Tampons are SO 2000 and Late! Upgrade your period with a Sckoon Menstrual Cup

Upgrade your period with a Sckoon Menstrual Cup

“This post was created as part of the SckoonCup Review Campaign in which I am a financially compensated blogger. The opinions are my own and based on my own experience.”

First Impressions

Packaging-The very first thing I realized about the Sckoon Cup was it’s practical and minimalist packaging.  While it is plastic, it’s zip-loc type seal makes it easy to keep and reuse should you feel the need to pack it away through pregnancy and breastfeeding, etc.  The resealable bag with clear window also makes it appealing for in-store displays.  You’re able to see and feel just how soft this cup is without it being enclosed in a sealed cardboard box.

In addition to it’s retail packaging it comes with a colorful cotton drawstring bag making it easy to store in your purse, backpack or suitcase.

Cup-I really love the design and feel of the medical-grade silicone used in the Sckoon Cup.  The color and soft texture, without rigid edges or lines, gives this cup more of a feminine appeal than some others I have tried.  I really like it’s look, delicate shape, curves and that it looks less like a medical device and more like a woman’s best kept secret.

Colored silicone is also great because the cup is less likely to appear discolored.  Should you leave your cup next to the bathroom sink or in your medicine cabinet it’s color help keeps it looking presentable and disguises any discoloration that might have occurred.   The fact that it remains so visually appealing also makes it easy to take out of your purse and show to a curious friend.

First Use

Being experienced with three other brands of menstrual cups I would consider myself quite knowledgeable on how to use them.  I will say the softer silicone took a little getting used to but overall I found it very comfortable, easy to insert, leak-free and easy to remove.  It’s stem is quite flexible and easy to grasp.

On night one of my cycle I made it through the night with no leaks which is unusal for me.  Granted I did have to rush to empty right away when I woke up, but I was impressed to not have to deal with any pre-coffee messes.

Benefits

I am BIG on choosing reusable over disposable.  Sending less waste to the landfill is important to myself and my family as is making the healthiest choices possible when and where I can.  While cups are definitely a green choice to make, there are more important reasons to ditch the disposables.  Disposable menstrual products like maxi-pads and tampons are most popular due to how “convenient” they are to use, but not many put thought into the chemicals they’re exposing their most delicate organs to.

Chem Fatale has an entire site dedicated to educating women on the hidden hazards lurking in some of their most often used feminine hygeine products.

“Products intended for use on or in an incredibly absorbent part of a woman’s body are marketed and sold with little to no data assuring the ingredients they contain are safe.  Ingredients are determined “safe,” operating under the premise that they are used on ordinary skin just like other cosmetic products.  That means chemicals of concern such as carcinogens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, and allergens are being used on, or even in, the extremely permeable mucus membranes of the vaginal area.” -Chem Fatale

My vaginal health has become increasingly important to me as I age.  At 37 years old, disposable products like tampons that used to work just fine when I was younger now feel uncomfortable, drying and down-right painful to use.  One of the best parts about using a menstrual cup is the fact that I know I am making a safer choice and my body thanks me for it by feeling more comfortable and less easily irritated.

It really is a sign of the times. Once you switch to a menstrual cup you can’t imagine going back to anything else. We sent a man to the moon years ago yet we are still sticking cotton up our hoo-has like we still live in the stone ages.

Tips

Contrary to some recommendations, I do not beleive you need a pad for use as backup when using a cup.  This method could be used when getting used to a cup, learning your cycle, how often you’ll need to empty, clean, replace, etc.  For the most part, cups are intended to replace the need for a pad or tampon.

Carry a cloth wipe, wet wipes or prepare toilet paper for use when removing to be emptied.  No one likes talking about the gory details, but when any cup is removed you will likely need to immediately wipe in order to prevent getting anything on your clothes, underwear or the toilet seat.

Until you really get to know your cycle you’ll want to check your cup 2-3 times a day.  After a few cycles you’ll learn that on Day 1 you need to check  and/or empty it 2-3 times a day and on Days 2-4 only 1 time per day.  Once you get the hang of it you’ll also be able to strategically empty to allow for more time at the beach, camping, boating or other places that might not allow for access to a restroom.  After that, it’s smooth sailing and trust me, you’ll never look back!

Shop

To purchase a Sckoon Cup please visit SckoonCup.com or Amazon.com.

“This post was created as part of the SckoonCup Review Campaign in which I am a financially compensated blogger. The opinions are my own and based on my own experience.”