Many women have questions about what they should and shouldn’t put in their vaginas. It’s always wise to research before introducing something new into your body or placing an object not meant for the task inside. With movies portraying all sorts of scenarios, it can be hard to know where to start! To answer your most pressing questions, we’ve compiled a list of the top things you should never put inside your vagina. Read on for more information about the most asked about items.
Things not to put in your vagina:
Fruit and Vegetables
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 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.
Produce, 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 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.
Whip Cream and Other Sugar-Based Products
This creamy treat may seem sweet ‘n fun, but putting it in your vagina is NOT recommended. Whipped cream 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. They also may contain dyes and preservatives that can damage the sensitive skin and mucus membranes in the vagina. If you feel like putting whipped cream on your body, go for it. But please, don’t put it directly inside of your vagina.
Yogurt
Yogurt mainly contains acidophilus. Lactobacillus is the most abundant bacteria 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 bacteria strains. 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.
Garlic
Garlic is toted as an at-home yeast infection cure because of its antifungal properties. Using it vaginally for a yeast infection is a myth, unfortunately, 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.
Putting a clove of garlic in your vagina can also expose you to bacteria present in soil, pesticides, or fertilizers. One bacteria in soil is Clostridium botulinum, and it is not easy to wash off. This is the bacteria that causes the poisoning known as botulism. If you happened to have a cut or abrasion inside or near your genitals, this bacteria could cause a dangerous infection.
Facial Masks and Exfoliating Products
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.
Brush Handles
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.
Perfume
Smelling nice down there is a common hygiene goal among women, but perfume isn’t the way to go. Fragrances are often irritating to vaginas, resulting in inflammation, itchiness, pain, and even infections. Many perfumes also use an alcohol base, and these harsh chemicals can burn and throw off your pH and dry out the sensitive skin. The vagina is self-cleaning, and adding products to the mix can throw off the delicate bacteria balance at play. If vaginal odor is a concern, a trip to the doctor is the right move to check for an underlying issue.
Powder
While powders like talc can give your skin a smooth and dry feeling, it is not a good hygiene practice. Talcum powder is associated with genital cancer and ovarian cancer. This substance causes inflammation and, with repeated use, will increase the risk of ovarian cancer for women. These small particles can travel from the vagina all the way up to the ovaries. If you are experiencing discomfort due to wet sensations, it is much better to change wet fabric instead and use cotton fabric to keep dry.
Certain Lube Products for Your Vagina
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. Instead, use plant-based extracts such as Aloe Vera, Chamomile Extracts, or Vitamin E Oil.
Downsides to Vitamin E Oil and Your Vagina
Even though natural plant-based extracts are usually better it’s worth noting they may cause vaginal problems too. Vitamin E oil isn’t regulated by the FDA. This means you will need to do your due diligence in selecting a quality product free of chemicals and other harmful substances. Some of these additives may cause irritation and allergic reactions in some women. Vitamin E oil is also capable of breaking down condoms, so make sure you are using other forms of birth control if you choose this route.
Contact Dr. Lodge in Brentwood, TN
Conclusion paragraph: 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. Just contact us today!