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Virgina steaming detrimentalto health – Gynecologist
Woman having vagina steaming
A Specialist Obstetrician Gynecologist. Dr. Karen Renee Zu, has cautioned some vagina steaming to put an end to it because it could be detrimental to their l
The practice has gained prominence among women especially those who wed to sexual organ after having a baby or heal a cesarean section scar faster.
Others also engage in the act to cure ovarian cyst, fibroid, blocked tubes, deal with menstrual cramps, and detoxify the vagina among others.
This is usually done by mixing various herbs which are boiled or soaked in hot water which a woman is made to sit on naked to enable the steam go directly into the vagina.
But according to Dr. Zu, there was no need to steam the vagina after birth because the blood vessels of the womb could open up as a result of the heat and cause bleeding to death
She said the stitches could also fall apart if the person has an episiotomy or any other stiches
She said there was no proof that the practice worked or solved any of the problem for which they engaged in the act.
“There are so many claimed benefits like womb detox, clearing of ovarian cysts, shrinking of fibroid, hysterectomy, shorten menstrual periods, stabilise menstrual cycle, curing endometriosis and others which doctors can’t speak to,” she stated.
She said no trained obstetrician and gynecologist would make such recommendation to anyone.
Dr. Zu said it was a dangerous practice which could hurt a person in the process, adding that some have come with severe burns of their vagina as a result of the steaming.
She said the steam could damage the lining of the vagina and when that happened, healing could take a while and such persons had problems with vaginal dryness
“This can upset the acidity of the vagina. When this happens, risk of getting infections high. The steam kills the good bacteria in your vagina which survive at normal vagina temperatures. You will have problems with infections once they are dead,” she cautioned
She said in dealing with menstrual cramps, “one can drink something warm, place a warm water bottle or towel on your belly, add exercise to the daily routine or have sex before menses begin that would help reduce the pain associated with it,” she advised.
She explained that, if a person’s tubes were blocked, no amount of steaming would open them or make them more fertile.
“Such a person must see a fertility specialist to help,” she added.
According to her the womb does not need detoxification because it takes care of itself by shedding it lining monthly.
Steaming your vagina will not tighten it. It will not in any way balance your hormones. These two do not go together. If your tubes are blocked, no amount of steaming will open them or make you fertile. See a specialist for help. The cervix is always tightly shut except during menses and ovulation to prevent infections from getting into the womb. The herbs don’t get into the womb” she clarified.
Dr. Zu also denied claims that vaginal steaming shrunk fibroid, explaining that fibroids were very hard and could not be shrunk by vaginal steaming.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema
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Oguaa indigenes urged to unite to develop area
Photo Credit: myjoyonline.com
Rich Akan traditions of Fantes and Asantes were the highlights of the celebrations of this year’s Fetu Afahye of the chiefs and people of Oguaa Traditional Area (Cape Coast) which was climaxed last Saturday with a durbar.
Beyond the glitz and splendour was the showcasing of different forms of traditional regalia amidst rich cultural displays of unique Fante and Asante ensembles, both demonstrating distinct Ghanaian identities in unanimity.
Tekua, a Fante traditional hairstyle won by a generation of Fante women caught the attention of a number of the celebrants.
The attendance of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, took the joy and excitement a notch higher with frenzied atmosphere to welcome him.
The Asantehene who attended the programme by a special invitation from the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area was accompanied by a large retinue of chiefs from Asanteman.
The Fetu Afahye is a cultural celebration by the people of Oguaa, drawing both locals and visitors from across the country and beyond.
It was held to mark a bumper harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
This year’s edition marks the 60th to be held after its suspension.
It also marked the 25th anniversary commemoration of the enthronement of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II as the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
There was display of rich traditional dances by the various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction to the Jubilee Park for the durbar.
This year’s event attracted political figures such as Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who doubles as the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and other leading figures of the party.
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and other leading members of the NDC also attended the event.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
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Suicide cases high among JHS/SHS students: MHA calls for immediate action to curb menace
The Mental Health Authority (MHA) is calling for immediate solutions to address the alarming prevalence of suicide cases among Junior and Senior High School students.
According to the Authority, it was crucial to pay attention to such children as studies in Ghana are showing a high prevalence of suicidal behaviours among students.
This came to light at a symposium in Accra on Tuesday to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).
It was held on the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide with a call to action; start the conversation.”
Speaking at the symposium, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority, Professor Pinaman Appau said alarmingly, the prevalence has been reported to be higher among Junior High School students compared to those in the Senior High School.
She said various studies including a 2023 edition conducted by Azazu and Joe found that there was prevalence of 20.4 per cent of suicidal thoughts, 23.4 per cent for suicidal planning, and 28.4 per cent for actual suicide attempts among these groups of school children.
She mentioned bullying, abuse especially physical and sexual, neglect, substance use, family poverty, adolescent conflict with parents, corporal punishment and poor academic performance as causes leading to suicidal thoughts.
Again, factors including previous attempts, mental illness, gambling, financial and job crisis, chronic illness and pain, criminal or legal and impulsive behaviour can also lead to suicide.
Prof Appau said the challenges faced with addressing suicide issues were multifaceted and complex, adding that people grapple with stigma surrounding mental health issues, limited access to mental health services and a lack of general awareness of suicide prevention strategies.
She said the challenges were further compounded by deepening socio-economic challenges in societies such as the harsh reality of economic hardship, unemployment and social instability.
Dr Appau mentioned that the rippling effect of suicide leaves behind a trail of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions, saying, the economic cost of suicide attempts in terms of health care expenses and loss of productivity places additional burden on the country’s strained resources.
She said a total of 81 persons have committed suicide in 2024 with 543 attempts across the country, adding that the figure indicates an alarming increase compared to the 594 attempts and 48 completed cases recorded in 2023.
Regionally, Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions recorded the highest numbers of suicide attempts for the first half of the year 2024, with most completed suicides occurring in the Greater Accra region.
Prof Appau has therefore called for a concerted effort to resolve and change the narrative by engaging stakeholders including security and media personnel, to create nationwide awareness and education through various media platforms.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
