Table 2 Summary of intravaginal practices reported by women and men taking part in this study, using the classification proposed in the WHO Gender, Sexuality and Vaginal Practices Study [29]1
WHO Classification of Intravaginal Practices | IVP reported in this study | Motivators for IVP reported in this study |
|---|---|---|
External washing (cleaning vulva / external genitalia) | · soap and water | – to stop smell / remove dirt |
– to prevent sickness in the womb | ||
– to have children | ||
– to please sexual partners | ||
Intravaginal cleansing (internal cleansing or washing of the vagina) | · ‘Klina’ laundry soap | – for genital cleansing |
· bath soap and water | – to help remove excess fluids | |
– to please male sexual partners | ||
– to maintain reproductive health | ||
External application (rubbing or placing products onto the vulva / external genitalia) | Not reported | Not reported |
Intravaginal insertion (pushing or placing something inside the vagina) | · cotton, paper, tampons | – to absorb menstrual blood |
‘virgin soap’ | – to tighten vaginal wall in order to increase male partner pleasure | |
· ‘Klina’ laundry soap | – to induce abortion | |
– to help release menstrual blood | ||
– for cleansing the vagina | ||
· crushed garlic | – to help ensure a healthy womb | |
– to contract cervix after childbirth | ||
Oral ingestion | · bark / leaves of specific trees | – to prevent pregnancy |
· ‘Klina’ laundry soap | – to induce abortion | |
Vaginal steaming or smoking (sitting above a source of heat on which water and herbs or oils are placed to create steam or smoke) | · Steaming (using boiled water infused with herbs / garlic /bark / leaves) | – to facilitate flow of menstrual blood and prevent blockages |
· Smoking (using burnt coconut leaves) | – to cleanse and tighten the vagina | |
Anatomical modification (“cutting and pulling” for modifying the vulva; restoration of the hymen) | Vulva piercing | – to increase sexual pleasure (male / female) |