Why do so many vaginal cleansing and vaginal "detoxing" products exist if they're so risky? Because there's a market for them. Some women feel insecure about whether their vagina is sufficiently clean and fresh.

And why would the companies that sell them want you to think any differently? They've got skin in the game. The feminine hygiene market has lately exhibited steady growth; by 2020, it's projected to reach $6.2 billion in the U.S. and $40 billion globally.

"There is definitely a big market for [these products]," says DePree. "In my opinion, there is an incredible amount of money spent for no good reason. And if you are unfortunate enough to have an adverse reaction to these products, you only create new issues."

And if you've ever worried about your vagina's smell, you probably don't need to.

"After 38 years in gynecological practice, I can say that women are much more attuned to their own scents than other folks are," Minkin assures. "The majority of times that a woman comes in complaining of a significant odor, I really don't smell much of anything."

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And what if there's something genuinely wrong with your vagina -- a newly funky smell, a persistent itch, or pain during sex? Then you don't need a detox; you need a doctor.

"If you are experiencing a bothersome change in vaginal discharge; odor or discomfort; vulvar skin changes, itching or irritation; or pain with intercourse, let your provider know," DePree says. "A thorough exam should be performed to determine the cause, and then, of course, the proper treatment."

Women should also be aware of the signs of pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the reproductive organs that requires immediate treatment by a doctor. "If a woman were to develop pelvic inflammatory disease, she would usually have significant pelvic pain, fever, and possibly some bleeding," says Minkin.

But if anyone ever tries to tell you to detox your vagina -- or your uterus, your cervix, or your freakin' chi pathways -- for the love of yoni, don't do it.

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