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Helpful Hints for Learning to use your Keeper
READ YOUR INSTRUCTION BOOKLET AGAIN ;-)
Common reasons for leaking:
1. It's been pushed too high... the cup should sit mid-vagina. Because the
cervix is off-centre in the vagina, it is possible to push the Keeper too
high so it is beside rather than under the cervix. Trim the pull tab to
a comfortable length (usually just inside the lips of the vagina).
2. It's not properly unfolded... give the pull tab a twist and a gentle
pull. If this doesn't help make sure you are usisng the "7-fold"
below.
Make sure you are folding the Keeper
to give it a more 'pointed' shape before inserting...
"Just one other thing - if you have any queries about it, I have found
that the way I "fold" my Keeper before inserting it has made a
huge difference in the seal, and avoiding leaks. After I had had it about
7 months, someone on a Keeper egroup advised folding it in a "7"
shape, fold in half then instead of folding in equally in half again, to
fold one corner down so the lips form a shape like a "7", ie fold
it diagonally. I tried this, and have no more leaks to this day. I also
gave this tip to a friend who bought a Keeper from you at my recommendation.
She had had her Keeper for only 1 or 2 cycles, she started using this method
of folding, and got the knack immediately. It seems to unfurl better, or
something. I just thought I would let you know in case you hadn't already
heard of this, so if you get queries from new users who are struggling you
might suggest they try this." Angela, Qld
I seem so clumsy!
Don't worry! Most women say they are a bit clumsy the first month (that
rubber Keeper has a bouncy mind of it's own)... but are coming to terms
with it the second month... and happy by the third! Remember how hard it
was before you learnt to ride a bike?? Or for that matter to insert a tampon
for the first time? Relax, take a deep breath, make The Keeper wet on the
outside, use the diagonal-fold (see above) and try again!
How do I get it OUT?
Use the tab to bring the Keeper low enough (Pushing down with your muscles
may help) so that you can pinch the base of the cup firmly. This is important
as it releases any suction effect. Now gently rock the Keeper back and forth,
easing it lower each time (some suggest front/back; other women say side
to side works best for them). Most women report that it is most comfortable
when the front edge comes out first. DO NOT pull on the tab to remove it
because pulling the Keeper out using the tab WILL stretch the rubber and
damage your Keeper resulting in a reduced lifespan. Also the tab is very
wobbly and you have no control of the Keeper and its contents - so hold
the cup by its base for best results.
What is the tab for if I shouldn't tug on it?
It is designed with the tab to stop the Keeper doing sommersaults inside
your vagina - the tab is what helps it stay vertically in place and not
spill.
Ouch! The tab is sticking into me...
This needs to be trimmed by each woman to a comfortable length. Trim it
only 1mm at a time, as it's all too easy to remove too much in one go. Too
long and it sticks into you as you move around; too short and it's uncomfortable
inside. For most women it is comfortable just inside the lips of the vagina.
If you have cut it too short - there is only one solution, chop it all off...
but this does make your 90-day guarantee VOID. [I do know of several women
who have removed the pull tab entirely, and simply push down with muscles
till they can pinch the base of the cup to remove it.]
How do I go about washing the Keeper?
For good hygiene, always wash your hands before removing and after inserting
the Keeper.
Warm water, gentle soap and a good rinse at least daily are essential
for good hygiene. some women like to do this when they are in the shower.
And some have a small soft toothbrush they use for keeping inside the Keeper
and the airholes clean.
At the end of your period give the Keeper a good wash and rinse, dry throughly
and store in the calico bag.
DO NOT boil the Keeper or use chlorine bleaches... that may damage the rubber...
When you are out and using a public toilet take either a damp tissue (to give the rim a wipe before reinserting) or a water bottle (to give it a better rinse) into the cubicle with you.
"What I do when I am at home is to bring a small bowl of warm water with me (when I go to the toilet) to rinse before inserting again." (Mary, Tas)
"I found, when I was out bushwalking, that I had warm sterile water available all the time - I simply wee'd [urinated] on it to wash it!" (Anonymous customer)
"i've got a tip for the keeper, which i didn't discover until i returned to a place where the water out of the tap is no good for drinking, thus, also no good for rinsing my keeper. i had to use some water from our drinking water dispenser. i filled a small bottle with the icey cold water & took it with me to the bathroom. previously i'd been rinsing my keeper in normal tap temperature water or else using hot water. the blood would rinse off quite easily, but i found that smears of other normal vaginal discharge would be very difficult to remove. i figured that hot water would do the trick with the harder to remove discharge, but it turns out that the icey cold water rinses my keeper clean much more easily!" (Coralie)
My problem isn't listed here, HELP ME PLEASE!
What tricks helped you learn to use your Keeper? Please assist someone else by sending us your SUGGESTIONS for this page!
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