[Chemical burns after use of a vaginal tightening stick: an unknown adverse effect of a popular international product].

BACKGROUND

Use of vaginal tightening sticks appears popular among women and the stick can be easily purchased through international websites. The stick promises tightening of the vagina and a decrease in vaginal discharge.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 40-year-old female patient presented with severe chemical vaginal burns after having used a vaginal tightening stick that she had bought online. After multidisciplinary consultation, surgical irrigation and debridement of the wound were performed followed by placement of a tampon with estriol cream which was refreshed daily for the course of one week. Complete recovery was achieved.

CONCLUSION

The use of vaginal tightening sticks is relatively unknown, but it's sequelae can be of great importance. Knowledge about it leads to faster and better treatment and can be improved through reporting to instances such as a pharmacovigilance centre (in The Netherlands: Lareb).