CARING for your vagina isn’t a complex task, but it seems as though every other day there’s some wacky new care-for-down-there craze, which makes us question everything we thought we knew.
Ever steamed your va-jay-jay? Or spread some yoghurt up there?
Well, before you go thinking these things are a-ok, let us clear a few things up.
Dr Sarah Brewer, an independent medical nutritionist and brand ambassador, is here to set the record straight on some popular vagina trends…
1. Vagina steaming
An old-school remedy, vaginal steaming involves directing herbal infused steam up the vagina.
It’s used for treating conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), however it’s a no-go according to Dr Brewer: “Please don’t do this.
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“I don’t recommend this as there is no scientific evidence that it helps any condition and cases of second-degree burns have been cited in the medical literature that have resulted from this archaic practice.”
2. The cucumber cleanse
Shoving a cucumber up your vagina in a bid to cleanse internally isn’t advisable.
“It’s total nonsense,” says Dr Brewer. “It is more likely to introduce a bacterial or fungal infection than it is to do anything beneficial.
“It might also damage the delicate mucosal lining of the vagina and change the acid balance to result in a bacterial imbalance. Please don’t do this.”
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3. Putting yoghurt up the vagina
“Live Bio yoghurt contains probiotic bacteria, including Lactobacilli, which can help prevent or treat vaginal bacterial imbalances and fungal infections,” says Dr Brewer.
Although this is the least potentially harmful of the remedies mentioned here, it is messy, and if you are going to do it, it’s important to use plain yoghurt.
Avoid yoghurt loaded with sugar and fruit pulp.
“Ideally, use a probiotic product designed for use in the vagina – a pharmacy can provide advice,” says Dr Brewer.
“If you have symptoms, visit a sexual health clinic for a proper diagnosis and treatment.”
4. Kourtney Kardashian’s vagina gummies
Kourtney Kardashian really got people talking with the release of her vagina gummies; a probiotic targeting vaginal health and pH levels.
Dr Brewer explains that the vagina normally has a healthy population of lactic-acid producing bacteria that help maintain an optimum level of acidity.
“If this acidity is lost, then a bacterial imbalance can occur known as BV.
“This occurs when levels of healthy bacteria, (especially Lactobacillus acidophilus) are reduced, or absent, and bacteria usually found in small numbers, if at all, are increased.”
Dr Brewer says Kourtney’s gummies contain a probiotic known as SNZ 1969 (Lactobacillus sporogenes, also known as Bacillus coagulans).
“This has been shown in research to reduce BV when used together with an antibiotic called metronidazole.
“And, in women with vaginitis (vaginal inflammation) it helped to reduce symptoms.
“However, if you don’t have symptoms you don’t need to use this product as the vagina is an efficient self-cleansing organ.
“If you do have symptoms, you should be getting checked at a sexual health clinic to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.”
5. Jade vaginal eggs
Made exclusively for Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellbeing site, Goop, these Yoni eggs supposedly “harness the power of energy work, crystal healing, and a kegel-like physical practice”.
To use, they are inserted into the vagina. Goop says the aim is to feel the connection with your body by ‘squeezing and releasing the egg’.
Dr Brewer’s verdict? “Devices are available to help strengthen vaginal muscles which may bring benefits to your sex life, and improve urinary leakage.
“If you have pure stress incontinence, your doctor will usually refer you for a program of supervised pelvic floor muscle training exercises (PFMT) overseen by a continence adviser, nurse specialist or physiotherapist.
“Often known as kegel exercises, these exercises are designed to strengthen the pubococcygeus muscles supporting the bladder, vagina and rectum.”
She adds that there is research to show that performing at least eight contractions, three times a day, for at least three months, is effective.
6. CBD-infused vaginal tampons
“In the US there is a new craze for using cannabis oil infused tampons (which melt like a suppository).
“I’ve even been asked about adding CBD oil to a normal tampon during a period,” says Dr Brewer.
“I do NOT recommend this as it could alter vaginal pH and bacterial balance.
“Tampons should never be used outside of a period except under medical instruction as this may increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome.”
7. Baby oil for vaginal dryness
According to Dr Brewer, some women with vaginal dryness use baby oil or petroleum jelly to help treat symptoms as they are too embarrassed to see their doctor.
“Normally, healthy cells within the vagina and cervix secrete a small amount of natural moisture.
“When this is disrupted by hormone imbalances, medication, infection or illness, moisture levels will fall.”
This can cause vaginal dryness, which can lead to pain during sex and urinary symptoms.
“Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may prescribe a local hormone cream or pessary, or HRT patches or tablets.
“Some non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers are also available on prescription if oestrogen is not needed and can be used as often as required,” adds Dr Brewer.
She recommends selecting a gel that has a pH-balanced formulation, contains hyaluronate (which is highly hydrating) and also includes Lactobacillus bacteria to replenish levels of the live, friendly bacteria that help maintain vaginal health.
8. Talcum powder
A sprinkling of talc around the vagina has been deemed a way to absorb sweat and moisture for a fresher feeling.
”However, I don’t advise this,” says Dr Brewer.
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“Some studies have found that using talcum powder in the genital area increases the risk of ovarian cancer – possibly because powders used over 20 years ago were sometimes contaminated with asbestos.
“Avoid vaginal deodorants, perfumed soap and talcum powder.”
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