• Yoni pearls were usually sold in three pieces with prices ranging between Sh650 to Sh2,000 depending on the place of purchase
• However, doctors, especially gynecologists are strongly against cleaning the vagina or uterus as they self-clean themselves.
Image: Handout
Until its ban early this month, Yoni pearls/ eggs had become popular among Kenyan women, especially in major cities.
On August 7, 2023, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board banned the sale and use of vaginal detox products known as Yoni pearls.
The board said the products are not registered and licensed for use in the country.
The products have however been in usage for several years for ‘vaginal detoxification’.
What is Yoni pearl?
Yoni pearls are a type of 'herbal product' that has gained attention in certain wellness medicine circles.
A yoni pearl or egg is normally egg-shaped with herbs wrapped in a bundle of cloth-like. They were marketed as vaginal or uterus cleansers and detoxifiers.
The vagina is a sensitive part of the female's body, thus is prone to yeast infection and other vagina-related infections.
At times it is caused by changes in the environment, sexual partners, restrooms, tissue papers, and so on.
One is normally advised to seek medical attention to avoid self-medication. However, some women opt to use other items to 'cleanse" the vagina and this is where yoni pearls come in the picture.
Most women opt for the pearls because it is easier to get them and one does not need to strain their pockets so much.
Also, for women being susceptible to infections, the yoni pearls were an easier way for them than seeing a gynecologist.
Women who have sought to use them, mainly said are seeking answers to reproductive health complications such as ovarian cysts, infertility, 'cleansing', bad odor and also to boost their sexual experiences.
They are also marketed as a way to balance pH levels.
Prices
Yoni pearls were usually sold in three pieces with prices ranging between Sh650 to Sh2,000 depending on the place of purchase
In Kenya, they were mainly sold in online stores.
How they were being used.
- One was meant to ensure their hands are clean before touching the pearls.
- Lay on your back with your knees to your chest. Take the middle finger (which is the longest) and use it to push one pearl deep into the vagina.
- The yoni pearl is meant to stay inside the vagina for 48-72 hours before inserting the second egg.
- The same steps should be repeated for all three pearls.
Image: Handout
Women who spoke to Star shared their different experiences while using yoni pearls and why they used them.
They sought anonymity due to privacy, so pseudo names are used.
24-year-old Marion, a campus student said she was influenced to use the pearls by her schoolmate, after being told it will boost her chance of getting an orgasm.
"My friends in school were talking about the pearls and they said once you use them, you will never have worries about not having an orgasm. So I bought from an online store to get the same experience and I believe I got it," she said.
Marion said it took less than two hours to order and have the pearls delivered to her.
Hilda Achieng, who is a saloonist said she wanted to feel that her vagina and uterus is clean after undergoing an abortion two years ago.
" Since I did my abortion, my mind has never been clear that my reproductive system is clean. So I used the pearls to cleanse my vagina for a makeover," she said.
Natalia who is in her late 20s said she decided to use the products because they were popular and affordable in her view.
She explained that on her pantyliner, she used to see discharge coming out which she assumed was the yoni pearls at work.
"I never thought that I could be that dirty. What I saw coming out of my vagina only God knows. But after using them I felt 'brand new' and fresh," Natalia added.
However, doctors especially gynecologists are strongly against cleaning the vagina or uterus as they self-clean themselves.
Research published in 2021 in the journal Nursing Research examined the use of intravaginal products to cleanse the vagina or enhance sexual pleasure.
The researchers stated that these products "may be associated with unhealthy changes in the vaginal microbiome."
Before using any product for vaginal health, it's important to consult a qualified healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health needs and circumstances.