My first introduction to Yoni eggs was when Gwyneth’s Paltrow Goop started selling them with unsubstantiated medical claims, resulting in Dr Jen Gunter’s entertaining response and a $145K lawsuit. I found the subject intriguing – from a safe distance.
Trying them was nowhere near my list of things to consider, until I was asked to test them out. Knowing the controversy that surrounded them, it was important to get medical advice before considering it and when a gynaecologist point blank said no, the review was off the table, but I thought the feedback would be valuable to share.
In this Ask The Expert, Dr Natalia Novikova, gynaecologist and endoscopic surgeon, who has a special interest in pelvic floor disorders, shares her opinion on Yoni Eggs.
Are You Pro or Against Yoni Eggs?
Against. There is no medical research to prove any of the claims made for using Yoni Eggs or any other non-medical vaginal products.
Is it safe to use them?
The vagina is sensitive and can easily have its pH balance thrown off by foreign objects and products. It is self-cleaning and self-regulating so the harmful effects of using these products might not be identifiable immediately, but continued use can lead to medical complications in the long run. They are not safe to use.
Do you think there are any benefits to using them?
No. Some say Yoni Eggs are effective for strengthening the pelvic floor, but this is not true as your pelvic muscles will be in a constant state of contraction to hold the egg in and to develop these muscles, a repeated contract and relax motion is needed. Other claimed benefits can be addressed by consulting with specialists such as a gynaecologist, sex therapist or pelvic floor therapist.
What are the dangers of using Yoni Eggs?
Yoni Egg users often keep them in for the whole day or sleep with them inside of the vagina. No vaginal products, excluding contraceptive devices, should be kept in the vagina for that long. The same way tampons, menstrual cups and other menstrual products should not be used for prolonged periods of time.
The eggs are reusable which would require thorough cleaning in between uses but they are porous, making them difficult to clean which can create a bacteria build-up and cause infections.
The eggs could also get stuck and you can accidentally hurt yourself, trying to retrieve them.
If you suspect to have an issue it is advisable to consult with a medical professional.
About Dr Novikova
Dr Natalia Novikova is a gynaecologist and endoscopic surgeon with a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, pelvic floor and cosmetic gynaecology. She has extended her services to include body contouring in the continued efforts to make women feel empowered in their health body and skin. You can find out more on her website, and on her instagram page.
