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Dry sex in Suriname
Tinde van Andel1, Sanne de Korte, Daphne Koopmans
1National Herbarium of the Netherlands, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands. T.R.vanAndel@uu.ml
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|December 18, 2007
Summary
Afro-Surinamese women use genital steam baths with drying herbs, a practice linked to increased HIV transmission. While potentially harmful, these baths also offer benefits like preventing womb infections.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Public Health
- Women's Health
Background:
- Dry sex practices, using plants to dry and contract the vagina, are prevalent in Africa and linked to STD transmission.
- Afro-Surinamese women utilize genital steam baths containing herbs with drying and tightening properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the health implications of genital steam bathing traditions among Afro-Surinamese women.
- To document the diversity and trade of herbs used in these practices.
- To understand the reasons behind women's use of vaginal steam baths.
Main Methods:
- Botanical specimens of steam bath herbs were collected.
- A market survey was conducted to assess ingredient trade.
- 140 women using genital steam baths were interviewed.
Main Results:
- A wide array of 177 plant species are used in vaginal steam baths.
- These baths are used for purposes beyond 'dry sex,' including uterine cleansing post-childbirth and menstruation.
- The practice is difficult to prohibit and may offer protective benefits against womb infections and puerperal fever.
Conclusions:
- The trade in steam bath herbs contributes to rising HIV rates among Surinamese populations.
- Dry sex practices may be more common in the Caribbean than previously recognized.
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