Thank you to SckoonCup for sponsoring today’s discussion. I was provided with compensation to write this post, however all words, opinions and personal experience are my own.
There was a time when the very idea of using a reusable menstrual option (ad) was not something I would even consider. For me, it was the “ick” factor. I didn’t even like using tampons without applicators. I couldn’t imagine myself using something I had to insert that way and take out over and over to be cleaned. I also felt like my cycles were far too heavy to use it. I figured the mess alone would not be worth it.
Then I read the Chem Fatale report at Women’s Voices. To say I was completely flabbergasted doesn’t even begin to cover it. For a long time, women have been told in advertizing that our vaginas are not good enough. We are told they are “dirty”, and need to be cleaned and freshened up. The problem with this is, when you think about it, it’s not only sexist, but false. Our bodies are designed to clean for us. Yes, ladies, your vagina is a self-cleaning system! You don’t need chemicals to do the job that nature will do for you.
On top of this false portrayal of my feminine parts, I was shocked and dismayed to learn that most of the products I had been using because I was afraid of the “ick” factor in reusable menstrual cups are really fully of very “icky” things. Did you know tampons on the market today contain pesticides and remnants on chlorine bleach? Or that pads only absorb so much because they contain chemicals most of us can’t even pronounce? Our skin and bodies are so delicate there. I had to ask myself why I was OK with exposing my body to something that was so unnecessary.
I was ecstatic to be given the chance to try out the SckoonCup. It is a soft, flexible cup made of silicone. You insert it into your vagina during your cycle and only have to change it about once every 8-12 hours. (8 for me, since my cycle is so heavy, but some women can get away with only changing it once a day!)
I love that it was so easy to use. I was super nervous about it at first and I admit to wearing a pad the first day or two that I used it as a backup in case I didn’t insert it right. That will be the last time I use one since even for a SckoonCup rookie like myself, I was easily able to insert it right and had only minimal leaking.
My next goal is to use cloth menstrual pads. I figured while I am on this path, I might as well go all the way.
One thing I have to say about the SckoonCup is, I actually did notice a drop in cramping. I usually get a large amount of cramps in my abdomen during my cycles and they were very minimal this time around. I was told this could happen and almost didn’t believe it until it worked like a charm for me. Where have you been all my life? The reason behind this is because most disposable menstrual products absorb too much, including any natural moisture you have down there to be comfortable. This is often what leads to much of the cramps some women expedience.
I love that the SckoonCup is one piece. Most cups are made with two pieces during the process of manufacturing them. Because the SckoonCup is one piece, it doesn’t have any seals, spots or bumps that might make it uncomfortable for the user to wear.
If you are considering switching over from traditional feminine hygiene products to a SckoonCup, I have some tips for you:
You shouldn’t really need to change it out while you are out and about, but if you do, bring a small bottle of water. This way, you can rinse it out without having to leave your stall.
After each cycle, sanitize your SckoonCup for next time by boiling it for a few moments.
Make sure your hands are clean and dry before inserting it. The SckoonCup can get slippery when you rinse it out and dry hands will make it easier to grip.
Just like with tampons, you will know it is inserted right when you don’t feel it. You actually don’t even need to insert it far back, either.
Make sure to rinse it well between uses. Check the holes at the top and make sure they are clear. This is what help hold the SckoonCup in place.
It might seem like the SckoonCup is “expensive”, however, with the price of pads and tampons, after just a couple of cycles you will reach that amount. The SckoonCup is reusable for years! Perfect for me, since I love products that don’t contribute to waste.
So let’s recap all the amazing reasons to switch to a SckoonCup:
1. You will save the environment. A SckoonCup can be used over and over and for many years.
2. You will probably see a reduction in cramping.
3. You will save SO much money. One SckoonCup costs less than 6 cycles of disposable products and again, can be used for years.
4. You won’t expose your body to harmful chemicals that can potentially lead to serious issues.
5. It’s not as “icky” as you think and so easy to use.
6. You can get a SckoonCup in several different colors and save 10% when you use my code (see below).
To purchase a SckoonCup (AD) Make sure you use my code ( R0YR3Y ) to get 10% off the price of a SckoonCup!
Make sure to follow SckoonCup on their social media outlets as well such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and G+! They even have a YouTube channel!
So ladies, would you ever consider using one of these? What is one thing that stops you for using one? Let’s discuss!
Again, thanks to SckoonCup for sponsoring today’s discussion.
