An Exploratory Study on Vaginal Practices Amongst Female Sex Workers in Mombasa County, Kenya.

Abstract

This study was an exploratory study about vaginal practices among female sex workers in Mombasa County. It sought to find out the motivations, perceptions and methods of vaginal the basic question that the study set out to answer was ‗what motivated these sex workers to engage in vaginal practices‘? Therefore the aim of the study was to explore these practices and their effect on the reproductive health of the practitioners. The study used a mixed methods approach. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and observation of the products and the applicators used. The results show that female sex workers use vaginal practices as a way of cleansing and maintaining their vaginas through a variety of products for maintaining their client base as well as cleanliness and prevention of diseases. The products used include pure chlorine, incense, and cleaning products like washing powder, bleach and salt. This led to the conclusion that vaginal practices as well as the choice and product are directly related to the nature of sex work that the women engaged in. some of the products used have been linked to reproductive health problems like sores and blisters though no other adverse effects were reported amongst these female sex workers. On the basis of these conclusions the study recommends that similar studies be carried out in other areas in order to generate detailed information that can be used by those working with commercial sex workers to sensitize them on the possible risks of using vaginal practices