Vaginal ozone therapy (vaginal insufflation) is a minimally invasive form of medical ozone therapy in which an oxygen–ozone gas mixture is gently introduced into the vagina through a thin, sterile catheter. Vaginal health can be affected by hormonal changes, infections and stress, and recurrent problems such as vaginitis, yeast infections (candidiasis) and bacterial vaginosis can significantly affect quality of life.
Ozone is known as a powerful disinfectant and is also described as having anti-inflammatory and tissue-supporting effects. Vaginal ozone is used as a complementary approach for recurrent or persistent complaints – alongside, not instead of, gynaecological care. Every vaginal complaint should be properly diagnosed by a gynaecologist, and conditions such as HPV, cervical changes or pelvic infections must be managed and followed up within standard gynaecological care. The scientific evidence for vaginal ozone is limited and responses vary between individuals. At our clinic in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, it is offered after a medical assessment, with the utmost respect for privacy.
What Is Vaginal Ozone and How Is It Thought to Work?
A measured oxygen–ozone mixture is introduced into the vagina through a sterile, single-use, thin catheter, where it acts mainly on the vaginal lining. Its proposed effects include:
- Antimicrobial activity: ozone is a highly reactive molecule that oxidises the membranes of microorganisms, and it is used with the aim of reducing harmful bacteria and yeasts.
- Anti-inflammatory effects, which may help ease symptoms such as itching, burning and discomfort.
- Improved local oxygenation and tissue support, by increasing local circulation.
- Support for the local flora, helping create conditions in which the healthy, lactobacillus-dominated vaginal flora can re-establish itself.
Where Is It Used?
As a complementary measure, vaginal ozone is used in situations such as:
- Recurrent bacterial vaginosis – an imbalance of the normal vaginal bacteria with unpleasant-smelling discharge, which often recurs even after antibiotics.
- Recurrent vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis), with itching, burning and discharge, especially when they keep returning.
- Vaginal dryness and sensitivity after menopause (atrophic vaginitis), as a supportive measure alongside the gynaecologist’s recommendations.
For HPV and cervical changes, regular gynaecological follow-up, smear tests and the treatments recommended by your gynaecologist are essential; ozone therapy is not a treatment for these conditions.
How Is Vaginal Ozone Performed?
Consultation and Preparation
I listen carefully to your complaints, medical history, previous infections and treatments. A recent gynaecological examination, smear test or vaginal culture may be requested, so that the problem is correctly diagnosed and we can decide whether vaginal ozone is an appropriate and safe complementary option for you. Conditions in which ozone therapy is not used, such as pregnancy and G6PD deficiency (favism), are checked. How it works, the number of sessions and what to expect are explained clearly. Sessions are usually planned for after your period ends; no special preparation is needed.
The Session: Painless, Quick and Gentle
The session takes place in the gynaecological examination position on a special treatment chair, under sterile conditions with single-use materials:
- Preparation: the oxygen–ozone mixture is drawn from a medical ozone generator into a special syringe or bag, with the concentration and volume set according to your situation.
- Application: a very thin, flexible, soft, sterile catheter is gently inserted, and the gas is introduced slowly and carefully over about 1–2 minutes. There should be no pain or burning; at most you may feel slight fullness, which passes.
- Finishing: the catheter is removed gently. The whole procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes. You may rest for a few minutes before returning to your day.
Course and Results
Vaginal ozone is usually given as a course – often 2–3 times a week, about 8 to 12 sessions depending on the situation. Some women notice a reduction in itching, burning and abnormal discharge after the first few sessions; occasional booster sessions may be suggested afterwards. Effects vary from person to person, and the treatment should always be used as a complement to gynaecological care.
Book Vaginal Ozone
We will assess together whether it suits you.
This page is for general information. Suitability, possible side effects and expected results are assessed at a medical consultation; results vary between individuals.
