A new trend has experts frightened. Just because “everybody” is doing something does not mean that it is the right thing to do. But when it comes to vaginal health, more and more women have reported using toothpaste to “tighten” their private parts. Experts have reported that just because you are putting toothpaste in the private parts, does not mean it’s going to smell “minty fresh” or be safe – to the contrary, experts say it is a dangerous thing to do!
Social media users called ThisIsAVulva, which has more than 33,000 followers on Instagram, shared a post detailing the worrying effect of this trend. Below, we’ll share what they wrote, and you’ll be able to see why this is so worrying for all concerned – especially medical experts and the women who are using toothpaste where the sun don’t shine.
“One of my oldest, bestest, and most fabulous friends messaged me yesterday. After ten years with a coil fitted, she had to take it out four weeks ago. She’s currently having her first period in a decade, and her excitement and happiness around this made my period positively reach new levels (and I already really bloody love periods).
“She told me, ‘I am literally in awe of this period. I had honestly forgotten that my body could do this.’”
While the social media users were trying to share an uplifting story in support of women and the natural process, their bodies go through in order to bring life into the world. The fact remains – using toothpaste where you pee is just plain wrong.
Vanessa Mackay serves as a consultant gynecologist and a spokeswoman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. During an interview with Metro, she said:
“It is a myth that toothpaste will tighten the vagina. Putting toothpaste into the vagina, or on the vulva, would not only be uncomfortable, but it could also cause serious damage and disrupt the natural flora of the vagina leading to the potential for infections like bacterial vaginosis and thrush.”
If that expert opinion does not sway you, know that these conditions are very uncomfortable. Because toothpaste can also include abrasive particles in it, the product can damage the vagina, which is a very delicate body part with a delicate balance. Besides, the vagina can clean itself and does not require toothpaste, which is designed for the teeth in the mouth to do the job it was built to do.
Dr. Oluwole Yusuf has the same opinion as Mackay. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, he not only debunked that toothpaste worked but that some women’s obsession with having a tight private part is not healthy.
“Toothpaste is too caustic and too abrasive for a sensitive body part like the vagina, and using such on it can destroy the organisms meant to protect the vagina from possible infections. When the vagina can no longer protect itself, the body is prone to infections, which could later destroy the tubes and block the chances of getting pregnant.”
If you or someone you know uses toothpaste to “tighten” the vagina, forward them this article.