SckoonCup Menstrual Cup Ultimate Buyers Guide

 

 

Are you considering purchasing a Menstrual Cup?

 

If you are thinking of purchasing your first menstrual cup, congratulations!

You are stepping into a whole new world that is healthier for your body and the planet. If you are an experienced user, you might be looking for a cup that suits you better without wasting your resources.

We are introducing 13 essential points for you to be aware of before investing your money and time into a new menstrual cup. Although menstrual cups are a revolutionary tool that gives you ultimate comfort and freedom, every person is built differently and some menstrual cups may work for some and not for others!

 

Let’s get started

1. Is a Menstrual Cup Good for You?
We are all built differently; thus not every cup is made for everyone’s anatomy. The more familiar you are with your own anatomy the easier it will be to find the right menstrual cup for your body.

• Find your cervix! Your cervix is where the blood flows from and a menstrual cup sits below your cervix and collects the blood. A tampon is pushed against your cervix and goes farther up your vagina than a menstrual cup and absorbs your blood. Once you find your cervix you will be able to gauge if your cervix is “low” or “high.” This will help you find the right cup and will also help be your guide when inserting and removing your menstrual cup. Please see, “how to find your cervix,” below.

• If you use a birth control ring (i.e.: Nuvaring) or an IUD there are some things you should be aware of. A menstrual cup suctions around your cervix and you must make sure that the suction does not pull the IUD out or interfere with the Nuvaring’s effectiveness. We highly recommend you consult your physician,

gynecologist, healthcare provider, or OB if you need to wear the Nuvaring and menstrual cup at the same time. Also, consult your physician if you have an IUD.

• Many people report having fewer cramps, less blood loss, and fewer menstruation days in their cycle when they switch to a menstrual cup. There is no scientific evidence that supports this; however, there are many theories. To read the opinion of Dr. Mercola regarding health risks when using some mainstream tampons go to: http://bit.ly/1rl181z.

• If you are under 18 you should always get permission from your parent or guardian before purchasing a menstrual cup.

  2. Can a Virgin Use a Menstrual Cup?

  Yes, if you’re a virgin you can use a menstrual cup! SckoonCup can be folded to be about the same size of a regular tampon for insertion. Once it’s in place it “pops” open and you really can’t feel it. The first few times you use a menstrual cup you may feel some pressure; the most important thing to remember is to relax. The more relaxed you are the easier it is for your vaginal muscles to relax, too. A menstrual cup may break the hymen, so for folks of specific religions that require the hymen to remain intact, things may be a little complicated.

  
  3. Menstrual Cup: Pros vs. Cons!
  

      Menstrual Cup Pros:

• Can be worn up to 12 hours

• 2-4x higher capacity than tampons

• Saves you money over time

• No waste

• Better for the environment

• Collects fluid rather than absorb (better for your pH, learn more about your vaginal pH by going to

  http://bit.ly/1AwjvBG)

• Can help relieve cramps

• Not one known case of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) with any menstrual cup

• Accurate measurement of blood loss (if you’re tracking for medical reasons)

• No leaks if worn correctly

• Easy to clean

 

     Menstrual Cup Cons:

• Some people won’t be able to use a menstrual cup due to certain medical conditions or birth control methods

• Can take up to a few cycles to “get the hang of” and you will sometimes need backup protection

• You might have to purchase more than one if you’re anatomy changes (childbirth, surgery, natural changes, etc.)

 

4. How to Find Your Cervix

1. 1)  To find your cervix take your first or middle finger (wash your hands or use a glove) and slowly insert your finger in your vagina.

2. 2)  Your cervix will feel much like the tip of your nose.

3. 3)  Keep inserting your finger further in your vagina until you touch something that feels like the tip of your nose (some people will feel their cervix no more than 1 inch into the vagina, while other folks may not be able to reach their cervix because it’s further up the vagina, they may not be as flexible, might have shorter fingers, etc.). Most individuals should be able to feel their cervix within your first finger’s length (average 2.5-3.5 inches)

4. Take your finger out of your vagina and estimate how deep your finger went into your vaginal canal until you were able to feel the cervix.

