medical myths | Zikoko!

Talk True is a Zikoko limited series for medical myth-busting. With each episode, we’ll talk to medical professionals about commonly misunderstood health issues to get the actual facts.

When it comes to pregnancy in Nigeria, there are multiple myths that just don’t make sense. What do you mean if you walk over a pregnant woman, her child will look like you? Is it spiritual DNA or what?

But when this conversation trended on X a few days ago, about how the local drink called “zobo” causes miscarriages, we just had to ask: Is this a myth, or is this claim backed by science? We’ve got answers.

First off, what’s zobo?

Zobo is a popular Nigerian drink made from dried roselle leaves (Hibiscus sabdariffa). It is also referred to as Sobolo (Ghana) and Bissap Juice (Senegal) and is usually infused with pineapple, ginger and cloves. It’s well-known for some medicinal qualities — antioxidant, anti-hypertensive and anti-obesity.

Does it really cause miscarriages?

According to Dr Ojo, a gynaecologist in Lagos who’s been practising for over a decade, it is a possibility.

“The research is sparse, but a number of studies on rats show that hibiscus sabdariffa — the zobo leaves — might stimulate uterine contraction and contribute to maternal malnutrition. You might think, “But we aren’t rats”. However, it’s an indicator that it may be unsafe for pregnant women.

Ironically, it can also be bad for you if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy as it contains phytoestrogen, which can disrupt the effectiveness of oestrogen-based birth control pills.”

Other medical sources also note that zobo can stimulate a menstrual cycle, which isn’t what you want while pregnant.

What about the women who didn’t miscarry after taking zobo?

Dr Ojo confirms that this happens too.

“Like I said, it is a possibility. What might cause a specific reaction in Person A might not do anything in Person B.

There are minimal studies on human subjects to confirm or deny that zobo causes miscarriages, but I’ve personally seen at least one related case. I usually suggest that it’s a risk you’re better off not taking. You have the rest of your life to drink it; nine months won’t do anything.”

Could pineapples be the problem?

Pineapple, an important ingredient in most zobo drinks, contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is believed to cause uterine contractions — the “cramps” during menstrual periods and labour.

However, a 2015 study found that pineapple juice only caused significant uterine contractions when applied directly to the isolated uterus (womb) of pregnant rats. No contractions were recorded when live pregnant rats ingested pineapple juice. Also, the amount of bromelain found in pineapples doesn’t supply a large enough dose to trigger a uterine reaction.

So, unless you find a way to bring out your womb and pour pineapple juice on it, or your doctor prescribes avoiding it, it’s safe to take pineapples while pregnant.

The takeaway

Zobo may not be the culprit in most miscarriages, but research shows it’s a possibility. The drink may also interfere with oestrogen-based birth control pills to actually lead to pregnancy.

But while zobo has numerous other health benefits, pregnant women should avoid it unless their medical providers give the go-ahead. Remember what they say about prevention being better than cure? Exactly.

NEXT READ: Talk True: Does Facial Hair in Women Mean Hormonal Imbalance?

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Tife Oni

November 30, 2023

Her, Talk True

medical myths, miscarriage, myth busting, pregnancy, zobo
Talk True is a Zikoko limited series for medical myth-busting. With each episode, we’ll talk to medical professionals about commonly misunderstood health issues to get the actual facts.

Our society’s obsession with vaginas should be the stuff of documentaries at this point. Every market day, you’ll find at least one person sharing their two cents about how a woman with a high body count is more likely to have a loose vagina.

If it’s not that, it’s people touting the wonders of “vagina tightening” creams to battle loose vaginas. It definitely begs the question: Can “too much” sex really loosen a vagina, or is this widespread belief just a myth? Dr Mary Alo provides answers.

Can the vagina even get loose?

To understand where the conversation about sex and loose vaginas may have started, it’s important to know if the vagina can even be said to become loose. Mary explains that it can feel less elastic.

“The vagina is a distensible fibromuscular organ or tube that extends from the cervix to the vulva. In simple terms, it contains muscles which allow it to stretch and lengthen during sexual intercourse and return to its regular length and width after. It’s highly elastic, and some factors like ageing, which comes with lower oestrogen levels, can cause the vagina to become drier and less elastic.”

