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Vagina Gummies: What Are They & Do They Work?
Dr. Lisa Lawless, CEO of Holistic Wisdom
Clinical Psychotherapist: Relationship & Sexual Health Expert
What Are Vagina Gummies?
Vaginal gummies are often marketed as oral supplements to help balance the vaginal microbiome and promote optimal urinary tract function. In addition, some brands are marketed to make the vagina smell and taste good, claiming that they provide healthy pH levels to support freshness and odor, along with antioxidant and pro-collagen benefits.
They Are Meant To Be Eaten Not Inserted
Vagina gummies are consumed by eating them, much like gummy vitamins and other supplements. While they may look like they could fit perfectly inside the vagina, they are not intended to be inserted. In fact, inserting them vaginally could cause health issues such as yeast infections.
Controversy In The Media
On February 6, 2023, Kourtney Kardashian promoted a new vaginal health gummy called Lemme Purr on Instagram, showing cats circling her while she ate the vaginal gummy. The name is a play on the words "Let Me Purr," referencing the slang term pussy for the vagina.
The Lemme Purr Instagram Ad Says:
"Your [cat emoji] is going to love this...," and then continues by saying,"give your vagina the sweet treat it deserves (and turn it into a sweet treat). You know what they say…you are what you eat."
This isn't the first time the Kardashian's have been in the news regarding vaginal scent. In 2013, the sisters Kourtney and Kim did a 'vagina smell-off' contest on The Kardashians show by consuming things like pineapple yogurt and green pineapple juice for several days to make their vagina smell good. For the final results, the sisters wiped themselves with a hand towel for their sister Khloe to smell, who said they both smelled good, but ultimately, Kim was declared the winner of the 'vag-off.'
Other Brands Of Vagina Supplements
Other vaginal supplements contain ingredients such as Cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) which are the active ingredient in cranberries and are marketed to keep bacteria from sticking to the walls of the vagina. There is also D-Mannose, a sugar that helps keep bacteria from sticking to your bladder and has had good results with mild urinary tract infections (UTIs). In addition, some vagina supplements contain magnesium, calcium, Vitamin B6, potassium citrate, XOS prebiotics as well as these probiotics:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus Fermentum
Regarding The Health Claims
Many OBGYNs and sexual health experts have raised concerns about the gummy company's health claims for their supplement Lemme Purr, especially regarding using the terms "probiotic" and "microbiome." These terms are often used as marketing buzzwords to create the impression of scientific credibility.
However, if probiotics work, they do so using a complex calculation based on the strains and dosages, in addition to the timing and duration of treatment for certain health issues. Many health experts indicate that the probiotics used in the Lemme Purr line (Bacillus coagulans / SNZ 1969™) are too low a dose for addressing vaginal health issues and that studies have not shown this probiotic works for the claims of scent and taste.
It is true that Bacillus coagulans have been shown to be effective in preventing and addressing vaginal yeast infections. However, the Lemme Purr contains one billion CFUs of SNZ 1969™, whereas the vaginosis study by NIH used two billion CFUs.
The product's ingredients include 20 mg of Vitamin C and 100 mg of pineapple fruit powder. While Vitamin C is essential for the immune system and collagen building, the amount in the Lemme Purr gummies is less than 4.5 times that of a multivitamin which typically offers 90 mg.
No scientific studies show that pineapple powder can change vaginal odor. Certainly, with only a tiny amount of powdered pineapple in the gummies, it would be challenging to say there would be much of an impact even if it could. Thus, little evidence supports its claims regarding balancing pH levels and supporting improving odor.
Sexism Concerns
As a mental health therapist, I've seen the impact of negative self-image and shame around our bodies, so it is essential to talk openly and honestly about vaginal health and how it impacts our self-esteem.
Many sexual healthcare practitioners are concerned that marketing products like this will send a message that will make vulva owners feel self-conscious about the natural scent of their vaginas.
Additionally, some have expressed concerns that the product's marketing is anti-feminist by suggesting that individuals need to change the taste or smell of their genitals to be desirable, which can reinforce harmful patriarchal attitudes.
There is, of course, the viewpoint that feminine products such as this are no different than using hygiene products such as deodorant or mouthwash to freshen your breath. However, it is vital to acknowledge the more profound messages concerning embracing natural vaginal scents and not expecting them to smell and taste like flowers or fruit.
It is important to acknowledge the stigma and shame many women and others with vulvas have faced regarding their bodies and empower them to embrace their natural selves. Promoting a positive and accepting attitude toward our bodies and avoiding perpetuating harmful stigmas is essential.
Do Vaginal Gummies Work?
If you have a healthy vagina, you most likely are not going to notice any change. The probiotics will only show improvement if your vagina is not already healthy. Regarding the small amounts of ingredients like Vitamin C and pineapple powder, it is unlikely that one with a healthy vagina would see much difference in health, scent, and taste.
Furthermore, a healthy plant-based diet is a much better option for a healthy vaginal microbiome. For more information on the most beneficial diet for your vagina as well as your overall health, please see our Nutrition Guide for Good Sex & Health.
Sniff & Taste Testers?
Despite the uproar about these gummies, it's hard to ignore the lack of credible reviews and testing surrounding their effectiveness. I mean, who volunteers as a guinea pig for vaginal gummy results testing?
I have not seen any credible reviews that provide proof of how a vaginal gummy product can be marketed as providing a better vaginal taste or scent. The best I could find were comments about the gummies themselves tasting good.
I saw one woman posting a review that her yeast infection had improved, which makes sense, although she could have gotten the probiotic Bacillus coagulans for a fraction of the cost, which would have done the same thing for her yeast infection. However, for a healthy vagina, I doubt there would be a noticeable change.
Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, there's no denying their viral popularity, and apparently, they taste good, so there is that.
Be An Empowered Consumer
Good hygiene is essential for our physical and emotional well-being. Hygiene products can boost our confidence, make us feel good about ourselves, and can be a form of self-care to help reduce anxiety. However, there are two significant issues to consider when looking at incorporating hygiene products:
Toxins & Toxicants
Toxins in certain hygiene products, such as talc in baby powder, can seriously harm our bodies. By being informed about products, we can prioritize our health and well-being.
Misinformation & Fear-Based Marketing
The rise of natural and organic products is wonderful, but many people believe these are always safer and better for their health. It's essential to recognize that not all natural ingredients are safe, and not all synthetic ingredients are harmful.
Media coverage of health products and supplements may sensationalize stories or misrepresent information, leading to fear-based decision-making. Make sure to check with reliable sources and approach data with a critical eye.
By staying informed, consulting with healthcare professionals, and evaluating sources of information critically, we can make the best decisions for our mental and physical health.
A Healthy Vaginal Scent & Taste
Every person's vagina has a unique smell and taste that may vary based on their natural scent, pheromones, menstrual cycle, exercise habits, and diet. If you feel that your vagina has a pungent odor, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to receive healthy recommendations based on your individual needs and concerns before trying any supplement to prevent harm and throwing away your money.
Diet does impact the taste of vaginal secretions quite a bit, so if you want to improve the taste and smell, there are much less expensive options than buying vaginal gummy supplements.
For more information, please see our How To Make Ejaculate Smell & Taste Better Guide.