A disturbing new trend called 'period scooping' has gone viral on TikTok, prompting urgent warnings from medical professionals about potential health dangers. The practice involves women manually removing menstrual blood and uterine lining with their fingers during showers, with some claiming it reduces daily flow.
The Viral Origin of Period Scooping
The conversation began when an American woman claimed her gynaecologist had offered to 'scoop out' her period to eliminate menstruation entirely. While medical experts quickly debunked this as a non-existent procedure, the discussion took an alarming turn as numerous women began sharing that they regularly practice 'scooping' at home.
What Exactly Is Period Scooping?
In a viral TikTok video that amassed over four million views in just four days, user Danielle Fewings demonstrated her daily 'scooping' routine during her menstrual cycle. The practice involves inserting fingers into the vagina to manually remove blood and shed uterine lining, with proponents claiming it minimises residual bleeding throughout the day.
Several women responded enthusiastically, declaring themselves long-time members of the 'scooping club.' One commenter wrote: 'I do that every shower! I feel cleaner and refreshed, I've done it forever,' while another added: 'It's just part of a period shower... otherwise you're gonna be dripping everywhere when you get out.'
Medical Professionals Sound the Alarm
Dr Nikki Ramskill, a verified GP specialising in women's health, has issued a strong warning against the practice. 'I completely understand why some women would want to do this – periods can feel messy, and the shower is where many of us want to feel "clean" again,' she explains. 'But "scooping" menstrual blood out of the vagina with fingers isn't something I'd recommend, and it's unlikely to make your period end sooner.'
The doctor highlights several significant health risks associated with period scooping:
- Irritation of delicate vaginal tissue
- Micro-tears that can lead to infections
- Increased risk of thrush and bacterial vaginosis
- Potential introduction of harmful bacteria
- Possible spotting from tissue damage
Safer Alternatives Recommended
For women concerned about menstrual cleanliness, Dr Ramskill recommends washing only the external vulva with warm water and avoiding fragranced soaps that can cause irritation. She suggests allowing blood to drain naturally in the shower without inserting fingers, and using proper menstrual products like period pants, cups, towels, or tampons for protection.
The expert emphasises that heavy bleeding, clots, strong odour, pelvic pain, or unusual discharge warrant medical consultation, as these could indicate underlying conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or thyroid issues that have effective treatments available.
As the trend continues to spread across social media platforms, medical professionals urge women to prioritise safe menstrual hygiene practices and consult healthcare providers about any menstrual concerns rather than following potentially dangerous online trends.
