By: Sainabou Sambou
Dr. Musa Marenah, an obstetrician-gynecologist and Programme Manager for Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, issued a warning to young women regarding the use of unverified virginity pills and herbal remedies.
Dr. Marenah highlighted the potential health risks of these products, which have been gaining popularity. He cautioned that the consumption of these pills and herbs could result in numerous complications, including issues with future conception and pregnancy, infections, difficulties during sexual intercourse, and irregular menstrual cycles.
He noted that these products could cause physical harm to the vaginal area, leading to problems such as the vaginal walls sticking together, which can have long-term health consequences.
“The risk of infection is significant, particularly if the medication is produced or handled in unsanitary conditions,” Dr. Marenah explained. “Moreover, if these products contain harmful chemicals, they can cause corrosion, potentially impacting both the woman and her partner.”
The warning comes amid growing concern about the widespread use of these unregulated products. Dr. Marenah’s advice underscores the importance of seeking professional medical guidance and relying on scientifically validated methods for health and well-being rather than resorting to unproven solutions that may pose serious health risks.
In a candid discussion, Dr. Marenah elaborated on the different types of virginity pills available in the market, explaining that some are designed to be inserted hours before sexual intercourse to produce a red color, simulating bleeding. In contrast, others claim to tighten the vagina, potentially leading to surgical intervention for re-enlargement.
Dr. Marenah emphasized that there is no scientifically validated test for virginity globally, dispelling the myth that virginity can be verified through any medical test.
He highlighted the confusion and misinformation that young women often face regarding the concept of virginity.
Clarifying common misconceptions, Dr. Marenah explained, “What most people focus on is the presence of the hymen. The hymen is a thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening. It is important to understand that every woman is different; some are born with hymns, while others are not. It has no blood vessels, and its rupture does not necessarily cause bleeding.”
Dr. Marenah’s insights aim to educate young women about the myths surrounding virginity and to encourage informed, safe practices regarding reproductive health. He underscores the importance of seeking accurate medical advice and understanding the biological realities rather than relying on cultural myths or unproven products.
The sale and use of artificial and herbal virginity pills have become a notable trend in The Gambia, with businesswomen like Musu and Zaaja actively participating in this market. Musu, a Nigerian woman in The Gambia, claims that imported products from Nigeria have attracted over a thousand customers, primarily Gambians. She offers her pseudo virginity pills at D7000 and herbal medications starting from D300.
According to Musu, the herbal medicines are designed to be used on the wedding day, requiring a specific insertion and cleansing process over four pills.
Similarly, Zaaja, not her real name, a Gambian business owner, imports her version of fake virginity pills from China. She reported selling these pills for D7000 in 2024, with a price increase to D8000 in 2025. Zaaja differentiates her service by offering guidance to purchasers, directing them to a doctor for assistance with the insertion process, and recommending usage starting one week before the wedding.
Both vendors highlight a demand for these products, reflecting cultural pressures and misconceptions surrounding virginity.
Consumers must understand the potential health risks and lack of scientific validation associated with these products. Education and access to accurate reproductive health information remain crucial in addressing the myths and societal expectations tied to virginity.
The use of fake virginity pills, also referred to as artificial hymen products, has been observed in The Gambia and other African countries. However, specific statistics regarding their prevalence are scarce. The informal nature of the market, coupled with a lack of formal research and the social stigma associated with the topic, contributes to the limited documentation of their use.
Cultural expectations surrounding virginity can significantly influence women’s choices, leading them to seek products that promise to restore the appearance of virginity.
A 2017 report by the Nigeria Center for Reproductive Rights highlighted this issue, noting that many women use products claiming to “tighten” the vagina. Yet, it did not provide specific data on the number of users.
In 2018, the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reported that many of these virginity pills are unregulated and may contain harmful substances. However, it also did not indicate how prevalent their use is. Similarly, a 2019 report from the Kenyan Ministry of Health raised concerns about unapproved herbal products with claims related to virginity restoration, again without providing specific user statistics.
Despite the potential health risks associated with these products, reports from across Africa indicate that many young women may choose to use them to navigate societal pressures and avoid the stigma related to virginity. This highlights a complex intersection of cultural beliefs, health implications, and individual choices in addressing social expectations.
