FAQs

How does it stay in place?
The Moon Cup is designed to catch your menstrual flow rather than absorb it. Its bell shape allows the Moon Cup to fit snuggly and comfortably up against your vaginal walls; below, but not touching your cervix. The rim is designed to help create suction which keeps the Moon Cup in place and collects your menstrual flow inside of it. The small holes around the rim allow air into the cup to help release the suction when you remove the cup.

How do you remove it?
Reach down and pinch the base of the cup until the suction seal releases, then gently guide it out, using your fingers to support the lower side. Keep the cup vertical until it is fully removed from your body, then dump the contents. When you’re getting started it can be helpful to practice in the shower, and some women find it easiest to do their emptying in the shower, particularly since you’re more relaxed then.

What is it made of?
The Moon Cup is made from dye-free, medical-grade silicone (perfect for women with latex allergies). Learn more about our Quality & Standards here.

Where is it made?
The Moon Cup is proudly American made.

How long has it been around?
We have proudly educated, empowered, and supported women starting with our original cup, The Keeper, since 1987, and are eagerly awaiting our 30-year anniversary! The Moon Cup is a newer product, but has now been around for many years and become very popular. Learn more on the Our Story page.

Is it safe?
The MoonCup is made from the highest quality materials and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?
Results of lab testing indicate that the Moon Cup, when properly used and cleaned, is very unlikely to amplify growth of the bacteria responsible for TSS. Most cases of TSS are related to menstrual products because tampons (the most common insertable feminine hygiene product) absorb menstrual fluid. The Moon Cup is non-absorbent because it is made of medical-grade silicone.

That’s not to say it couldn’t happen, but this feature reduces the chances of contracting TSS dramatically. To reduce the chances even more, follow common good hygiene rules by keeping your hands and nails clean: wash your hands before inserting or removing your cup. Do not use harsh chemicals that could deteriorate the smooth, non-porous surface of our cups.  When cleaning your cup remember to clean the holes below the rim by running your choice of cleaning/sanitizing fluid (see our How Do I Use It? page for details) through the holes. Also, clean the inside of the stem the same way. Our products have not been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), with no reported cases in almost 30 years of business.

I’m concerned about infection.
A few women have found that their Moon Cup aggravated chronic urinary tract infections. Please check with your health care provider if you suffer from similar problems with infection.

Will it get lost inside of me?
No! Your cervical opening is far too small to allow a menstrual cup through, so even if the cup were to travel up further than usual inside your body, it will eventually have nowhere left to go, and the stem should still be reachable.

Does it touch or come close to the cervix?
No! When inserted properly, the Moon Cup will sit snugly a little below the cervix and should not touch it.

How long will it last?
With proper care, we expect that the Moon Cup has a “potential” life expectancy of up to 10 years. Learn more about proper care on our How Do I Use It? page.

The Moon Cup has not been on the market as long as The Keeper, so we do not yet have the same kind of long-term data on life expectancy (some Keeper users have reported a 15-year lifespan!). However, the durability of silicone is well documented elsewhere.

Is it comfortable?
It may look big at first, and you may notice an unfamiliar sensation (though not a painful one!) when initially inserting it. However, once you get used to it (usually during your first few days of use), you will not be aware of its presence.

Is it messy?
No, not once you get comfortable with it. In the beginning, you need to become accustomed to removing and emptying your Moon Cup. If the suction seal is not properly released before you remove the cup, it can sometimes lead to spillage. Once you learn to release the seal and remove your cup properly, there should not be any problem.

Pulling the Moon Cup out too fast, or tipping it at too steep an angle could also cause some spillage. Again, once you get some practice removing and emptying your Moon Cup, things will be fine. Just remove the cup slowly and as close to vertically down (with minimal tipping) as possible.

Will it leak?
No, the Moon Cup itself does not leak. However, there are conditions that could cause leakage. If the cup has not been inserted properly and the suction seal was not created, a little leakage could occur. Sometimes this may mean that you have selected a cup size that does not match the strength of your vaginal wall muscles. Especially for women who have given birth vaginally, sizing up is recommended. Learn more on our What Size Do I Need? page.

I’m having trouble with leaks. Help!

  1. Try running your index finger between the rim and the vaginal wall to make sure the cup has fully opened and fitting tight up against your vaginal walls.
  2. It is helpful to insert the cup quite low and slide it up. Your vaginal muscles will adjust the cup into a position that fits your body properly.

Will I be able to feel it inside?
Not if it has been properly inserted. If you do feel it, then it has probably not been inserted in the correct position and is too close to the vaginal opening. Adjust or reinsert your Moon Cup slightly higher in the vaginal cavity. Remember, most of the stem will remain outside of your body.

Can I wear it overnight?
Yes! Because of its structure and body-safe materials, the Moon Cup can be worn overnight without risk of leaks or danger to your health.

Do I remove it to urinate or to have a bowel movement?
No. However, you may find that your Moon Cup has traveled down closer to the entrance of your vagina if you push your muscles harder than normal. So, the cup may need to be readjusted after urination or a bowel movement.

What if I need to empty it while in a public restroom?
First, wash your hands. You may find it useful to take a wet paper towel into the stall with you. Remove, empty, and wipe your Moon Cup before reinserting (you may use toilet tissue to do this). Then, use the wet paper towel to wipe off your fingers. Wash your hands again before leaving the restroom.

Can I wear the Moon Cup during intercourse?
No. The Moon Cup is positioned below the cervix and at the vaginal opening, so it would interfere with intercourse. It must be removed prior to engaging in any penetrative activity.

Will it work like a diaphragm as a method of birth control?
No. The Moon Cup is NOT like a diaphragm and CANNOT be used as a method of birth control.

Can a virgin use it?
Yes, it would be much like a tampon. Getting used to it might take a bit of practice, but it should be usable by a virgin the same as tampons are. However, if you have strong personal feelings regarding insertion of anything into the vagina, you may wish to choose another option for your feminine hygiene needs. Please check with your personal physician for advice.

Does it work with a tilted uterus?
Yes.

Can athletic or active women use it?
Absolutely! Many women who are active in sports find the Moon Cup very convenient and effective.

Can IUD users use it?
Yes, they can. But we suggest that you speak with your own personal physician, OB/GYN, or other health care provider when you have concerns about using the Moon Cup.