Women are skipping their kegels in favour of wasps’ nests

Get ready to clench ladies, because this new ‘beauty trend’ is seriously ridiculous.

Some women are going to a lot of effort in the name of ‘vaginal rejuvenation’ and this latest method has us feeling a little sensitive. Apparently, many women are now grinding up wasp nests and inserting them, in the hopes of giving their lady bits a face lift. Let's just let that sink in. Yes, the “oak galls” are currently for sale on Etsy and are said to promote “women’s health and wellbeing”. The galls are said to tighten and clean the vagina, and make for a better sexual experience – do with that information what you will. However, these claims are not supported with any type of scientific research. Many gynecologists are now warning women to stay away from these types of products.

“This is a dangerous practice with real potential to harm,” said gynecologist Jen Gunter in a blog post. "This product follows the same dangerous pathway of other 'traditional' vaginal practices, meaning tightening and drying the vagina which is both medically and sexually (for women anyway) undesirable. "Drying the vaginal mucosa increases the risk of abrasions during sex (not good) and destroys the protective mucous layer (not good). It could also wreak havoc with the good bacteria," Gunter continued. “Here’s a pro-tip: If something burns when you apply it to the vagina, it is generally bad for the vagina.”

So there you have it, you can't beat a good kegel.