So, technically, “loose” isn’t the accurate term, as the vagina doesn’t completely lose its stretch. It just becomes less elastic than before.

So, can sex loosen it?

No. Mary confirms it’s physically impossible for penetration to make the vagina less elastic.

“Sex is not enough to destroy the muscles of the vagina to the point where it loses its elasticity. It’s simply incapable.”

Here’s how it works: The vagina’s anatomy allows it to get lubricated and naturally expand when aroused to accommodate a penis or sex toy. Immediately after intercourse, the vagina returns to its regular state.

What factors can contribute to a loose vagina?

Mary explains that only two factors can alter the vagina’s elasticity: Childbirth and age.

“During childbirth, the muscles of the vagina stretch considerably to accommodate the baby’s size, and this typically results in weakened vaginal muscles. But even then, the muscles go back to normal in about 6 – 12 weeks. However, things like multiple childbirth and trauma during delivery may weaken the muscles even more and increase the risk for the muscles to start losing stretch.

For ageing, as I explained earlier, oestrogen levels dip when women become menopausal, which in turn affects vaginal elasticity.”

Ageing is also associated with a weakened pelvic floor, as a result of decreased collagen production; a structural protein that serves as the main component of the body’s connective tissues. The pelvic floor contains muscles that strengthen the vagina, so when they become weak, the vagina is unable to stretch and relax as it normally should, making it less elastic.

Can the vagina become “tight” again?

We’ve determined that the vagina doesn’t exactly become “loose”, so it can’t be said to be “tight” either, unless you’re talking about vaginismus.

However, you can strengthen the muscles around the vagina to help elasticity and enable it to contract/stretch and relax as it should.

“In the event that childbirth contributes to weakened vaginal muscles, exercises like kegels help strengthen the pelvic floor, and tighten the muscles around the vagina. They’re also the safest option.

For ageing, therapy options like providing synthetic hormones to postmenopausal women help. In some cases, more advanced procedures like laser and radiofrequency tightening and vaginoplasty may be advised. However, these have a certain level of risk and should only be done by licensed medical practitioners.

In response to whether the “vagina tightening” creams and gels marketed by so-called wellness experts work as well, Mary responds in the negative.

“What most of these creams and gels do is dry out the mucosal lining of the vagina, thereby decreasing lubrication. Without lubrication, there’d be more friction during intercourse which gives the false sense that the vagina is tighter. The vagina stretches to accommodate the penis with help from lubrication. If that’s absent, users of these creams may experience temporary swelling of the vaginal tissues from friction which is termed to be “tightening” but is short-lived.

Some of these creams also have astri n gent qualities that tighten the vaginal walls for a short time, but it’s not a permanent option. It’s also unsafe because it can result in pain and micro tears in the vagina, leaving it vulnerable to infection and inflammation”.

This should be your reaction if anyone tries to sell it to you

The takeaway

No amount of penetrative sex can loosen the vagina, whether with multiple sexual partners or one. The only factors that can make the vagina lose its elasticity are childbirth and age. Even then, there are options to improve elasticity, and kegel exercises are the safest bet. So, if anyone makes a claim about a woman’s vagina being “wide” because she’s had many partners, feel free to hit them *figuratively* with facts.

NEXT READ: Talk True: Is Period Syncing a Real Thing?

Tife Oni

June 14, 2023

Her, Talk True

female health, loose vagina, medical myths, myth debunked, Sex, Vagina
Talk True is a Zikoko limited series for medical myth-busting. With each episode, we’ll talk to medical professionals about commonly misunderstood health issues to get the actual facts.

The odds of you waking up and developing a sudden craving for cranberry juice are pretty minimal. With its characteristic tart taste, cranberry juice doesn’t rank high on popular refreshment choices, but it’s a hit in the online feminine wellness space.

Here’s why

A quick vaginal health/wellness search on Instagram will reveal many vendors touting the belief that cranberry juice will make Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) go away forever. Is this claim based on facts, or is it a myth? Dr Mary Alo provides answers.

First off, what’s a urinary tract infection?

