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Thanks to Kim Kardashian, we're well acquainted with the vampire facial. Still unclear? Allow us to explain.
A vampire facial involves platelet rich plasma (PRP) - stem cells - being extracted from your blood. Applied after microneedling (repeatedly piercing the skin with tiny, sterile needles), PRP can apparently reduce the appearance of sun damage and give skin a more youthful look.
If that's enough to make your skin crawl, look away now...
Just when we thought we'd heard about the most extreme beauty treatments, we've discovered that women are having vampire facials on their nether regions to improve their sex lives.
The 'O' Shot, as it's been nicknamed, is a non-surgical treatment that supposedly increases sexual arousal and 'rejuvenates' the vagina.
The procedure takes inspiration from the "vampire" facial, in which “high quality” Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is taken from a patient's arm and injected into the vagina, creating a blood clot called a 'haematoma.'
Dr Sharif Wakil, who was trained by the original inventor of the vampire facelift, Dr Charles Runels, told The Independent that he estimates around 2,000 patients have received the treatment so far both in the UK and globally.
Dr Wakil, who practices the procedure at the Dr SW clinic in Harley Street, said that the 'O' shot offered patients enhanced natural lubrication, greater arousal, as well as an increase in the strength and frequency of their orgasms.
“The PRP generated in the centrifuge contains cell regenerating growth factors which, when injected into the vagina, trigger stem cells to increase blood flow and generate healthy tissue growth as well as helps improve the vascularization of the area,” he explained.
Dr Wakil added that the procedure, which takes around 40 minutes to administer, has been one of the most-requested treatments at his clinic.
“The rise of non-surgical genital rejuvenation, in general, has increased a lot due to the advanced technology that is now present and patients now started to be informed but we are still in a very early stage.
“The fact that women finally heard about a treatment that can at least help them regain some of their sensitivity as there was nothing at all in the market for that."
The 'O-Shot' might be on the rise, but women's health experts have routinely warned against women receiving any invasive vaginal procedure.
Writing on her blog, gynaecologist Dr Jen Gunter warned that there were "no studies at all suggesting the 'O-Shot' improves orgasm or sexual function".
"There is no animal or human data suggesting it is safe to inject in vaginal epithelium or into the clitoris. Who knows if this could spread the human papilloma virus or herpes to other areas of the lower genital tract?" before adding that she could "think of a thousand ways this could harm women".
While the ability to reach orgasm remains a very real and debilitating problem, it's advised by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists that women experiencing difficulties check in with their GP or go to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic.
In the meantime, we could all work towards building a better relationship with our vaginas.
[Via GLAMOUR UK]
