Everytime I log into TikTok there appears to be a new aspect of sex education I seem to have missed out on at school.
Gynaecologists, urologists, sex therapists and more are taking to sex education TikTok to educate us about the gaps our teachers missed in a bid to normalise conversations about sex and sexual health.
However, as curious young people flock to TikTok, medical professionals are racing to debunk myths spreading like wildfire on the site.
One such topic sexual health experts are keen to weigh in on is TikTok’s now viral homemade ‘vaginal detox’ drinks, also known as kitty drinks – yes, really – that promise those who drink them better vaginal health and ‘better tasting vaginal fluid’.
One quick scroll through the hashtag ‘kittydrink’ shows endless content creators mixing huge quantities of different liquids and fresh fruits together – with pineapple juice, cranberry juice, fresh strawberries, honey, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar all reappearing in the recipes for ‘vaginal cleanses’ over and over again.
Why should we be drinking these exactly? According to the TikTok users, drinking the combination of juices and sweeteners helps balance your vaginal pH and alters the taste of your vaginal fluid.
But what do the experts say?
Dr Sarah Welsh, co-founder of HANX, began her career in medicine and specialised in gynaecology and sexual health.
‘The ingredients in some of the drinks in the TikTok videos can have a positive effect on your vaginal and intimate health,’ she tells Metro.co.uk.
‘There have been studies that show compounds in cranberries could help balance the vaginal pH level. The acidic property of cranberry can also help fight bacteria that cause infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
‘However, it’s important to drink 100% cranberry juice, not the sweetened juices, and if you do have an infection, cranberries will not cure this.
‘The acidic properties of apple cider vinegar mean some women drink or bathe in it if they are struggling with their vaginal pH and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
‘However, looking at the research overall, there is no strong evidence to support the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
‘Some women believe pineapple juice affects the taste of vaginal secretions. Eating certain foods can affect the natural pH and smell of your bodily secretions, including your vaginal secretions.
‘However, this is only one aspect of many (such as your general wellbeing), and the effects are over a long period of time.
‘Therefore, eating or drinking certain foods before sex, for example, will not make an immediate difference.
‘That being said, pineapples are high in Vitamins A and C, and many minerals, so they support healthy immune and digestive systems.’
Before you go racing to the chilled drinks aisle at your local supermarket, it’s worth the large quantities of highly sweet fruit juices (especially if you’re adding more sugar or honey) in these TikTik recipes could actually make your vagina unhappy.
Sarah warns: ‘In these mixes there is also a lot of naturally occurring sugars, which can be detrimental to health, as well as vaginal health, if you have too much.
‘For example, excess sugars in a diet can predispose women to vaginal thrush.
‘The health of your vagina is a reflection of your overall health and wellbeing. Your diet is a part of this, however, drinking these so-called “vaginal detox” drinks, is not going to make a huge difference in the long-term.
‘What is important is that you stay healthy in terms of intimate hygiene, diet, exercise, and sexual health.’
And then there’s the most crucial point of all, points out another expert – vaginas are meant to smell and taste like vaginas.
Valentina Milanova, founder of Daye, a gynaecological health company stresses: ‘The vaginal ‘hygiene’ industry, including vaginal soaps, douches, deodorants, and scented period care, exists purely to advance artificial insecurities forced upon women and AFAB individuals.
‘The vagina is self-cleaning thanks to our lactobacilli, which are always hard at work, producing lactic acid in our vaginal microbiome, which prevents pathogens from overstaying their welcome in the vaginal canal. This is what keeps a vagina clean and having its usual scent, not any drink or insertable product.
‘To all women, girls, and AFAB individuals out there – your vagina smells fine! If you notice an unpleasant odour, that could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, which can not be treated by a ‘vaginal detox’ drink or a wash but only by medication.’
So if we’re not chugging back litres of fruit juices to balance our vaginal pH?
‘Your vagina is self-cleaning, so it’s important to leave it to do its thing,’ urges Sarah.
‘No scented perfumes, washes, or internal soaps should be used, as these can disrupt the vaginal balance meaning you are susceptible to an overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria and likely to get infections (such as bacterial vaginosis).
‘Wearing natural fabric underwear, such as undyed cotton or bamboo can also reduce moisture and irritation, which helps prevent infections such as thrush. Staying healthy in general also helps maintain a healthy discharge, such as ensuring you exercise, drink plenty of water, eat healthily, and keep stress to a minimum. Make sure you use condoms with new sexual partners or if there is a risk of sexually transmitted infections.
‘Any concerns with your vaginal health or discharge, make sure you speak with your doctor or sexual health clinic.’
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source https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/15/experts-on-if-the-vagina-detox-drink-tiktok-is-going-crazy-for-works-17375685/
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