is based on .
Lemme Purr contains pineapple extract ( probably for its taste ), vitamin C ( not really needed if you have a balanced diet ) and a clinically tested probiotic ( Bacillus coagulans ). According to the product description , the probiotic has been shown in clinical studies to support vaginal health , freshness and odour . This surprised me – I should know about these studies and effects as this is my primary research field .
A healthy vaginal microflora is composed of lactobacilli that keep the pH low and protect us from infections . My colleagues and I never identified Bacillus coagulans as being important for the health of vaginas , even though we have analysed thousands of samples during recent years . From other research groups and our own results , we know that Lactobacillus crispatus is the species that is associated with vaginal health and female fertility .
As I may have missed something important , I immediately checked what has been published on that probiotic in scientific journals . I found one systematic review and meta-analysis ( a type of analysis where many individual studies are taken together ) that mentions Bacillus coagulans . Apparently , it may improve stool frequency and symptoms of constipation , although the authors conclude that more research is needed .
On the topic of women ’ s vaginal health , I could only find a single study . There , 70 women with vaginal discomfort reported symptom relief after direct vaginal administration of the probiotic . There is nothing published on the oral administration of the probiotic that could support the claims made by Kourtney .
Vaginas don ’ t need fixing So it seems likely that vaginal microflora isn ’ t influenced by so-called vaginal gummies . But I must share another concern . The statement that our vaginas are not good as they are but need to be fixed to please our partner is deeply worrying .
A healthy vagina has its unique odour based on the discharge that contains cells from the mucosal layer of the vaginal walls and the microbes that thrive there . Also , our hygiene , sweat and underwear can influence this odour . It can be slightly acidic , because of the lactobacilli producing lactic acid , or have a distinctive metallic smell of blood during menses . Still , this individual odour is not unpleasant or something we have to be ashamed of . It is our personal signature that we do not have to hide .
I also need to dispel the myth that pineapples can affect the taste of a vagina . This statement shows a staggering ignorance of how our bodies function . Like any other foods we eat , pineapple will be digested in our gut into the smallest components , such as carbohydrates , amino acids , lipids , vitamins , minerals and other small molecules that are absorbed into our bloodstream and reach all cells and organs in our body . Sorry , but there is no shortcut of pineapplederived sugars and fragrances to our vagina .
It is also important to note that our vaginas do not need any special care ; they are self-cleaning with a continuous discharge . If this discharge has a strong and unpleasant odour , it might be a sign of a vaginal infection that can have serious consequences on your health and fertility .
After I have read up on the content and checked the scientific research , I feel confident to say that vaginal gummies do not add any health benefits for women . It is yet another example that money can be made from women ’ s insecurity about their bodies .
If you notice that your vaginal discharge has an abnormal smell , you should seek advice from your GP or gynaecologist – not a reality TV star . n
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