public toilets?
You can use your Mooncup in public toilets! Wash your hands at the sink and take a small bottle of water into the toilet cubicle with you. Remove the Mooncup, tip the contents into the toilet bowl, rinse with a small amount of water and re-insert. If you have not got a bottle of water, then wipe the Mooncup with toilet paper and re-insert. Remember, because the Mooncup collects more menstrual blood than conventional sanitary protection, you will not have to refresh it as often as your would need to dispose of tampons or pads.

Removal problems

I can't get it out!
If you cannot remove your Mooncup, the most important thing is to take your time and relax your vaginal muscles, as these are particularly sensitive to stress and will clench up around the Mooncup. (The pelvic muscles are situated between your vagina and anus. If you are unsure where this is, think of the muscles you would use if you were trying to stop yourself passing urine or opening your bowels to pass a motion).
What techniques do you use when you try and relax? You can begin by doing the exercises that you are used to, like counting your breath, or having a warm bath for example. Take your time as there is no urgency to remove the Mooncup immediately.

Getting the correct position - one that is comfortable and that you can maintain for a while. You may also wish to get in these positions in the bath or shower.

* Squatting makes the vaginal canal shorter, so this is an excellent position for removal. Get right down towards the ground with your legs apart
* Equally good is sitting on the toilet with your legs apart, and your back upwards and straight
* Alternatively adopt another position that you find comfortable with your legs wide apart

If you cannot reach the Mooncup

* Use a sequence of small, downward pushes with your vaginal muscles. This should feel like you are opening your bowels but concentrate on using the vaginal muscles only, at the front. Try to be gentle and slow and remember keep breathing!
* As each small push is released, it can feel as though the Mooncup is rising up again, but trust your muscles and after about 5 to 8 small pushes (sometimes more) the Mooncup will be low enough to be able to reach the stem or bottom of the Mooncup, to release the seal and remove it

If you cannot release the seal

* Insert your clean index finger and squeeze the base of your Mooncup to release the seal. You may also be able to insert a thumb and finger and push both sides of the Mooncup in.
* You will feel the seal being released (there may be a slight sound, or you will feel the Mooncup fold down on itself), now pull the Mooncup down towards the entrance to the vagina. You may need to fold the Mooncup (as you did on insertion) to allow it to come out of the vaginal opening
* If you start to feel tense, just leave it and try again later

Retroverted uterus

Is it OK to use the Mooncup if I have a retroverted uterus?
It is usually fine to use the Mooncup with a retroverted uterus. You may have to use a pad at first, whilst trying to get the most efficient position for you to collect the blood. There are a small number of women with retroverted uteri for whom the Mooncup will not work, so please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

Sports

I am almost convinced about buying a Mooncup however I do a number of aerobics classes during the week. During the week of my period I do sometimes go but often wear a pad as well as a tampon in case of leaks when jumping - would a Mooncup be OK during exercise (including in swimming pool?)
Thank you for your enquiry. The Mooncup is ideal for use whilst doing all sports, including aerobics and swimming. Some women use a pantyliner whilst they are still gaining confidence in the reliabilty of their Mooncup, but before long it will provide you with far more confidence than any other product. Feel free to contact me again if you have any further questions at all.

Swimming

Is it OK to go swimming when I'm wearing the Mooncup?
Yes it is fine to go swimming while wearing the Mooncup. The Mooncup is worn completely internally so you don't need to worry about a string hanging out, and it holds much more than a tampon so you'll be able to swim for longer!

Thrush

Dear Cathy, Will the Mooncup cause me to get thrush? I get thrush from using tampons, look forward to your answer.
Hello. In answer to your question, no - the Mooncup will not give you thrush. Approximately 1/3 of what tampons absorb are the protective secretions that prevent thrush and other infections from happening. These secretions also maintain the correct Ph balance of the vagina. When you use a Mooncup it will not interfere with these protective vaginal secretions, and it will not absorb them either, so your vagina will remain healthy whilst you are having your period. It is important to rinse your Mooncup with plenty of water if you use soap to clean it, as traces of soap left on the Mooncup can upset the Ph balance of your vagina.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Dear Cathy, I've been using my Mooncup for the first time these past few days and it seems to be working really well. Everything everyone says about it on your site is true. I particularly like the idea that I can forget about it and just need to empty it once on waking and once before sleep. However I'm still a little concerned about the risk of toxic shock syndrome from leaving it in for a long time. My cup only gets about half full in half a day, so is it okay to leave it in for those 8 hours without changing it?
Thanks for your email and well done for getting on with the Mooncup so quickly.
It is absolutely safe to leave the Mooncup in for 8 hours before refreshing. The Mooncup has never been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (T.S.S), which is linked with bacteria, high absorbency tampons and prolonged use. T.S.S is most common in women aged between the ages of 15 and 19 and the risk of contracting it decreases with age. As a precaution, you should be aware that the symptoms of TSS could include sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, fainting, or a rash rather like sunburn. Should you experience these symptoms during your period you should remove your Mooncup and contact your GP immediately. If you have suffered from T.S.S, it is recommended that you do not use any internal form of sanitary protection, including the Mooncup. I hope that this information is useful for you.

Trimming the stem

How do know if I should trim the stem of my Mooncup? And how do I do it?!
The entire Mooncup should be worn inside the body. The stem is deliberately long to account for women's different length vaginas, and is designed to be easily trimmed if necessary so that the end of the stem sits just inside your vagina. Many women trim the stem, and some will cut it off completely! For women with longer vaginas, the stem can be useful to 'balance' the Mooncup, so only trim it if it's sitting outside your vagina.
If you find that the Mooncup is uncomfortable when sitting or walking, or pinches the vaginal opening, then it is probably sitting outside of the vagina and you will need to trim the stem
Instructions on how to do this can be found in your Usage Guide.