5.  We encourage you to keep a journal and write down the measurement along with what day you are on in your cycle. Go to http://bit.ly/1mn1AF1 to learn how to track your menstrual cycle.

You’ll want to find your cervix a few different times during your cycle.

 

Check your cervix at the beginning of menstruation, on heaviest day, and a few days after the last day of menstruation. You’ll notice that your cervix seems like it travels high and low. What you are experiencing is your cervix swelling, especially during menses. Folks who have had children may find that their cervix is droopier (lower). Your vaginal canal is also different lengths during your cycle.

Most people can feel their cervix during menstruation, usually within the first finger’s length. Some people will feel it within the first inch; therefore certain menstrual cups are too long and may be uncomfortable. SckoonCup works well for both a normal/high cervix as well as a lower cervix because of the bell shape. Some menstrual cups are in the shape of a “V” and certain people complain that the “V” shaped cups feel longer in their vagina, therefore can feel like the cup is falling out. The bell shape on SckoonCup sits comfortably around the cervix and doesn’t have a “V” shape rather more of a “U” shape that gets a little wider towards the rim.

If you have more questions about your cervix and/or vaginal canal, please contact your healthcare provider and/or physician.

 

5. Disposable cups vs. Reusable menstrual cup

 

Disposable Cups:

 

• Usually come in only one size

• Insertion of a disposable soft cup is different since there is no stem (can be a little messier for some

  people)

• A disposable sits differently in the vagina than a menstrual cup

• Must dispose of disposable cups after each use or after each cycle

• Both disposable and reusable cups can be worn up to 12 hours

• You can have sexual intercourse while using a disposable cup

• Usually made with a polymeric material

• Some people find the rim on disposable cups to be too stiff and uncomfortable

Reusable Cups:!

• Made with TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), Latex, or Medical Grade Silicone

• Can be used for years (1-10 years depending on the brand)

• Come in different sizes (usually two sizes, but some companies offer more sizing options)

• Come in different shapes, lengths, and diameters

• Often come in different colors or clear

• Both disposable and reusable cups can be worn up to 12 hours

• Are safe to sterilize

• Can be folded in many different ways for insertion

   

  T P E is a certain kind of thermoplastic elastomers. Often used in medical instruments this particular kind of reusable material can be sterilized.

  Latex (rubber) is a form of rubber that’s been used for years. Not many companies use latex due to allergies; so make sure to stay away from certain cups if you are allergic to Latex. (SckoonCup D O E S N O T use latex)

  Medical Grade Silicone is the most commonly used material by menstrual cup companies including SckoonCup. Medical grade silicone is produced with non-toxic techniques in a clean-room environment to allow it to be used for medical silicone purposes.

   

6. Shape, Design, & Molding of Menstrual Cups...

7. Length of Menstrual Cups

As you read previously, your cervix travels high and low throughout your cycle. The length of your menstrual cup is very important. One of the most common complaints about menstrual cups is that they are too long. SckoonCup made a cup that is designed for the movement of your cervix and suitable for both lower and higher cervix placement.

8. The Diameter of your cup is important to take into consideration. Do you have strong vaginal muscles? Are you a virgin?

Have you given birth vaginally? Some people purchase a cup that is too large in diameter, which can cause discomfort, cramping, and even push against the bladder. If your cup is too small it can leak, not suction properly, and also be uncomfortable.

9. The Stem Design is imperative!

You want to use the stem to help take out your menstrual cup. You DO NOT want to tug and pull hard on the stem, as this actually creates more suction. You want to use the stem to help guide your fingers to the base of the menstrual cup; you’ll pinch the bottom of the cup to release the suction and slowly pull out and discard fluid into the toilet. You want a stem that is soft, slim and does not agitate the vaginal wall.