As the name implies, it’s a bacterial infection of any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. In women, it’s typically characterised by a burning sensation while peeing, cloudy or bright red urine, frequent passing of small amounts of urine, fever and pelvic pain.

Image: Sora Shimazaki on Pexels

While men can also have urinary tract infections, women are at a greater risk because they have a shorter urethra than men, making it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder. Other gender-specific risk factors include using contraceptive diaphragms, pregnancy, frequent sexual activity with new partners and menopause.

It’s important to note that while sex can cause bacteria to move further into the urinary system, UTIs aren’t contagious/sexually transmitted infections.

You know what’ll be contagious, though? The amount of fun you’ll have at HERtitude — Zikoko’s women-only party for the hottest babes. Get tickets here.

How does cranberry juice come in?

Some sources also claim that regular intake of cranberry juice improves the vagina’s “taste” — even though no scientific evidence supports the claim. But Mary explains the flaw in this logic.

“UTIs are infections majorly caused by a bacterial organism called Escherichia coli (E. Coli), and as such, are best treated with antibiotics. The rationale for using cranberry juice is that it can, in a way, help to preserve the flora. Infections are more likely to occur when the normal flora of the urinary tract is disturbed. E. Coli works by attaching itself to the host’s tissue, and current hypothesis suggests that cranberry juice works to prevent the adherence of E. Coli to the urothelium of the urinary tract. Without this attachment, the bacteria can’t infect the mucosal surface, thus preventing an infection from occurring.

But this is prevention. It isn’t enough rationale to use it as a form of treatment as UTIs can only be treated with antibiotics.”

Should you ditch it, then?

Not exactly.

“It makes more sense to use cranberry juice in a proportionate amount as a preventive measure, though I wouldn’t recommend that’s all you use to prevent urinary tract infections.

You can use it in addition to concrete preventive measures like drinking more water, urinating before and after sexual intercourse to limit the spread of bacteria, wiping the vaginal area from front to back after using the toilet and not abusing antibiotics.”

Better treatment options for UTIs

Mary emphasises that urinary tract infections can only be treated with antibiotics.

“Once your healthcare provider confirms that the symptoms point to a urinary tract infection, the next thing to do is prescribe the appropriate antibiotic regimen for treatment. Don’t let people who are more profit-oriented tell you otherwise. Cranberry juice is just one of many ways to prevent UTIs — especially in recurrent infections — and it works in tandem with other preventive measures.”

The takeaway

Cranberry juice has benefits for feminine wellness and vaginal health, but it can’t cure urinary tract infections. At best, it’s a preventive measure, but not in isolation if preventing UTIs is the primary goal.

YOU SHOULD ALSO READ: Talk True: Is Period Syncing a Real Thing?

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Tife Oni

May 25, 2023

Her, Talk True

female health, health and wellness, medical myths, medicine, Nigerians, Talk True
Talk True is a limited Zikoko medical myth-busting series. With each episode, we’ll talk to medical professionals about commonly misunderstood health issues to get actual facts.

If you paid close attention the first time you heard the term “toilet infection”, there’s a high possibility it was in a danfo. It probably involved someone standing in one corner of the bus selling pills they swore were the solution to all your life’s problems.

Sigh

If it wasn’t a danfo, it was one of those loud voices that repeatedly thundered from hidden speakers in the market urging you to buy “Dr Iguedo’s Goko Cleanser” to clear the million toilet infections in your system. If you asked the danfo entrepreneur or the cleanser marketers about what the symptoms of toilet infections are, their responses would range from “itching in the vaginal area” to “watery smelly discharge” and even “infertility”.

But are toilet infections really a thing? What state must your toilet be in to “infect” you? Itohan, a general medicine practitioner, speaks on this.

What’s a toilet infection?

“Toilet infection is a layman — and often misleading — term for vaginitis,” Itohan says.

Google-trained doctors be like…

Vaginitis (or vaginal infection) is an inflammation of the vagina that may result in itching, unusual discharge and pain. It is usually caused by either one/or a combination of a bacterial or fungal infection, a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, a sexually transmitted infection (like Trichomoniasis) or even menopause. And it’s actually a common medical condition.

“About one-third of women — especially those in the reproductive age — will have vaginitis at one point or another.”

But is it gotten from toilets?

