Poisons board cautions women against use of Vaginal Detox

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has cautioned Kenyan women against using Yoni Pearls to detox their vaginas.

Through a statement, the Poisons Board warned that the detoxification products pose a risk to human health since the quality and safety of the products are not guaranteed by the relevant health officials.

The agency also cautioned that the vaginal detoxification products are not registered nor authorized for use in the country.

“The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) wishes t advise the general public against the use of a product known as ‘Yoni Pearls’, which may also be referred to as vaginal detox pearls, herbal tampons, cleansing pearls, or vaginal pearls,” the statement reads in parts.

“The PPB notifies the public that ‘Yoni Pearls’ is neither registered nor authorized for use in Kenya as required under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act (Cap 244). Therefore, their usage poses potential public health risks as the PPB cannot guarantee their quality, safety or efficacy,” the statement added.

Further, the institution warned against the supply and sale or use of the Yoni Pearls or any other unregistered products with similar claims.

They also urged members of the public and healthcare providers to report any suspicious health products and technologies.

“In light of this, the PPB strongly advises against the distribution, supply, sale or use of the aforementioned product and any other unregistered products with similar claims.” the statement added.

The warning by PPB comes amidst the hype for the products which vendors and users claim that they cleanse or detox the vagina to keep it ‘happy’.

Users and vendors also believe that the product treats various dysfunctions such as fibroids, and period cramping among other issues.

The Yoni Pearls are usually a collection of multiple herbs wrapped in a small mesh cloth. Users of the products insert them into the vagina for over 24 hours.