Expert warns women not to put ice lollies 'down there' during heatwave
The combination of scorching temperatures, blazing sunlight and high humidity can drive people to extreme measures in a bid to cool down.
Apparently, this includes moving iced sweet treats 'down below' to reduce internal temperatures.
In light of this alarming trend, which reportedly reared its ugly head during the record-breaking heatwave that wreaked havoc on the UK earlier this week, a number of experts have spoken out over the risks involved.
For anyone lucky enough to have missed it, temperatures earlier this week annihilated the highest daily minimum recorded following an equally baking bank holiday. The heat even refused to relent through the night, with those living in London enduring minimal temperatures of 21.3°C through the night after daytime highs of 34.8°C.
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Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan previously noted: "We rarely see temperatures above 35°C, even in the summer months. So, to see temperatures getting close to 35°C in May is, as I say, pretty historic."
Desperate to escape the overbearing heat earlier this week, some Brits reportedly turned to a controversial 'cooling down' hack that intimate health experts are strongly against - applying an ice lolly to their nether-regions.
Speaking out as the warm summer months draw closer, sexual wellness expert Frankie Morris, from adult retailer SoloFun, issued a stark warning against pressing any frozen food onto genitalia, no matter how high temperatures climb.
"We aren't used to this heat, so it's obvious why people go to these extremes, but doing so will put your health at risk," she explained.
While lollies and popsicles being applied 'down there' might provide some brief, immediate relief from the heat, it's a decision that could have much more serious, long-term health consequences.
"Ice lollies, frozen food or anything else sugary near your intimate areas is going to cause you a problem," Morris continued. "The skin around these areas is sensitive to extreme cold, sugar, and flavourings that were never meant for intimate use.
"Using them in this way can cause irritation, discomfort and infections."
While this warning certainly applies to men, with frozen products touching their private parts potentially causing ice burn, the risk is much more prevalent to women, especially when it comes to insertion.
As well as irritation and infection, inserting an ice lolly into the vagina could increase the risk of it breaking while inside, which could result in a vast number of further issues, including trauma.
"If something has not been designed for intimate use, then it shouldn't be used there," Morris reiterated.
When it comes to cooling down safely, she suggests sticking to cold showers, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and choosing loose clothing.
It's also vital to stay hydrated, consume as much water as possible, and keep your room as cool as possible.
Morris concluded: "There are plenty of ways to cool down during this heatwave that don't involve putting your health at risk.
"While the heat is uncomfortable to many of us right now, the answer isn't to reach for something from the freezer and use it somewhere it was never meant to go."
How to cool down in a heatwave
We’re all aware of the basics of keeping cool during the warmer weather, such as avoiding the sun between 11am and 3pm, staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, taking cold showers and avoiding physical activity, but have you tried these little-known hacks to beat the heat? (Thank us later).
The correct way to sleep with a fan on
A good night's sleep is almost never guaranteed during a heatwave, leaving many of us turning to our trusty fan to get through the night. However, it could be having a hidden impact on your health.
But rest assured, as Dr Anis Khalaf has explained how to overcome this, the correct way.
"The key is to not have any of the wind blowing on you,” he said. “So try facing it away from your body, and the air will still circulate around the room."
Though bear in mind that electric fans only tend to work when the temperature is below 35 degrees.
Drinking milk
Thanks to the sugars, proteins and fats in milk, Dr Natasha Fernando claimed that a glass of the liquid ‘may be more hydrating than water’.
She told Metro: “Milk also contains sodium which allows your body to hold onto water for longer, aiding hydration levels.”
The Egyptian sleep method
Forget the Military sleep method, because this hack claims to keep you cool as well as help you nod off.
Psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, told VeryWellMind: "The Egyptian sleep method involves sleeping under a damp sheet, which cools off from evaporation.”
Just make sure the sheet is damp and not drenched, and the room is well-ventilated.
Keeping windows shut during the day
While it may sound counterproductive, you’re essentially inviting the hot air inside by leaving them open. And since most houses in the UK are designed to keep the heat in, you could be making the situation a whole lot worse.
Instead, wait until temperatures have dropped (such as in the late evening) to open your windows to allow cooler air to circulate. Keeping your blinds and curtains shut can also help.
Topics: Food and Drink, Weather, Women's Health, Health, UK News
Rhianna Benson