"Using the Mooncup as a collective device will not create any additional risk. 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.

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"
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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. Mooncup Ltd. does not recommend using a dishwasher, as the effect of the dishwasher powders/detergents on the Mooncups medical grade silicone over time is unknown.

It is important to keep the Mooncup dry after your period and keep it in the cotton breathable bag provided".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

Mooncup Ltd does not believe that dyes are healthy, either for the environment or for women's bodies. Using dyes adds an extra ingredient to production that Mooncup Ltd considers 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 add an ingredient that has no function except aesthetic!
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

The feedback Mooncup Ltd has received from women with endometriosis 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 the 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.
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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 Mooncup Ltd that this has significantly improved their quality of life.

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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

Mooncup Ltd recommends emptying 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!

"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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"The Mooncup is actually surpisingly un-messy to use. 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 toilet. Then you simply rinse, or wipe, before 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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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.

Mooncup Ltd suggests to girls to:

• Go and have a look at a Mooncup if possible. Many stockists have a demonstration Mooncup in their stores. Have a feel of it, and remember, it is folded for insertion!
• Talk to other girls or women using a Mooncup
• 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 your local stockist or the Mooncup Advice Centre for help with using the Mooncup if you need to".

Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"It is absolutely safe to use the Mooncup as it is completely latex-free".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"Inserted correctly, the Mooncup should not leak at all, so 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 your local stockiest or Mooncup Advice and to find a solution".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

Mooncup Ltd does not recommend using oil-based substances with the Mooncup as they can weaken the material over time. Water based lubricants are fine or try just using water.

"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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"The Mooncup can safely be used with painful periods and many women have reported to Mooncup Ltd 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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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! Mooncup Ltd recommends using washable cloths for the post birth bleed".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

Mooncup Ltd recommends washing your hands at the sink and taking 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 you would need to dispose of tampons or pads.

If you cannot remove your Mooncup, Mooncup Ltd recommends the following...

Firstly, 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

If you continue to have problems, please contact the your local stockist or the Mooncup Advice Centre via email (advice@mooncup.co.uk) or telephone (+44) 0 1273 673845. If you are cannot reach the Mooncup to get it out and are experiencing any pain in the vagina or cervix, please contact Mooncup Advice, or alternatively contact your doctor or go to accident and emergency.
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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 contact your local stockist or the Mooncup Advice Centre if you are having problems".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"The Mooncup is ideal for use whilst doing all sports, including aerobics and swimming. 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 exercise for longer!

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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"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".

"The Mooncup is available in two sizes: size 'A' and size 'B'. Sizing is based on pelvic floor tone, not menstrual flow, and it's important to get the sizing right to get the best from your Mooncup.

Pelvic floor tone will vary according to your age, childbearing history and what sort of exercise you do. Corrective surgery to the vagina will also have implications. Check the guidelines to see which size you need:



Because vaginal and pelvic floor tones naturally reduce with age, the size 'A' Mooncup is recommended for women aged 30 or over. The difference between the 'A' and the 'B' is only small (3mm), but it is crucial!

Size 'A' is also recommended for all women who have given birth vaginally, regardless of age.

Size 'B' is designed for young girls and women under the age of 30 who have not given birth vaginally. It may also be suitable for women over the age of 30 who have had corrective surgery to the vagina, or who are advanced in tone-maintaining activities such as yoga, dance or pilates.

If you're unsure of what size you need, please contact your local stockist or the Mooncup Advice Centre.

It's important to buy the right size, as Mooncups cannot be exchanged after purchase".
Mooncup Ltd Nurse Advisors

"Since the 31st January 2009, it has not been possible to buy a Mooncup for delivery to a US address from Mooncup Ltd's website or any Mooncup distributor's websites. Sadly another menstrual cup company has trademarked the name 'Mooncup' in the USA, which left Mooncup Ltd. with no alternative than to cease all Mooncup sales to customers based there. Mooncup Ltd are obviously very disappointed about this but as an ethical company it is important to do the right thing and abide by the law. Please note this applies to the USA only and not to Canada or any other countries".
Mooncup Ltd

"Menstrual cups have been around since the 1930s and the Mooncup has been around for about 7 years, but, still, many women are new to the idea. We have been brought up only aware of the choice between tampons and pads and associating disposability with convenience"

Recently, Mooncup has seen a great upsurge in popularity as women become more open-minded about their bodies and more aware of the impact of disposable items on the environment. As you know, choosing the Mooncup represents a whole shift in attitudes and habits around menstruation and, as such, is a tricky thing to effectively 'advertise' using conventional methods. Equally, as a small, ethical business, Mooncup Ltd does not have the resources to advertise on the saturating scale of disposable tampon and pad manufacturers. The Mooncup has received editorial in many magazines, papers and blogs around the world which has been really positive. Above all, the best promotion has always been word-of-mouth recommendations between women - thanks for being a part of this process!"
Mooncup Ltd