Would adding lemon, sugar to sanitary pads prevent infection?

Claim: A Facebook user, Promise Mgbeosoro, posted a video claiming that adding lemon and sugar to a sanitary pad before use will prevent infection.

Verdict: Misleading. Science and medical experts recommend the use of only water on the vagina.

Full Text

A Facebook user, Promise Mgbeosoro, posted a video saying that adding lemon and sugar to a sanitary pad before use will prevent infection.

 She said, “To prevent infection, do this brilliant idea that my mom taught.”

As of Sept. 20, 2025, the post had over one million views, more than 2,000 comments, and 431 shares. 

Comments under the post showed that most users doubted the claim, questioning its effectiveness and safety. 

Herckiss Hersey wrote, “Where’s the Kool-Aid? I usually add just a little bit.” 

Nkosingiphile R. Mkhatshwa warned, “And someone’s child will try this and get sick ayy.” 

Another user, Tessy Zak, said, “You people are just being wicked all in the name of getting money online.” 

Glory Godwin commented, “I wonder wetin some of una dey teach us for world infection, and you added sugar.”

DUBAWA decided to fact-check this claim due to its virality and the potential health risk it poses.

What does science say?

A scientific study on vaginal products found that lemon juice is highly acidic and can actually damage vaginal cells and kill Lactobacillus (the “good” bacteria that protect the vagina from infections). Instead of helping, Lemon juice may weaken the body’s natural defences. 

HealthShots, a women’s health platform, reports that lemon’s citric acid can lead to burning, rashes, and skin irritation, rather than instead of preventing infection.

Research on the interplay between sugar and yeast infections shows that high sugar levels encourage the growth of yeast, which is why women with uncontrolled diabetes, where blood sugar is elevated, often experience repeated yeast infections. 

Medical News Today explains that problems such as irritation, rash, or infection typically occur due to excessive moisture, heat, or prolonged use of a pad. 

Experts speak

The Medical Director of County Hospital, Azzun Amos, described the practice as unsafe, warning that it could instead expose women to infections. 

“I’m not aware that the addition of any fruit to panty liners gives any benefit. If anything, it can even be a source of infection. The best way to prevent vaginal infection is to maintain good hygiene, wear cotton underwear that allows air into the area, and avoid washing the vagina with soap,” he said.

Similarly, Christopher Aimakhu, the Second Vice President of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), stressed that there is no scientific basis for the claim. 

“I’m not aware that this works. I have never read any proven scientific evidence of this,” he said.

Conclusion

The claim that lemon and sugar on sanitary pads can prevent vaginal infection is misleading. Research and medical experts emphasise that such practices can cause irritation and increase the risk of infections rather than prevent them.