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Pearl jewelry is always in style, but pearls for your vagina?
Adrienne Bresnahan/Getty Images
Unfortunately, vaginal detox pearls have been making the rounds as yet another key in ofquestionable gynecological health product.
They are inserted with an applicator and left in the vagina for up to 48 hours.
Jen Gunter, M.D., ob-gyn and author ofThe Vagina Bible,told CBC the claims are very predatory.
But the product is still available online in the U.S. atUrban Outfittersand thecompanys site.
(SELF reached out to Urban Outfitters to respond to various claims in this piece.
The company did not reply to multiple requests for comment.)
Your vagina doesnt need a special detoxin fact, trying one could be harmful.
The vagina also cleanses itself regularly byproducing discharge.
Whats more, vaginal detox products tend to contain ingredients and fragrances that can be irritating to that tissue.
It is true that many people enjoy usingessential oils on their skinwhile others find them irritating.
If its not treated quickly, the infection can be severe and potentially deadly.
We explain on our website some of the cons users may experience using our products."
Its also not possible for a vaginal product to cleanse you of things like sexual trauma.
Many women have found great benefits physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits from using our products.
Finally, vaginal detox products likely wont make your vagina wetter or tighter.
There is no evidence that suggests the detox pearls would improve vaginal wetness, according to Dr. Minkin.
In reality, having vaginal sex or giving birth vaginally wont permanently stretch out the vaginal muscles.
Dr. Minkin doesnt see any scientific basis for these claims.
Even anonhormonal copper IUDcan increase period pain and cause heavier periods in general.
But none of these issues is something a vaginal detox can cure.
Is there scientific evidence for her to pull?
Women can make their own choice on what they want to use on their vaginas.
Heres the safest way to take care of your vagina.
The vagina is not a toxic organ, Dr. Minkin says, and it doesnt really require much care.
Youdont need to ever clean the vaginainternally.
Clearly, in some cases, so-called health products can cause more harm than good to the vagina.
Leave the vagina alone, Dr. Gaither says.
It can take care of itself quite readily.
This story was updated after publication to include statements from Goddess Detox.
