A recent health fad has women putting herb balls up their vagina for a "womb detox".
United States firm, Embrace Pangaea markets "Herbal Womb Detox Pearls" online with the claim that the product "aids to correct" conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts and thrush.
The "Detox Pearls - small balls of perfumed herbs, are sold in one or two-month packages, priced between $85 (S$122) and $480 (S$689).
Dr Jen Gunter, a US gynaecologist, has stepped out warning that such products could be dangerous.
In her blog, Dr Gunter stated that vaginas "want no real help from you unless there is something wrong and they will tell you there is something wrong by bleeding profusely or itching or cramping badly or producing an odor. Don’t blame malaise, or fatigue on your uterus or vagina".
"Your uterus isn’t tired or depressed or dirty and your vagina has not misplaced its chakra."
She describes the vagina as a "self-cleaning oven" and placing foreign objects into it can remove the 'good' bacteria and increase the chances of bad bacteria growing and causing infections.
Dr Gunter adds on that reaching the womb from the vagina requires the use of force, as the cervix is designed to open only during ovulation and childbirth.
This can lead to Toxic shock syndrome.
Toxic shock syndrome is a real and present danger. Leaving foreign objects in your vagina for extended periods of time can lead to TSS developing.
Embrace Pangaea defends itself, stating that "Our Herbal Womb Detox Pearls is simply a natural herbal alternative that women can make a conscious and informed decision in using. With all our clients, we do advise them that we are not medical professionals and that they should seek assistance from their doctor."
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News source: The Independent