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Beware, use of alum for vagina tightening can’t restore lost virginity

Senior reproductive health experts have said no amount of alum used to wash the vagina to tighten it will ever restore lost virginity.
The maternal health specialists advised women indulging in such a harmful practice to desist from it, warning that it could introduce infection to the vagina and also expose them to the risk of infertility.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH HealthWise, the gynaecologists affirmed that using alum to wash the vagina won’t regrow a ruptured or broken hymen, stressing that virginity is a thing of the mind.
Alum is an inorganic chemical compound that is generally made up of water molecules, aluminum or other metals, and sulfates.
An Associate Professor and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu State, Dr. Uche Agu, described the practice as a pure misconception that had no place in medicine.
Agu explained, “Using alum to wash the vagina is a misconception by some women that it gives them a sense of tightness and a sense of virginity. But it is just a misconception and deceit because it doesn’t mean anything.
“It is very dangerous because alum can be corrosive and cause some burning and irritation of the vaginal wall.
“It can cause scarring and might even block or narrow the place terribly and might require some surgical interventions to open up.
“So, it is a very bad practice, it does not help anyone, rather it is dangerous. When you are using that substance on the vagina, by the time it erodes the walls of the vagina, causing burning, then infection can set in. That infection can spread up to the uterus and cause infertility in the future.”
According to him, the infection that might arise from the use of alum in washing the vagina can block the fallopian tubes and cause infertility.
The gynecologist also warned that such a harmful practice could lead to complications in pregnancy if the woman escapes infertility.
“If the woman eventually gets pregnant and the vagina is narrowed, it will be difficult for a baby to pass through a narrow canal.
“So, if the baby eventually passes through there, it causes a lot of injury to that area that can result in complications like vaginal fistula.
“And when the baby may not able to pass there, it leads to surgical delivery and cesarean section because that place is narrowed. That is the complication in childbearing”, Dr. Agu said.
The gynaecologist pointed out that washing the vagina with alum would not recreate a lost hymen.
Continuing, he said, ” Once the hymen is broken, depending on the level of breakage or laceration, the hymen can heal if it is a slight laceration and nobody knows that anything has gone in there.
“There is one called complete laceration. If it is completely transected, that is the whole feature of the hymen is lacerated, it does not heal that it will not be noticed. Again, if it is a partial laceration, it can heal.
“But in a situation where one has lost virginity over some time, the hymen has been torn terribly due to recurrent sexual intercourse leading to further diminishing of the size of the hymen, it does not regrow at all. ”
In a 2022 article published by Gynaecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine in ScienceDirect, the authors said several vaginal practices put women at higher risk for reproductive tract infections.
ScienceDirect is a website that provides access to scientific and medical publications.
The researchers noted that worldwide, women perform a variety of vaginal practices to enhance their hygiene and sexual health.
“Some of the products commonly used include intravaginal cleaning (douching or washing with liquids), intravaginal and extra vaginal wiping, and intravaginal insertion of substances that dry or tighten the vagina and boost sexual pleasure.
“However, the standard vaginal pH of 4.5, essential for maintaining a healthy vaginal immune barrier, can be disturbed by such feminine practice.
“Products used may affect the composition of the usual vaginal microbiome through alteration of pH or direct bactericidal effects.
“We should continue to increase awareness to counter the misinformation resulting from marketing campaigns and common misconceptions”, the researchers said.
Also, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Dr. Modupe Adedeji, said such practice could introduce infections to the vaginal environment and cause more serious health problems.
Adedeji advised women not to use anything that would tamper with the normal vaginal environment.
“ But some people will go and pick something from the shelf without reading the content and it will start destroying the normal vaginal environment.
“They can introduce the infection to the area thereby compounding the problem. In the end, they are left with an infection”, she said.
News
INEC ought to have archived recall petition long ago-Senator Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting a petition to recall her as the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The lawmaker, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said the electoral umpire should have thrown out the petition long before it did on April 3, 2025.
“I’m a lawyer. I’m a senator and I understand how Nigeria works. For me, the most important thing is this recall process has been stalled.
“I give kudos and credit to INEC even though I believe they should have thrown it away from the get-go.
“I think it was void ab initio because there is no law in the Electoral Act that says a petition should be discarded just because there is no address but again, what if the address is false?”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain argued that most of the addresses provided in the petition for her recall were false because most houses in her district weren’t labelled.
Even though INEC did count 208,000 signatures, I bet you if they had gone into the verification stage, they would have struggled to even have 500 people come out to attest to signing that,” she added.
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We’re putting together new 2025 Budget for Rivers-Ibas

…hosts Delegation Of Rivers NASS Caucus
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has said that an appropriation bill for 2025 is being articulated to provide for critical development concerns in healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas also said that the anticipated budget will cater to creating more employment opportunities for Rivers people and advance delivery of technology in critical facets of public life.
The administrator gave the hint when he hosted the delegation of Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Those on the delegation included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Hon Dumnamene Dekor, Hon Solomon Bob, Hon Cyril Godwin Hart,
Hon Blessing Amadi, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon Kelechi Nwogu, and Hon Victor Obuzor
Ibas said he has been resolute, since assumption of office, to restore law and order, and with support from the security agencies, an environment has been created where Rivers residents feel valued and safer.
The Administrator stated that the commitment is to make Rivers a model of peace in the comity of States, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.
“In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State.
“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas stated: “The budget which is been finalized focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.
“We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay.”
The Administrator noted that to get the task done, the support of the legislators will be required as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly.
He sued for their assistance in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing that would bring the initiative of his administration to fruition.
“Your partnership is critical to success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”
He explained that in the face of the challenges that beset Rivers, which led to the State of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, dialogue, community engagement and reconciliation were deplored to build trust among the citizenry.
He noted that the people of Rivers State have shown incredible resilience and patience in the efforts taken so far to restore the State back to the path of peace and respect for the law.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas assured that his administration remains committed to achieving enduring peace for the state.
He said: “Beyond security, we have prioritised community engagements as a central part of our strategy. Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been key to building trust among our people.
“We are determined to strengthen the bond of unity in Rivers State and to foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected. Together, we are making strides in ensuring that peace becomes a permanent feature of our state.”
Responding, Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District, said they are dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that will bring development to the State.
While commending the administrator for the modest successes he had achieved so far, Senator Mpigi pledged the support and cooperation of the legislators to ensure the return of the state on the path of law and order.
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Just in: Shettima jets out to attend Senegal’s independence

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal for official assignment.
The VP is expected to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the West African nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Senegal marks its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its liberation from French colonial rule in 1960.
The annual celebration is a significant event featuring national parades, cultural displays, and ceremonies highlighting the country’s achievements and unity.
A statement issued on Thursday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima’s participation followed an official invitation from Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
This underscored the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Senegal.
The two nations share longstanding relations, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), fostering cooperation on regional security, trade, and development initiatives.
The event is expected to reaffirm Senegal’s commitment to democratic governance and regional cooperation.
Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Nigeria immediately after the one-day celebrations, continuing his engagements in national development and diplomatic outreach.
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