Vagina ‘sweeteners’, ‘tighteners’ popular despite health complications

Substances and concoctions purported to ‘tighten’ and or ‘sweeten’ the vagina are not new on the market. However, it is the disregard for the possible effects these substances could have on the female reproductive organ that baffles health practitioners. Available on the market are different types; imported ones and local herbs and “spices” known to tighten and sweeten “loose vagina”, especially in women with multiple sex partners or others who have recently been delivered of babies.

According to an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist at the Maamobi General Hospital, Dr Seth T. Hassan, complications from using these substances without seeking medical attention could be far worse than the condition they are to treat. He explained that some of these substances changed the vagina’s normal PH level (the acidity which helps prevent infections and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria) exposing the users to vaginal infections.

“Some even suffer chemical burns from the nature of the substance they introduce into their vagina and may need emergency treatment. Other complications that may result include a decrease in normal lubrication and significant pain during sexual intercourse.”

“While some of these substances may work because they absorb water from the vaginal tissue in order to tighten it, the effect is only temporary and one needs to keep using that concoction to get the desired result. There is no evidence on the safety of long-term use of such substances,” he added.

• Market

Two weeks ago, when this reporter visited some popular stations and markets in Accra in search of so-called vagina ‘tighteners’ and sweeteners, the options were many with traditional herbs and concoctions being the most common.

Bagaruwa seeds and cloves are added to some local herbs to hopefully tighten the vagina From her observation, while most of the traders who sold imported brands hid them under their wares out of fear of being arrested by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the local herb traders had no issue with displaying as theirs were not branded.

At the Neoplan Station at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, one trader who sold local herbs said not long ago, a team from the FDA accompanied by some police personnel arrested some traders for selling unapproved medications and so they have become more cautious of the people who patronise them. However, she had “people” who could get this reporter some foreign ones if she wanted but was quick to add that local ones were the best as there were no side effects or worry about expiry date.

At the Kaneshie Market, the local herbs trader who sold a combination of tree barks, seeds and herbs to this reporter treated the session like a private consultation in a hospital.  Noticeably experienced in the trade, she drew closer and began asking for details on the condition while nodding to confirm her “diagnosis”. Interestingly, she did not only have traditional medicine but also provided a black powdery substance called

• “Potassium”

Which she claimed was used in “big big hospitals” for treating wounds. She claimed all new mothers had internal wounds from childbirth and it was advisable to use a pinch of the Potassium in a sitz bath twice daily while the combination of herbs was to be boiled and drank three times a day. Asked if there was a specific dose for the boiled herbs, she took a small plastic bottle and said anywhere below half was okay.

• Cloves are popular spices in Ghana

She showed the reporter where to get cloves and other local spices as she had run out and added in Twi, “You will come and testify of the effectiveness of this mixture and even buy more. This is where I have plied my trade for years. You will definitely come back and recommend me to your friends.”

Dr Hassan confirmed that the black substance was “Potassium Permanganate” used to help heal some wounds, and added that although it was common for it to be prescribed by some doctors or midwives for women with vagina tears, it must be used with caution and only when prescribed.

On sitz baths, which are very popular, especially with new mothers he cautioned, “There is little if any need for sitz baths after delivery unless the mother suffers tears or lacerations to the vagina or perineum. Even to do that, a health professional’s advice needs to be sought to determine if it is necessary.”

• Tight vagina for a big penis

A public health advocate, Ms Anita E. Asamoah, told The Mirror that she always wondered why some women “tightened” their vaginas for what they described as big penis as she was aware some men patronised penis enlargement products.

“I keep telling women to stop ‘tightening their vaginas for big penis” because it just doesn’t make any sense. So if you insert those things and develop severe infections afterwards, will the vagina be useful? I also ask how they know it is loosened. Vaginas will always bounce back to its original size after delivery. There are special exercises for this, and most Ghanaian women do not like exercises, so they want ‘quick action’, which is harmful and false.”