We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
More about Contrelle
A prescription is not required to purchase Contrelle and start your journey. Sizing Kits, 5-packs and 30-packs are available to purchase online here, and via online stockists.
30-packs are now approved for prescription by the NHS, in a growing number of areas from 1st March 2023. To find out if they are approved in your area, please email info@Contrelle.com.
To get started, buy your Sizing Kit to find the most effective and comfortable size for you.
Who should use Contrelle?
- are under the age of 18
- are pregnant, or have given birth in the last 3 months
- are suffering from any infection or irritation in the vagina
- have suffered from TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)
- have had any pelvic surgery in the last 6 months
- are undergoing any therapy for pelvic malignancy
- have moderate to severe vaginal prolapse
- have current urinary or vaginal infections
- have untreated vaginal dryness which causes irritation without speaking to a healthcare professional
- have problems with manual dexterity which could cause insertion or removal issues
- were born with male anatomy
Choosing the right size
To find the right size for you, we suggest:
- It is recommened you start with Size 1.
- Once inserted you should feel comfortable.
- You should experience little or no urine leakage when active or when coughing, and the device should not move.
- If you still experience leakage or you feel the device moves with Size 1, this could be due to the positioning rather than the size. Before trying a larger size, you should check the device isn’t positioned too high, by gently pulling on both strings to slightly lower the position of Contrelle® Activgard.
- If you still experince leakage, try Size 2.
- If significant leakage still occurs when using Size 2 or the device moves, again you should try adjusting the positioning.
- If you still experience leakage try Size 3.
- We recommend you should walk for at least 30 minutes, cough, jump or run to check for any leakage and movement.
- Contrelle® Activgard should always be easy to insert. A small amount of water-based lubricant should provide added comfort to insert.
Some will find their size quickly, and others may need to try all three to find their perfect fit.
We recommend you should walk for 30 minutes, cough, jump or run to check for any leakage and movement.
Some women may experience slight initial discomfort until they get used to Contrelle. Some will find their size quickly, and others may need to try all three to find their perfect fit.
Please read the full Instructions for Use leaflet inside your Sizing Kit Pack before use.
How to use Contrelle?
We recommend using a water- based lubricant gel, such as YES, at the entrance of the vagina to ease insertion. You may find you don’t need this after the first few uses.
- You can walk for 30 minutes, cough, jump or run without any leakage or with substantially reduced leakage.
- You can’t feel it. Most women say they feel it at first, but after a while (2 or 3 uses) they don’t feel it at all. It’s just like the first time you use a tampon.
- You are still able to urinate. Contrelle should not stop you from passing urine.
- You can walk for 30 minutes, cough, jump or run without any leakage or with substantially reduced leakage.
- You can’t feel it. Most women say they feel it at first, but after a while (2 or 3 uses) they don’t feel it at all. It’s just like the first time you use a tampon.
- You are still able to urinate. Contrelle should not stop you from passing urine.
To remove the Contrelle Activgard device, we recommend using a water-based lubrication gel to ease removal. Some women find they don’t need this after the first few uses. Apply the gel inside the vagina.
Relax and hold both strings evenly together (either side of the knot), as close as possible to the body, then gently and slowly ease the device out of the vagina. By pulling both strings gently together with equal pressure you pull the wings together for ease of removal. Using Contrelle® Activgard may need some practice. It is important to always relax – do not become stressed or tense as this will tighten your muscles and make removal difficult. Take your time, relax and take a break if needed. Some women find removing Contrelle® Activgard easier using a squatting or lying position, or whilst sitting on the toilet.
We instruct you to soak Contrelle Activgard thoroughly under running cold water holding in the palm of your hand, whilst at the same time slowly squeezing the device 10 times or more until the device is fully saturated. This should take at least 30 seconds. The foam device will expand in size by about a third in all dimensions and be smooth and even in appearance. If the device appears misshapen continue to run under water and squeeze until it is even and smooth. You cannot over saturate the foam.
Once the string is in place, gently slide the Contrelle®Activgard foam device onto the top of the applicator, using your finger and thumb, so the central depression fits onto the top of the applicator. DO NOT FORCE the foam Activgard device onto the applicator – it should easily slide or nudge onto the top of the applicator without resistance.
We recommend for first users to start inserting the device to the first groove of the applicator. However, for maximum benefit, you may need the device to be slightly lower or higher depending on your anatomy. If higher, never insert to the top of the vaginal canal where the cervix sits.
Whilst inserting the device, you should feel no pain or resistance. Never force the device, and insert slowly and gradually. Using a small amount of water-based lubricant at the vaginal opening can help with insertion.
Finding the right position may require adjustments whilst you are getting used to the product. It is important to remember every woman is different so the optimal depth of insertion will vary, and you will find which position works for you.
Safety Information
Pricing & Availability
A Sizing kit. (One of each size, plus an applicator) = £8.99
A pack of 5 Contrelle = £15.99
A pack of 30 Contrelle = £78.99
Contrelle is available to purchase here on our website.
Contrelle is also available at Boots.com and Stressnomore.co.uk.
Delivery, Shipping & Returns
We want you to be completely happy with your purchase. If you believe your items have been delivered in error, are damaged or faulty, please contact our Customer Service team on 0330 229 2160.
If Contrelle has been delivered damaged or faulty you may return it to us for investigation, Viveca Biomed will pay for the return postage.
Please contact us on 0330 229 2160 to report this and obtain a returns reference, returns form and shipment label.
We will investigate all returns and you will be kept informed of the progress of any investigation.
Where we find the product to be faulty or not as described a full refund will be provided including any delivery charges that were added to your order. Your legal rights in relation to faulty or not as described goods, and your statutory rights, will not be affected provided the product in question is returned to us.
Please read our terms and conditions of sale.
Trouble shooting
- Use a water-based lubricant on at the vaginal opening rather than on the product. Make sure you only use water-based lubricants.
- Try a larger or alternative size.
- Try inserting the product slightly higher.
- If using vaginal oestrogen cream, gel or suppository, wait a few hours prior to inserting the device.
- Try sitting on the toilet and inhaling to relax the pelvic floor muscles during insertion.
- Use a water-based lubricant.
- Ensure you have started with the smallest size.
- Draw the device slightly lower so that it sits only just above the pelvic floor muscles and is not pushed in as far as a tampon.
- Try inserting the device slightly deeper.
- Try a larger or alternative size.