Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can A Hair Dryer Used Near The Genitals Lead To Air Embolism?
Question: Hello I was instructed by the gynaecologist to blow my vagina dry with the hair dryer to prevent yeast infections. I did this about five hours ago not holding it very close and blowing air into it. I am now worried about an air embolism because I read somewhere else on the internet that this is possible. I really did not hold the dryer at the vaginal opening I felt a little bit of air though obviously. Do I have anything to worry about?
Brief Answer:
You forcibly need to blow air into the vagina to worry about air embolism
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today. Ait Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Air embolism from air in the vagina is an extremely rare complication and has only been reported in the world in a handful of cases. The most commonly reported cause was air being forcibly blown into the vagina (with no way to come back out) during sexual activity, either by blowing into the vagina in oral sex or air trapped in the vagina forced upward by intercourse. Risk factors include pregnancy and having your period in these situations as unless there is a blood vessel near the top of the vagina there is no way for the air to get into your bloodstream.
Blow-drying your perimeum does not force air into the vagina in this way, and there is no reason to be concerned about air embolism from drying the outside of your vagina, even if a little air blows on the opening. As long as you do not insert the end of the dryer into the vagina, you do not need to be concerned about air embolism.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was reassuring. If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
You forcibly need to blow air into the vagina to worry about air embolism
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today. Ait Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Air embolism from air in the vagina is an extremely rare complication and has only been reported in the world in a handful of cases. The most commonly reported cause was air being forcibly blown into the vagina (with no way to come back out) during sexual activity, either by blowing into the vagina in oral sex or air trapped in the vagina forced upward by intercourse. Risk factors include pregnancy and having your period in these situations as unless there is a blood vessel near the top of the vagina there is no way for the air to get into your bloodstream.
Blow-drying your perimeum does not force air into the vagina in this way, and there is no reason to be concerned about air embolism from drying the outside of your vagina, even if a little air blows on the opening. As long as you do not insert the end of the dryer into the vagina, you do not need to be concerned about air embolism.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was reassuring. If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
