Feminine health is often embarrassing for many women to talk about. This often leads women to turn to the internet and search for answers. We also live in the age of the “influencer,” where people are taking advice from social media.

There are credible medical providers and educators using these platforms the right way and posting information that is accurate and evidence-based. But alongside them is a flood of misinformation coming from people giving advice they are not qualified to give.

Just because someone posts about it online, you’ve seen it in a movie, or heard it worked for a friend doesn’t mean it’s actually a good idea. Today, our trusted OBGYN, Dr. Lodge, is going to set the record straight.

We’ll discuss what to never put in your vagina, why it matters, and what can happen if you ignore how sensitive that area is. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about the infection we see most likely to occur as a result.

Things You Should Never Put in Your Vagina

We’re sure there are plenty more, but to answer your most pressing questions, we’ve compiled a list of the top things you should never put inside your vagina.

If something is missing from this list, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Remember, unless a product is specifically made for the vagina, consider it a red flag and always consult with an OBGYN first.

Things not to put in your vagina:

We’ve all seen a movie scene involving fruit going somewhere it probably shouldn’t and wondered if it would be a good idea to try. Or, you may not have high-tech masturbation tools and wonder if you should borrow a carrot or a cucumber out of the fridge to get the job done.

The answer is no; you should pass on the produce. One issue is that the odd shapes and sizes of produce mean it could become lodged inside the vagina, resulting in a visit to the gynecologist. Fruits and vegetables you should not put in your vagina include:

  • Cucumbers
  • Carrots
  • Bananas
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Eggplant

Even well-washed produce can harbor bacteria, bugs, and pesticides. Pesticides could be irritating or cause additional medical problems. While the GI tract can deal with a little bacteria, your vagina isn’t equipped to handle this, and you could end up with a vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis (BV).

If you are dead set on trying out one of these food items, a condom could help protect you from bacteria and chemicals. Be aware, though, that sharp edges of some produce can potentially cut or damage your vaginal walls. 

Can you put whipped cream on the vagina? No, these creamy treats may seem sweet ‘n fun, but putting it in your vagina is NOT recommended. Whipped cream in the vagina can easily get stuck and cause irritation and infection. Sugar can change the pH of the vagina, causing bacterial yeast to grow. Chocolate sauce and other sweet condiments come with this same warning.

These sweet treats also may contain dyes and preservatives. Whipped cream on the vagina can damage the sensitive skin and mucus membranes in the vagina.

Yogurt mainly contains acidophilus. Lactobacillus is the most abundant bacterium in our vaginas, and there are at least four to five types that call it home. None of these are acidophilus. There is no beneficial effect of putting it directly into the vagina, even for yogurts with the correct bacterial strains.

Furthermore, processed yogurts can give you an infection by disrupting the natural pH and introducing sugar, chemicals, and other substances that should not be in the vagina.

If you are looking for a safe way to introduce beneficial bacteria into your vagina, there are vaginal probiotic suppositories that are designed to be inserted in the vagina. There are also oral probiotic supplements with these beneficial strains.

Garlic is often touted as an at-home yeast infection cure because of its antifungal properties. However, using it vaginally for a yeast infection is a myth and one that could result in a painful experience. You should only consume garlic orally. The oils in garlic can irritate your vagina and worsen any infection that is present.

Facial masks and other skin products contain chemicals and natural ingredients not found inside the vagina. As the vagina stays healthy by keeping a delicate acidic pH, putting a sheet mask on or in your vagina could disrupt the balance and result in a yeast infection or bacterial infection.

The skin around the vulva is sensitive, and putting harsh chemicals in that area to exfoliate or prevent aging can be very irritating to the area.

Even though some brush handles resemble toys meant to be used vaginally, it is important not to insert a brush handle into your vagina. Brushes are not made for this task and may have sharp edges, chemical finishes that may irritate the vagina, or parts that could become lodged inside the vagina.

