So what exactly is a yoni egg? Also called jade eggs, they’re—you guessed it—egg-shaped crystal that you insert into your vagina. Why would you or anyone you know do such a thing? Because they’ve (allegedly) been used for thousands of years as a tool to encourage sexual prowess, youth, and general vitality — three traits most of us would still call desirable.

These days, yoni eggs are pushed by tons of manufacturers and wellness blogs as an ancient solution for everything from vaginal tightening, to period cramps, to achieving better orgasms, to ending bladder leaks. The downside? Gynecologists and women’s health professionals are not in agreement about the validity of these benefits. In fact, Goop was fined $145,000 in 2018 for making “unsubstantiated” marketing claims about jade eggs they were selling. Still, some people who have used jade eggs swear they’ve built a better relationship with their body as a result. Today’s question: To egg or not to egg?

We reached out for answers across the aisle from both Lindsey Vestal, our resident pelvic health expert who you’ve met before, and Vanessa Cuccia, the founder of jade egg company, Chakrubs. If we had to sum it all up: Like many things, there’s a responsible way—and many, many irresponsible ways—to use jade eggs.

The argument *against* using a yoni egg

To begin with, you should avoid using yoni eggs if you’re someone who’s experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction (leaking and painful sex are just two of many possible symptoms). Lindsey explains that one of her biggest trepidations around yoni eggs is that they perpetuate the same problematic thinking about our pelvic floor as Kegels. 

Think about it: Yoni eggs are pretty heavy (they’re crystals, after all) and most people think that using them correctly means leaving them inside the vagina for extended periods of time. In practice, that’s like thinking you’ll build your biceps by walking around flexing them all day. The reality is that clenching any muscles—from your arms to your pelvic floor—for extended periods of time will cause fatigue, which can lead to soreness, pain, and general intensity of your other symptoms.

Doctors also regularly warn of the dangers of any rock sitting inside you. Because they’re porous, yoni eggs can be tough to clean thoroughly, which means you can put yourself at risk for infections like toxic shock syndrome and bacterial vaginosis. 

As a purveyor of authentic jade eggs, Vanessa is also adamant that consulting your doctor before you begin this practice is essential. She also adds that if you opt for an egg, purchasing it from a trusted source is super important. So many vendors are churning them out these days that it’s easy to wind up with an egg that’s not made from crystal at all, which means you’re likely just squeezing translucent kitchen marble.

The argument *for* (sometimes, under specific circumstances) using a yoni egg

So if yoni eggs aren’t a proven cure for pelvic floor maladies, and they’ve been associated with legitimate medical risks, why bother? Vanessa explains that “an intentional practice with the egg strengthens the relationship people have with their vaginas,” which doesn’t sound like such a bad thing. However, the key word there is “intentional.”

Lindsey says she’s never suggested a client incorporate jade eggs in their practice, and she’s never, ever known yoni eggs to improve a client’s medical condition. That said, she’s open-minded. What yoni eggs *do* offer is a chance to feel a little more connected with an area of your body—and with an allegedly ancient practice—that you might feel kind of dissociated from. If you’ve used a yoni egg and feel a particular connection to it, she can help re-incorporate it into your practice after the root of your pelvic floor dysfunction has been addressed, and *if* it’s deemed medically safe for your body. 

Yoni eggs aren’t lethal weapons, but doctors warn against them for good reason. They aren’t medically-endorsed solutions for pelvic floor dysfunction (or medical maladies) of any kind, and if they’re used irresponsibly they can be dangerous. If you do want to connect with your down under and decide to give yoni eggs a try, make sure you consult with your doctor and always, always, always purchase from a trusted source.

Would you try using a yoni egg despite concerns from the medical community? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Posted: July 31, 2019