Don't take TikTok's vaginal health advice

It should go without saying, but don't believe everything you see on the internet.

Yoni pearls, vaginal steaming and douching are among the most-posted about vaginal health topics on TikTok, according to research from period and cycle tracking app Flo. The problem: Many of the prominent videos on these topics are not from medical experts and are pushing ideas about vaginal health that are outdated and unnecessary at best and unsafe at worst.

While the internet "has become a robust source for vaginal health information," as OB/GYN and Vaginal Health Hub founder Dr. Monte Swarup notes, paying attention to the source of information is vital. As a rule, he says, people should always speak with a healthcare provider about their individual situations before making any medical decisions or trying any advice they see online.

"The internet and TikTok have been very dangerous for sexual health misinformation," says OB/GYN and women's health specialist Dr. Sameena Rahman, noting that influencers often go viral for sharing anecdotal experiences that their viewers try to replicate despite a lack of research to confirm safety and effectiveness.

"Sexual health and women's health in particular is dangerous for misinformation as it is often seen as unique niche for influencers to make money," Rahman adds. "Please see someone trained, licensed or certified in this area. Credentials and experience matters."

TikTokers say these tips will boost your sex life. They likely won't ? here's what to do instead.

Yoni pearls

Yoni pearls, named after the Sanskrit word for "vagina," are small bundles of a variety of herbs. Some people claim that inserting them into their vaginas help improve odor, remove toxins or treat bacterial and yeast infections, according to Swarup.

But there isn't enough medical research to properly understand the effects, Swarup says, recommending that people avoid them because they have been reported to cause "itching, dryness, stinging and cramping."

Vaginal steaming

Users on TikTok who have tried vaginal steaming (essentially a steam bath pointed directly at the vagina, referred to as V-steaming or yoni steaming to get around the app's censoring) share tons of purported claims about the benefits, from increasing libido to tightening the vagina.

Nope, say medical experts. The treatment has been promoted by Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow and other celebrities including Chrissy Teigen, but doctors have been quick to call them out.

"The vagina steam is a scam. Potentially harmful." OB/GYN Dr. Jen Gunter tweeted at Chrissy Teigen in 2018 after the star posted on social media that getting one "couldn't hurt." "

When should you have sex with someone new? Consider 'box theory' before deciding.

Swarup adds: "Vaginal steaming only reaches the outer parts of your vagina and doesn’t affect your uterus or cervix. The only recommended way to properly clean the outside of your vagina is unscented soap and warm water."

Douching

Vaginal douching, which has often been debunked, is still widely popular on TikTok. Some users even acknowledge that the use of vaginal douches is frowned upon by doctors, but they promote the practice anyway.

But douching can lead to further issues, including infections, STIs and fertility issues. Instead, Swarup recommend washing the outside of your vagina with a non- or un-scented mild soap and warm water.

"You want to make sure not to upset your vagina’s pH balance and douching can harm this," Swarup adds.

Instead of looking for ways to "fix" the vagina, experts say reframing the way people think and talk about it is important.

"Vaginal discharge is a product of the normal, healthy vaginal bacteria, microbiome and mucous from the cervix," Rahman says, noting the importance of consulting a doctor for any abnormal or foul smells.

Vagina -- there' we said it: 'And Just Like That' is avoiding the real issue with Carrie Bradshaw's 'vagina' podcast ad

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TikTok loves yoni pearls, vaginal steaming, douching. Experts don't.