It probably goes without saying, but this applies to any type of handle or similar object. Plungers, toothbrushes, hoses, broom handles, screwdrivers, kitchen utensils, candles, beer/liquor bottles, pens/pencils, etc., should never go in your vagina.

Smelling nice down there is a common hygiene goal among women, but perfume and scented lotion aren’t the way to go. Fragrances are often irritating to vaginas, resulting in inflammation, itchiness, pain, and even infections.

Many perfumes and lotions also use an alcohol base, and these harsh chemicals can burn and throw off your pH, leading to dryness or irritation on sensitive skin. The vagina is self-cleaning, and adding products to the mix can throw off the delicate bacterial balance at play.

If vaginal odor is a concern, a trip to the doctor is the right move to check for an underlying issue.

There are some powders specifically designed for feminine use on the outside of the vagina. However, other powders that contain talc or talcum powder (like some baby powder) are not intended to be used in or near the vagina.

While powders like talc can give your skin a smooth and dry feeling, it is not a good hygiene practice. Not only can talcum powder cause inflammation, but these small particles can also travel from the vagina all the way up to the ovaries. Repeated use is even associated with genital cancer and ovarian cancer.

If you are experiencing discomfort due to odor or wet sensations, it is best to cleanse the area with water, change your underwear, and use a cotton fabric to keep it dry.

The right water-based and silicone lube is acceptable to put in your vagina. These won’t change vaginal pH or break down condoms, but not all lubes are created equal.

Did you know parabens and propylene glycol can be found in many lube products? These harmful ingredients make the product last longer, but they also have been known to cause yeast infections or other issues.

Sharp or rough objects, such as stiletto fingernails, jewelry, or even some sex toys, can cause serious harm to the sensitive skin of the vagina.

These items can easily lead to small cuts or abrasions that can become infected. Always use safe, body-friendly products designed specifically for vaginal use.

A lot of women worry about vaginal odor, which might lead them to try products like regular or vaginal deodorants. These products are often loaded with harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the delicate tissues in the vagina.

This irritation can mess with the natural bacteria down there, increasing the risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. The vagina is designed to clean itself, so adding deodorants can throw off that natural balance.

If you’re noticing unusual odors, it’s best to check in with a healthcare professional rather than turning to deodorants.

The vagina naturally maintains a healthy balance of good bacteria and a slightly acidic pH, which helps keep infections at bay. When you douche, you disrupt that balance by washing away beneficial bacteria and changing the pH, making it easier for bad bacteria and yeast to take over.

This can lead to infections, irritation, and inflammation. Regular douching has also been linked to a higher risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and other reproductive health issues. Instead of douching, simply use mild, unscented soap and water for external hygiene, and your vagina will take care of the rest.

Scented pads or tampons might sound like a quick fix for menstrual odor, but they can do more harm than good. The artificial fragrances and chemicals in these tampons can irritate the delicate skin and tissue inside the vagina, leading to itching, discomfort, and even infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

Plus, the added scent can throw off your vagina’s natural pH balance. To keep things healthy and avoid irritation, it’s better to stick with unscented tampons that focus on your body’s natural balance and comfort.

Also, whether scented or not, remember to change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours and replace pads regularly to prevent odor, bacterial buildup, and the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

Why You Should Be Careful About What Goes in Your Vagina

The vagina is a very sensitive area that is both complex and highly responsive. From the delicate skin of the vulva and the ecosystem of microorganisms that help protect against infection and maintain a healthy pH to its tens of thousands of nerve fibers, inside and out, you must treat your vagina with caution and care.

When you insert or apply things that don’t belong (and in some instances even things that do), you open the door to disrupting your pH balance, introducing harmful bacteria that your body isn’t equipped to fight, damaging delicate tissue that doesn’t heal as easily as skin elsewhere, and even serious health issues.

