Doctor concerned about vagina cleaning products

It is almost impossible to check Instagram and other social media sites and not come across a Yoni pearl and boric acid vendor.

The products, which are seemingly in high demand, are said to cure yeast infections, drain cysts and help to unblock the fallopian tubes. But Dr Jordan Hardie, a local bostetrician-gynaecologist said that using these products can do more harm than good.

"There is no scientific evidence to suggest that yoni pearls will improve the vaginal environment or treat any form of vaginal infection so no, we do not recommend it. People will think they will work because they will see a discharge coming from the vagina but that will happen once a foreign body [is inserted]. It will illicit a discharge. But only thing is that the discharge is not healthy," Hardie said.

THE STAR spoke with Kerry, a Yoni pearl and boric acid vendor, who said that she is confident her products work based on the numerous testimonials. She stated that the products are a natural and holistic way to cleanse the vagina and uterus of toxins.

"My product dem sell like hot bread and dem cheap. More time fi go to a doctor with a simple yeast infection it can cost up to all $15,000. But three boric acid and seven yoni pearl is less than $2,500. Mi get a customer who say she go to a million and one doctor to try get pregnant and none a dem never work. She try my product and she have har nice pretty baby now. Dem work man but doctor dem nah go wah tell you dat," the vendor said.

Hardie, however, stated that leaving objects in the vagina for too long is an extremely dangerous practice.

PROBLEM

"Nothing should be in the vagina for three days. That in itself is a problem because that can increase the patient's risk of a persistent vaginal discharge and worst case scenario can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS) which is lethal. Even standard medication should not be left in the vagina for days or a tampon," he said. TSS is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins.

Kerry said that another product, the vaginal wand, which allegedly tightens the walls of the vagina, goes for $700.

"A lady tell mi say it make her ting smaller than a needle eye. It make woman who can't afford surgery have big confidence. Honestly, we the little vendor dem a do summen good fi people and dem sex life. A nuff relationship we save," she said. Hardie, however, isn't convinced.

"Oh no, that doesn't work either and it doesn't make sense to go into a fancy explanation, it just doesn't work. If the patient has concerns about the vagina elasticity, they need to speak to their gynaecologist and after examination they can then determine if they would benefit from intervention which can be surgical or non-surgical. An over the counter vaginal wand will not tighten the vagina," he said.