Women Turn to Cetirizine Tablets for Vaginal Tightening Despite Health Risks

By Reporter.

Women seeking vaginal tightening are increasingly turning to cetirizine, an allergy medication, following social media claims that the tablets can make the vagina tighter.

Cetirizine is commonly used to treat allergic reactions and symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and skin rashes. However, some women are reportedly inserting the tablets into their vaginas, believing that the medicine can reduce moisture and create a tighter feeling during sexual intercourse.

The trend has raised concern among health professionals, who warn that women are confusing vaginal dryness with actual tightening.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) says cetirizine is designed to be swallowed and has not been approved for vaginal use.

According to PSK, although antihistamines can cause dryness as a side effect, this does not strengthen vaginal muscles or change vaginal anatomy.

Instead, inserting the tablets could cause irritation, discomfort, increased friction and injuries to delicate vaginal tissues.

The society has urged women to stop the practice and seek medical attention if they experience pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge or fever.

PSK has also warned pharmacies against promoting or dispensing the medicine for misuse amid reports of increased demand, rising prices and shortages.