The Vaginal Supplement Market Eyes Expansion Opportunities
Sounding off on Vaginal Health: Ob-Gyns Plead with Ladies to Keep Their Vermilion Valleys Intact
Over on TikTok, our medical saviors, the OB-GYNs, are standing up for our genital health. In a video, Staci Tanouye, MD scrutinizes every product in the feminine hygiene aisle, shaking her head and uttering a resounding "no." Another clip showcases Karen Tang, MD dismissing Kourtney Kardashian's vaginal health gummies with a dramatic "Bye!" Ali Rod, MD (aka The Latina Doc) cordially addresses women in a viral video, pleading them not to shove yogurt, garlic, yoni pearls, herbs, spices, twigs, and leaves, or apple cider vinegar down there. She adds, "Just leave her alone."
These certified doctors, busy with their patients, are prioritizing our education over their downtime. They're fighting against the innumerable content creators without a medical degree preaching about, well, our most private parts. Take one TikTok influencer, for instance, who cheerfully discusses "getting ready with me" while spreading the word about the miraculous properties of boric acid suppositories. According to her, they're a must after "hangouts" and on the last day of your period for a "refresh."
Women have been fretful about their vaginal hygiene for ages, with brands capitalizing on this concern for decades. You might remember those '90s-era advertisements with smiling women in tree swings chatting about breezes. However, things weren't always as innocent as they seemed – the 1930s saw Lysol (yes, that Lysol) being marketed as both a cleansing agent and contraceptive (resulting in fatalities when used as a douche). During the 1960s, Pristeen feminine deodorant promised the "peace of mind of being an attractive, nice-to-be-with girl." In 2010, Summer's Eve got attention for suggesting that a woman should douche before asking for a raise at work.
Fast forward to today, and the market for feminine hygiene products is predicted to surge from $9 billion in 2024 to around $16 billion by 2034. That number only covers washes, wipes, creams, and sprays. It doesn't factor in the new frontier: supplements. Look no further than Kourtney Kardashian, whose product list includes not only vaginal gummies but also hair growth supplements and an Ozempic mimic, because everyone needs to grab a slice of that pie.
Boric Acid: A Double-Edged Sword
Most doctors agree that oral supplements promising positive effects on your nether regions are generally snake oil. There's little to no data supporting their claims. However, boric acid-based vaginal health products sold as suppositories are a different story. Many are common on TikTok, branded by start-up wellness companies, and often contain boric acid.
Boric acid, a water-soluble chemical compound, has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and is commonly found in households as an insecticide. The idea behind its vaginal use is shifting the organ's pH balance, preventing bacterial overgrowth in infections.
However, there are concerns. Allison*, 40, acknowledged these worries after a friend advised her to try boric acid suppositories. Following insertion, Allison experienced excruciating vaginal pain, burning sensation with pee, and dryness. Her ob-gyn confirmed no infection or treatable condition, leaving her to wait for the symptoms to subside. Allison turned to Reddit, where she found other women with similar experiences. They recommended manuka honey ointment for relief.
Kameelah Phillips, MD, a New York-based OB-GYN, urges caution when using such products. Side effects like vaginal irritation, watery discharge, allergic reactions, and dryness are possible. These products should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Additionally, the efficacy of boric acid in fully eliminating bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections is questionable, with high treatment failure rates.
In conclusion, while boric acid suppositories may have benefits, they pose risks of irritation, allergic reactions, and toxicity if misused. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid using these products without medical advice. Moreover, their efficacy remains uncertain, so medical guidance is essential for safe and effective use.
- In the context of health-and-wellness supplements, Kourtney Kardashian's product line has expanded to include vaginal gummies, hair growth supplements, and an Ozempic mimic, demonstrating the growing market for such products in the healthcare industry.
- Amidst a range of products marketed for women's health, including boric acid-based suppositories, it's crucial to approach with caution due to potential side effects and questions about their efficacy in treating conditions like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
