These herbal pellets aren’t backed by science and can be harmful

“Snake oil” is a term for products with no medical value, misleadingly sold to cure an ailment. Or several. These products are peddled by snake oil salespeople, who play on your fears in order to sell miracle cures.

The result? They make a tidy profit, and you’ve either wasted your money, harmed your body or both.

Vaginal detox pearls are a modern example of snake oil. Not only are they ineffective, but they can also be harmful.

“What’s more, they prey on your insecurities about your vaginal health and self-worth,” says Ob/Gyn Suchetha Kshettry, MD. “I urge anyone not to put detox pearls, or any unproven remedies, in their vagina.”

Does your vagina need detoxing?

Absolutely not. Healthcare providers often compare the vagina to a self-cleaning oven. It’s designed to be maintenance-free — no detoxing needed.

How does your vagina clean itself? “It contains a microbiome of ‘good’ bacteria that promotes vaginal health and fights infections,” explains Dr. Kshettry. “The acidic pH in the vagina keeps the bacteria healthy and prevents the growth of bad microbes. A natural vaginal discharge also helps keep things clean and lubricated.”

What are yoni detox pearls?

Vaginal detox pearls, also called yoni detox pearls and goddess detox pearls, are small herbal pellets wrapped in gauze. (“Yoni” is a Sanskrit word used to refer to the vulva and vagina.) The pellet has a string on it, like a tampon. You insert the pellet into your vagina and leave it in for a specific amount of time — usually, one to two days.

The instructions for one brand tell you to:

  1. Insert one pellet, leave it in for one day, then remove it.
  2. Insert a new pellet, leave it in for two days, then remove it.
  3. Expect a “purge” of waste to come out of your vagina over the next six to 10 days.

What detox pearls claim to do

Yoni detox pearls claim to provide a physical and emotional cleanse that translates to a wide range of benefits. Physically, detox pearls supposedly improve several reproductive and urinary issues, such as:

Emotionally and spiritually, detox pearls claim to:

  • Cleanse your energies
  • Free you from past partners
  • Declutter and emotionally unblock your female reproductive system
  • Release negative thoughts and feelings of self-doubt

What detox pearls won’t do

Along with yoni eggs and vaginal steaming, vaginal detox pearls are another unfounded gynecological health trend. They’re not a proven treatment for any physical or emotional ailment.

“There’s no reason why putting herbs in your vagina would help with conditions such as infertility or uterine fibroids,” emphasizes Dr. Kshettry.

Detox pearls won’t make your vagina wetter (try lube) or tighter (try pelvic floor exercises). And when it comes to taking care of your mental health, there are plenty of better, safer approaches.

If you have a reproductive or urinary issue or are in pain due to a past relationship or abuse, talk to a healthcare provider. They can offer sound medical care to help you get back on track.

Yoni detox pearls side effects

According to Dr. Kshettry, detox pearls can affect your vaginal health in several ways:

  • Upset the pH balance. A change in the pH of your vagina can affect the good microbes and allow bad bacteria, viruses or yeast to take over.
  • Irritate the vaginal lining. Detox pearls claim to exfoliate your vagina, but this sensitive tissue doesn’t need exfoliation. These products can damage the vaginal lining, causing an infection.

In rare cases, disturbing the vaginal environment can cause toxic shock syndrome. This serious bacterial infection usually occurs from leaving a tampon in for too long. But anything left in your vagina for a prolonged period could create conditions for dangerous bacteria. That includes a detox pearl.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate products like yoni detox pearls, so you don’t really know what’s in them. And while it’s true that herbs are natural, that still doesn’t mean you should put them in your vagina. Even well-known herbal supplements can be risky in some situations.

The yoni detox pearl website acknowledges that using the product can be very uncomfortable and cause a yeast infection. These warnings alone should give you pause.

The best way to care for your vagina

In general, the best way to care for your vagina is to leave it alone. You can wash your outer genitals (vulva) with gentle soap and water. But your vagina — the internal canal — needs no extra cleaning.

“The worst thing about these products is that they’re telling you something is wrong with you and your body,” says Dr. Kshettry. “Your vagina should never be a source of suspicion or shame.”