Published on
Updated
Reading 2 mins.
in collaboration with
Dr Odile Bagot (Gynecologist-obstetrician)
Marketed in batches of 20 at a price of 25 dollars (about 25 euros) by the company Akwards Essentials, the “dripsticks” are “sperm sponges”, designed to absorb this liquid. They put on like a tampon and promise to “clean the vagina” after sex. What is the interest of this type of product? Is it risk free? The opinion of Dr Odile Bagot, gynecologist and member of the Doctissimo expert committee.
British experts are sounding the alarm and urging all women not to use “gadgets” such as “dripsticks”.
A kind of “buffer” to absorb sperm
This product was introduced to prevent women from experiencing semen leaking from their vagina after sex. It is a pad made of polyurethane, a kind of sponge mounted on a stick, to absorb the uncomfortable fluids that can stain the sheets.
Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections
The company that markets it has made videos on TikTok, showing the use of this product. By wanting to denounce it, the doctors contributed to its spread, the video having quickly become viral on social networks. However, the prevention message is still valid: it is better not to use this type of product, although it is presented as a “hygiene product” by those who market it.
Indeed, according to several experts, the product would be harmful and could cause thrush, bacterial vaginosis or irritation. The risk of sexually transmitted infection would also be increased.
Disruption of the vaginal microbiome
When questioned, Dr Odile Bagot shares the point of view of the British experts. “Indeed, the vagina is self-cleaning, there is no need to insert anything to clean it. In the same vein, it is not recommended to do vaginal douching, because of the risk of disturbance of the bacterial flora”.
The increased risk of sexually transmitted infection is also possible according to her: “If semen infected with chlamydiae, for example, remains in more contact with the vaginal mucosa and does not evacuate, the woman will be more likely to be infected and the liquid can easily migrate to the cervix and fallopian tubes.“.
Finally, the specialist reminds us that it is important to urinate after sexual intercourse to limit the risk of urinary tract infection. And specifies that if the liquid which flows can be embarrassing, simple and inexpensive solutions, like “use toilet paper” exist.