10. The Suction Holes are essential because without them you would not be able to release the suction from your menstrual cup.

Some cups suction holes are in the middle of the cup and therefore the capacity is limited. If the fluid goes beyond the suction holes of your menstrual cup you will have leaking. Some menstrual cups punch the holes after the cup is manufactured; this can cause the holes to clog. SckoonCup specifically designed the cups’ holes into the mold; therefore you do not need to worry about clogging from the manufacturing process.

11. The firmness of Menstrual Cups

Some menstrual cups are known for their firmness, while others might be known for softness. Typically the firmer the cup the easier it is to open. This is not always true. Even if a cup is soft and squishy, a well-designed menstrual cup can easily open. The key is a well-calculated balance of the inner & outer curves, the thickness of the wall in each different area of the cup, and angles from the bottom to the top etc. When all is perfectly balanced, a softer cup can provide both the maximum comfort and easy-to-open functionality. SckoonCup spent 3 years in research and development to create a cup that is well balanced.

12. Other Factors

There are many factors to consider how firm or soft a menstrual cup is. If you are a virgin, have a narrow vaginal canal, newly menstruating, etc., you may find that some soft menstrual cups won’t “pop” open after insertion. Firm menstrual cups can irritate the vagina and cause cramping for some people. Size does matter; you want your menstrual cup to fit you properly.

There are some common guidelines that most menstrual cup companies follow:

• Most brands have a small and a large size

• The small size is normally recommended for women under 30 who have not given birth vaginally.

• The large size is normally recommended for women over 30 or who have given birth vaginally.

• Menstrual cups with the smallest size (in diameter) are recommended for teenagers.

• The smallest size (in diameter) is sometimes recommended for women who are very physically fit, and/or regularly do kegel exercises.

  13. Colors vs. Clear

  You’ll notice that some menstrual cups come in colorful colors while some are clear and translucent. Some people prefer clear cups because it is easier to see inside and the condition of period blood and others prefer colored cups because built-up stains over the years are less prominent.
  

   

  First Day of Using Your New Menstrual Cup

  Tips for the first use of a menstrual cup...

• Clean your cup by boiling. Place it in a large pan of water and boil for 5 minutes. Make sure there is enough water in the pan so sitting directly on the bottom does not damage the cup. Don’t leave the boiling pot unattended.

• Wear a backup pad, we recommend a reusable organic pad for the first few times you use your menstrual cup.

• First, try at home and get used to inserting and taking out, so you'll be more confident in public.

• DO NOT do a dry run. Your anatomy is not the same as it is during menstruation; therefore a dry run can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful.

• RELAX! If you cannot relax your muscles will tense up causing insertion or taking out to be hard and uncomfortable. You might naturally become frustrated the first few times you use your new menstrual cup. When you become frustrated stop trying to insert or take out, take some slow deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.

• If you have problems with insertion you can use a water-based lubricant.

• If you have problems finding the stem when trying to take out your menstrual cup remember to relax your pelvic muscles, breathe deeply, and bear down and push, kind of like you’re having a bowel movement. Be careful if you are sitting over a toilet that automatically flushes, as some cup users have lost their cup down the toilet!

• Don’t be discouraged, it takes some users up to 3-4 cycles before they achieve success with a menstrual cup. Over 95% of people who achieve success with a menstrual cup never go back to disposable pads or tampons.

Every person is constructed differently, that’s the beauty of life! What works for some people may not work for others, especially regarding menstrual cups. The only way to find out what cups works best for you is to try. Do as much research as you can about all the different menstrual cups available to you. The better you understand your anatomy, the easier it will be to use a menstrual cup.

If you have any questions or concerns about your own menstrual cup contact the company and/or contact your physician, healthcare provider, Gyno/OBGYN, or ND. If you have any questions or concerns about your anatomy please contact your physician and/or healthcare provider.

Other menstrual cup resources on the web:

Live Journal: http://bit.ly/1p00HlySckoonCup: www.SckoonCup.com

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