Vabbing and vaginal steaming: The harmful TikTok trends baffling gynaecologists
Viral content is constantly emerging online, tempting many to give certain practices a try. Recently, the hashtag "vaginal health" has gained traction.
12 February 2024 00:13
While maintaining intimate hygiene should be standard and not influenced by trends, the sudden popularity of certain questionable techniques has left many gynaecologists bewildered. Gynaecologist Dr Bone discussed with the "Daily Star" seven popular practices that can potentially harm women's intimate areas.
Avoid at all cost: harmful practices for your vagina
In 2022, thousands of videos promoting vabbing have surfaced on TikTok. The practice involves rubbing vaginal discharge on the wrists, neck or ears. Certain social media users profess that these personal "perfumes" have brought in a multitude of admirers. However, Dr Bone clarified that there is no scientific evidence supporting such a method. On the contrary, the doctor is convinced that vabbing could be linked to a risk of spreading infection.
Yoni eggs are now in vogue. These eggs, crafted from natural stones, claim to balance hormones and enhance sexual pleasure. Jadeite eggs, in particular, have regained popularity in recent years.
"Introducing stones or objects, like a yoni egg, into the vagina to augment sexual pleasure or alleviate menstrual pain may pose a risk of infection or vaginal injury," the expert cautioned.
Uterus "detoxification"
The expert also mentioned that "detoxification," or inserting herbal suppositories into the vagina to cleanse intimate areas, is baseless. The gynaecologist explained there's no scientific evidence suggesting that such practice improves vaginal health.
"This method can result in infection and other complications. Occasionally, a suppository can become lodged in the vagina, necessitating its removal at an emergency room," Dr Bone further added.
The doctor also flagged the trend of inserting ice cubes or moisturiser into the vagina . According to her, this could upset the natural balance of intimate areas and elevate the risk of infection, irritation, or allergic reactions. "If it's not a medicinal product, it shouldn't be used vaginally," she stressed. TikTok "specialists" propose that ice cubes can cool and tighten the vagina.
Dr. Bone asserts that this isn't safe nor effective. There's no evidence to prove that inserting ice cubes into the vagina can induce any tightening effect. "Furthermore, if the vagina is dry, ice cubes can stick to it, causing discomfort and pain," she included.
"Vaginal steaming" and douching
Vaginal steaming, a practice where women sit over a pot of boiling water to "clean" the vagina, is another dubious trick trending on TikTok. In truth, this method can lead to severe burns in intimate areas. The same risks apply to douching, which involves rinsing the inside of the vagina using a mixture of herbs or specific medicinal solutions.
Both practices can disrupt the pH balance of intimate areas and damage the natural bacterial environment. The doctor reminded "Daily Star" readers that the vagina is self-cleansing and it's advisable to utilise special products for intimate area hygiene.