We’ll go into more detail in the next section, but some of the most common outcomes include:

Some complications take time to develop or may show up later as recurring infections, irritation, or worse. For this reason, we can’t emphasize enough to use caution in taking advice from the internet and especially social media—IG isn’t a PhD!!

Just because someone posts about it online, you’ve seen it in a movie, or it worked for a family member or friend, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

What Can Happen When You Put the Wrong Things in Your Vagina

There’s a long list of things women have been told are “safe” to put in or around their vagina, most of which have no medical or scientific backing and often result in issues that require medical attention.

Then, there are other items that should obviously not go anywhere near the vagina. Yet, we still hear reports of it happening, resulting in problems ranging from infections to abrasions, obstructions, and more.

We’ll provide a list of the most common culprits and why they should never be put in your vagina in the next section. First, let’s review the consequences.

We’ll start with the most common outcome, which is infections, and then we’ll move on to some of the less common but sometimes more serious outcomes.

1: Infections

Infections are by far the most common issue we see when someone has put something in or around their vagina that doesn’t belong. While the type and severity can vary, most are triggered by disrupting the natural pH, introducing harmful bacteria, or damaging the vaginal tissue.

Here are the most common types of vaginitis that could occur:

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections happen when there’s an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans, which naturally lives in small amounts in the vagina.

That balance can be thrown off by many things, including sex, taking antibiotics, wearing wet, sweaty, or unbreathable clothing, inserting whipped cream in vagina or other sugar-based products, poor-quality lubes, and using scented feminine hygiene products.

Common symptoms of a yeast infection include:

  • Thick white discharge (often described as cottage cheese-like)
  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Redness and irritation

If you think you have a yeast infection, you should consult with your doctor. Misdiagnosing or self-treating a yeast infection with the wrong products often makes things worse.

To learn more about yeast infections, read:

What is a Yeast Infection?

Vaginitis | Learn The Causes Behind The Symptoms

Holiday’s Gift You with a Yeast Infection?

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are bacterial infections that occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, most often from the vagina or rectal area. Inserting contaminated objects or even using unclean hands can push bacteria like E. coli into the urethra.

Symptoms of a UTI include:

  • Constant urge to urinate (or feeling that your bladder isn’t empty)
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
  • Pelvic discomfort (lower abdominal pain, pelvic pressure, lower back pain)

While some home remedies for UTIs might offer symptom relief. There isn’t a safe or effective over-the-counter treatment for UTIs. Most UTIs can only be cleared with antibiotics.

To learn more about UTIs, read:

Are You On Track for a Urinary Tract Infection?

Why You Might Be Getting Recurring UTIs

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most likely infection to occur after inserting something into the vagina that doesn’t belong. It’s also one of the most misunderstood vaginal infections.

BV occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina shifts, allowing harmful bacteria to take over. There are many causes of bacterial vaginosis, but it most often occurs when something is inserted or comes in contact with the inside of the vagina resulting in a disruption of your vaginal pH.

The most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:

  • A thin white, gray, or greenish discharge
  • A strong, fishy vaginal odor
  • Burning during urination
  • Vaginal itching or discomfort

Sometimes, women may not experience any symptoms at all. In fact, studies show that over 80% of people with BV experience no symptoms, making it a common yet sometimes unnoticed and very confusing condition. BV can also be stubborn and quick to return if not properly treated.

2: Other Complications

Infections aren’t the only risk when you insert the wrong things into your vagina. Here are some of the other issues that can happen:

Objects Getting Stuck or Lodged

This often happens when a person uses objects that aren’t designed for vaginal use (like vegetables, brush handles, or homemade sex toys.)

The vaginal canal is more flexible and accommodating than people realize, and some items can travel farther up than expected. In some cases, suction can even create a vacuum-like effect that makes removal difficult.

If you think something may be stuck, don’t wait or feel embarrassed. It’s crucial to see a medical provider to have it safely and professionally removed.