The list of probable causes above doesn’t mention toilets, but I ask Itohan to be sure.

“No. It’s definitely not. A dirty toilet doesn’t lead to a vaginal infection. To know what might be causing inflammation, it’s important to look at the symptoms and more likely causes.

When due to a fungal infection, vaginal inflammation is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (a fungus called Candida). This type of vaginitis is called a yeast infection or vaginal candidiasis and is characterised by intense itching around the vulva, a burning sensation after sex or urination, thick white cottage-cheese-like discharge and general soreness.

Another type of vaginitis is bacterial vaginosis, and it’s typically a result of an imbalance in the normal vaginal bacteria due to factors like douching or unprotected sex with a new partner. The difference here is, this type usually comes with an abnormal offensive odour. Some people don’t even experience itching or any symptoms with bacterial vaginosis.”

While Itohan insists dirty-toilets-causing-infections are a myth, she admits irritants can upset the vaginal environment and cause vaginitis.

“We call this type non-infectious vaginitis, and it’s often caused by an irritation or allergic reaction. Some people will start to itch when they come in contact with chemicals from perfumed soaps, detergents or tissues. This is why your doctor will always advise you to clean the vulva with water and mild soap. Vulva, not vagina, please. That’s another recipe for bacterial imbalance.”

And definitely don’t do this:

learn to steam after your period with herbs like rosemary, cloves or just hot water. Sometimes cook hibiscus leaves, mint, cloves, ginger/garlic, lemon, together and drink. The V is self cleaning but pls wash your vulva. It is not. Treat UTI frequently if u always use public T's
— Christabel🌼🇳🇬😈 (@Thatngwagirl) March 16, 2023

Generalising can be dangerous

As someone who’s seen several cases of vaginitis, Itohan understands the dangers of blanketing every symptom as a “toilet infection”.

“Most people attribute every itch or discomfort they feel to yeast or some toilet infection and just use boric acid to relieve the itching. But you need to know the actual cause if you want long-term relief.

Imagine treating vaginitis caused by trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, with boric acid (which treats yeast infections). You’d get temporary relief but left untreated, trichomoniasis can last years and cause complications like premature delivery in pregnant women and poses an increased risk for cervical cancer.”

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Should you be worried?

Even though vaginitis may be concerning, it’s not something to be too worried about.

“Whatever the cause of vaginitis is, it’s usually treatable. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Don’t be scared to visit your doctor. It’s ten times better than relying on what Aunty A from Instagram said she used to treat hers.”

Know your body, babes

The first step to properly detecting and managing vaginitis is knowing your body well enough to observe when something’s off.

“Every woman has some form of vaginal discharge and smell. The discharge tends to change in consistency and quantity throughout the menstrual cycle. When you’re in tune with your vaginal health, you’d know when there’s a different odour.

For example, yeast infections are probably the most common type of vaginitis (after bacterial vaginosis), and it tends to reoccur in most ladies. A babe who’s had it before and is self-aware knows to watch out for factors that increase the risk, such as using antibiotics and birth control pills which may disrupt normal vagina flora, hormonal changes due to the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or any condition that causes a weakened immune system. Again, most types of vaginitis are highly treatable.”

On treatment

Itohan emphasises that treatment is relatively simple and accessible, but the right diagnosis is key.

“Once a diagnosis is made by your doctor or healthcare provider, treatment will typically involve over-the-counter pills, creams or suppositories. A yeast infection requires antifungal medications, while antibiotics are the go-to for bacterial vaginosis. See why proper diagnosis is important?”

Preventing vaginitis is also very possible, and mainly requires some lifestyle changes.

“Avoid douching like a plague. Please don’t steam your vagina to make it ‘tight’. It may destroy naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina and lead to an infection. Avoid scented tampons or soaps. Change out of wet clothing as soon as you can. Clean your sex toys after every use. Use water-based lubricants, and of course, use protection with new sexual partners.”

If you have recurring vaginitis, please visit a doctor or healthcare provider.

NEXT READ: Why Women’s Nipples Hurt, According to Marion

Tife Oni

April 26, 2023

Her, Talk True

health, Healthcare, medical myths, myths, Nigerian, Talk True, Women