If you search the World Wide Web for yoni pearls, you’ll see a number of videos and written testimonials of the impressive results of using these cleansers to detoxify the vagina. They are considered a natural and holistic approach of ridding the lady part of toxins and even cysts. Intrigued by the health trend, I chatted with obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Kevin Henry and local manufacturer of the pearls, who is also a nurse, Kasoon Dawkins, to get the truth about the body cleanse.
Dawkins was inspired to set up shop after creating a formula to treat a yeast infection, which she struggled with for some time. Later, she produced the yoni pearls. Sold in a trio, the tiny bags of herbs that are dubbed herbal tampons should be inserted into the vagina. The entrepreneur explained that first bag must be removed after 24 hours and, after two or three days, you can proceed with the second and third.
There’s a difference to the trend
At the beginning of our health talk, Dr Henry, who works at Women’s World Medical Suites in Kingston, said that he is aware of the “big craze” among women both locally and internationally. He noted that this is because it’s also believed that yoni pearls can improve fertility and help with maladies such as endometriosis and fibroids.
“There are no toxins in the vagina. It has its own natural good bacteria and cleans itself. It produces good bacteria, which help to keep the pH of the vagina normal, along with other secretions. But it also has bad bacteria, which are not toxic,” he said.
Using yoni pearls or other substances like douching can do more harm than good as they can alter the pH balance in the vagina.
The doctor admitted that some of his patients have used the yoni pearls and have attested to its abilities, while others have had complaints. However, he does not recommend it. He said using yoni pearls or other substances like douching can do more harm than good as they can alter the pH balance in the vagina. This could lead to the elimination of good bacteria, giving the bad ones more space to grow. So, you may just end up with a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
‘Gunk’, ‘goo’, and other materials are expelled from the vagina after the pearls are pulled out. “These are believed to be the toxins, but it may very well be that discharge or mucus that was already there, and because something was placed in the vagina, those came out.
“To say that the pearls have removed toxins, I disagree because there is no scientific evidence to prove it,” he said.
He believes that the pearls do more harm than good because of the fact that they remove the good bacteria from the vagina.
Are they rewarding?
On the other hand, Dawkins assured Flair that her product is completely safe and very rewarding. However, virgins, pregnant women, and those who are breastfeeding cannot use them because they will alter hormones, Dawkins explained.
“Also, if you’re spotting or bleeding it’s not recommended. The yoni pearls may cause excessive bleeding. And the only side effect I’ve noted, and my customers, too, is it can cause itching if you have a hypersensitive vagina,” she explained.
Depending on your body, the time it takes to get results will vary. The nurse keeps in close contact with her customers to guide them when they’re using her products. For instance, she’ll ask the women to show her the matter that is expelled from their bodies. This is to determine if another detox session is required.
So, ladies, what do you think?
Story by Rocheda Bartley
rocheda.bartley@gleanerjm.com