Microtears or Abrasions

Objects with sharp edges, rigid materials, or even ones that are simply the wrong size or shape for the vaginal canal can cause small cuts or tears in the vaginal walls. If this happens, you are at an increased risk of infections.

Sometimes, it’s obvious when a tear or abrasion has occurred. You might experience pain when urinating or have pain or even bleeding during sex. However, they are rarely visible and sometimes don’t cause noticeable symptoms at all, or at least not right away.

Allergic Reactions or Chemical Burns

Products containing fragrances, dyes, or harsh preservatives can lead to redness, itching, burning, or even chemical burns, especially if they remain in contact with your skin for too long.

This can happen to anyone. However, some women are actually allergic to specific ingredients commonly found in scented soaps, wipes, or feminine sprays, which can trigger an even more intense reaction.

Increased Risk of Fertility-Impacting Infections

Left untreated, recurring or chronic infections caused by exposing your vagina to something that shouldn’t have been there can lead to conditions that impact fertility.

One being pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may damage the fallopian tubes and affect your ability to get pregnant.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Rare but serious, toxic shock can occur when a tampon, object, or product is left inside the vagina too long and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

Symptoms can include sudden high fever, rash, dizziness, and vomiting. TSS is a medical emergency, and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Safe Alternatives to Use Instead

While there are plenty of things you should never put in your vagina, that does not mean you do not have safe options. The vagina is sensitive, but there are products specifically designed for pleasure, comfort, and vaginal health. Choosing these instead of household items, food, or harsh chemicals protects your body and helps prevent infections, irritation, and injury.

Here are some safe alternatives to consider:

  • Medical-Grade Silicone Sex Toys
     Unlike household objects or food, toys made from medical-grade silicone are non-porous, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. This reduces the risk of bacterial growth and infections. They are also designed with body-safe shapes and smooth surfaces to avoid cuts or abrasions.
  • Water-Based and Silicone-Based Lubricants
     Instead of sugary foods or lotions, choose a lubricant that is specifically labeled as vaginal-safe. Water-based lubes are gentle, easy to wash off, and safe with most condoms. Silicone-based lubes last longer and are excellent for those prone to dryness. Always choose options free from fragrances, dyes, and parabens.
  • Vaginal Probiotic Suppositories
     Instead of inserting yogurt or other DIY “remedies,” try vaginal probiotics that are clinically formulated to support healthy bacteria in the vagina. These can help restore balance without introducing sugars or chemicals that disrupt your natural pH.
  • Menstrual Cups and Unscented Tampons
     If you are concerned about period odor or comfort, menstrual cups and fragrance-free tampons are safer options. Menstrual cups are reusable, made from medical-grade silicone, and reduce exposure to chemicals found in some pads and tampons. Unscented tampons lower the risk of irritation while keeping you protected.
  • External Hygiene Products
     When it comes to vaginal odor or irritation, the safest way to clean is simple: warm water on the outside only. If you prefer added freshness, use gentle, fragrance-free wipes or washes that are specifically formulated for external vulvar use, not internal cleansing.
  • Pelvic Floor Trainers
     If your goal is to strengthen your vaginal muscles rather than experimenting with unsafe objects, pelvic floor trainers (sometimes called Kegel exercisers) are designed to be inserted safely. They can help improve muscle tone, bladder control, and sexual satisfaction.

By sticking to products made for vaginal health and intimacy, you lower your risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, UTIs, and vaginal injuries. Always look for items labeled “body-safe” or “medical-grade.” When in doubt, ask your OBGYN before trying something new.

Contact Dr. Lodge in Brentwood, TN

If you have any more questions about what not to put inside your vagina, we’re here for you. Dr. Lodge at Cool Springs OBGYN in Brentwood, TN, would love to answer all of your most pressing vaginal health questions with helpful advice. Contact us today!

If you’re dealing with irritation, odor, or infections that just keep coming back, we’re here to help. You don’t have to figure it out alone, and you definitely don’t have to feel embarrassed asking.