Women warned against use of alum powder

Hookers now serve couples!

HEALTH practitioners have warned against the use of alum powder (potassium aluminium sulphate) that has become a hit among women who allege it dries out excess fluids in their reproductive system and enhances sexual pleasure.

The health practitioners say the substance contains chemicals that cause more harm to the system than the good that is assumed.

According to pharmacists, alum powder is traditionally sold as treatment for mouth ulcers and tonsillitis. They say they are aware of the misuse of the powder as a tightening substance.

A general practitioner from a private hospital strongly discouraged the use of the powder saying the chemicals in the substance are very dangerous considering the delicacy of the female reproductive system.

Street vendors, however, trade it for as low as a US$1 to women who need it. An anonymous alum vendor confirmed positive results in the “newly found use of the powder”.

“So far, I get good comments from clients who say their partners were happy. As long as it is not overdosed all is well,” she said.

However, gynaecologist, Dr Elton Sengurayi from the Women’s Clinic in Bulawayo denounced its use saying it alters the natural state of the female reproductive system.

“Potassium aluminium sulphate is considered generally safe to humans if used appropriately. Because of its hygroscopic properties it can be used in constipation, excessive perspiration, et cetera. If used in the genitalia it causes absorption of water from surrounding tissues. This causes shrinkage and dehydration of the tissues - hence the tightening properties.

“The downside is that the female reproductive area is not meant to be naturally dry, hence may cause unnecessary unwanted effects. These may include infections and ulcerations,” he said.

Herbalist Patience Phiri also discouraged the use of the substance.

“I would like to discourage women from inserting anything into their private parts because they are putting themselves at risk of infections and cervical cancer. Once virginity is lost; it can no longer be recovered. I therefore prescribe kegels, a proper diet and education on sex. Use of unprescribed medications is not healthy,” she said.

“DON’T cheat with a woman I don’t know. Rather get a prostitute!”

This is the opinion of some partners who don’t want their significant others to mess around with people they don’t know.

To prevent their partners from doing that, they prefer that they get a hooker instead, as they believe the chances of their partners falling in love are slim.

A hooker in the city centre said many women who did this were those who were struggling to satisfy their partners. The hooker, who works the old Robert Mugabe and 11th Avenue area in Bulawayo, said they were used to men coming alone but now couples come for their services. One hooker said they were hired depending on the needs of the couple.

“Mostly couples agree if one partner is struggling to satisfy the other and doesn’t want them to cheat or start developing feelings for another person, then they come to us,” she said.

She said they usually drove to a guest house or a lodge and the man was allowed to sleep with the hooker while the woman waited in the car.

“But I hear that in some cases, women prefer to be present. I guess in that case, the woman would be struggling to get aroused. There are women who don’t have sexual feelings anymore.”

Sunday News spoke to a woman who said she would not mind buying sex from a hooker for their partner.

“I am diabetic and I wouldn’t mind if my partner sleeps with a hooker, provided they use protection,” she said.

A man (52) said he loved sex and he had an agreement with his lover that he could get services from a hooker.

“My partner and I are both oldish. She has a lower sex drive than I do but I love her to bits. So, we spoke about my libido and now I go with my partner when I go to buy hookers.

“She understands that I love sex. We even go inside the guest house together and she will wait for me while I’m busy with the hooker.”

He said it was better to get the services of hookers than dating slay queens or having a small house.

“Slay queens or small houses create problems in the family,” he said. - @RealSimbaJemwa