ZNFPC Warns Women Against Unregulated Herbal Products for Intimate Health

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) has warned women against using unregulated herbal products marketed for vaginal tightening, cleansing and other intimate health purposes, saying the products may expose users to serious reproductive health risks. The warning comes amid growing concern over the widespread sale of herbal products such as Ibhodo Labafazi, Pisa Pisa and Weti Yegudo, which are promoted on social media and in informal markets without approval from health authorities.

Speaking at a media workshop in Harare last Friday, ZNFPC nurse Fungai Mushosho urged women to avoid inserting substances into their bodies without medical advice.

"Don't put inside your body what you do not know. Most of these herbs are not prescribed through pharmacies or health institutions, yet women continue to use them without knowing what they contain," Mushosho said.

She encouraged women to consult qualified healthcare professionals before using products marketed for intimate health.

Mushosho expressed concern over the increasing popularity of herbal preparations sold outside regulated healthcare systems, warning that they could cause harm to women's reproductive health.

"Women should visit health facilities for cervical cancer screening and seek professional advice before using any product," she said.

"Early detection saves lives, and it is important for women to protect their reproductive health by avoiding unregulated herbs and relying on approved medical treatment."

She also claimed that healthcare workers were seeing increasing numbers of women diagnosed with cervical cancer and suggested that the use of some unregulated herbal products could be contributing to the problem. However, there is currently no established scientific evidence demonstrating that products such as Ibhodo Labafazi, Pisa Pisa or Weti Yegudo directly cause cervical cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer worldwide. The WHO says nearly all cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV infection, while the most effective prevention measures include:

• HPV vaccination.

• Regular cervical cancer screening.

• Early diagnosis and treatment of precancerous lesions.

• Access to appropriate medical care.

Health experts also caution against using unregulated vaginal products because they may cause irritation, burns, allergic reactions, infections, or disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, even where they have not been proven to cause cancer.

The ZNFPC urged women to rely on registered health facilities and approved medicines when seeking reproductive healthcare. Medical professionals advise that women experiencing vaginal discomfort, discharge, pain or other reproductive health concerns should seek prompt medical attention rather than self-medicating with products whose ingredients and safety have not been scientifically verified.

The council said increasing public awareness about cervical cancer prevention, HPV vaccination and regular screening remains critical to reducing the burden of one of Zimbabwe's leading cancers affecting women.

ZNFPC