Vaginal ozone therapy (vaginal insufflation) is a needle-free local ozone treatment in which an ozone-oxygen mixture is delivered vaginally through a sterile, single-use applicator. The effect is a controlled oxidative stimulus on the vaginal lining and the antioxidant response it triggers 1; it is considered as support alongside existing treatment in recurrent vaginal infection and vaginal dryness, in cases with a gynaecological diagnosis. Ozone gas is not inhaled; no speculum is used.
I am a specialist in anaesthesiology and reanimation. I have practised ozone since 2010, and since 2019 with a Ministry of Health certificate. Diagnosis belongs to the gynaecologist; I plan this as support alongside existing treatment in diagnosed, recurrent cases. On this page I explain how the method works, where it stands and what it does not do. The general framework of ozone and its evidence status are on the ozone therapy page.
How does it work?
When the vaginal lining meets the ozone-oxygen mixture, ozone quickly turns into oxygen and short-lived compounds. The effect of ozone is a controlled oxidative stimulus: this stimulus strengthens the body’s own antioxidant defences 1. Laboratory studies have reported that gaseous ozone acts on Candida but does not fully remove its biofilm 2. The effect is local; unlike systemic ozone, the target is the vaginal tissue and flora. When a systemic route is needed, rectal ozone or major autohemotherapy is planned separately.
When do I consider it?
The situations I assess in my practice: recurrent vaginal yeast infection (Candida) and bacterial vaginosis that keep returning despite standard treatment, with a gynaecological diagnosis; vaginal dryness and atrophy complaints during and after menopause; odour and discharge complaints due to recurrent infection. What I consistently observe in these pictures in clinical practice is a reduction in recurrence and in complaints; I write this as experience, not as a promise.
Diagnosis is not my field. For undiagnosed discharge, itching or odour I ask for a gynaecological assessment first; the antifungal or antibiotic treatment prescribed by the gynaecologist is not stopped for ozone — ozone comes alongside it.
Being honest about the level of evidence
The clinical outcome literature for vaginal ozone rests on small studies and case series; the method’s basis is the studies examining ozone’s effect on tissue and microorganisms 12. In a retrospective series from Türkiye, carried out at a clinic that provides the method, vaginal ozone alone was used for bacterial vaginosis and few recurrences were reported during follow-up. Without a control group, and with internal inconsistencies in the patient numbers, this study does not prove efficacy; it only points to it 3. I do not rely on any comparative trial showing an advantage over standard treatment; this is why I place vaginal ozone alongside treatment, not in its place. I do not give unsourced percentages.
The procedure and pain management
Because I am an anaesthesiologist, I treat pain management as a separate part of the procedure.
The treatment involves no needle; what you feel is a brief, mild sense of fullness or coolness. No speculum is used; the application is done under a drape and privacy is maintained.
Aftercare
Same day
- You can return to daily life
- Sexual intercourse is not advised for 24 hours
Expected findings A slight increase in discharge or a cool sensation may occur; if itching or burning increases, contact the clinic.
Safety and anatomy
Because allergic reactions can occur rarely, treatments are carried out under medical supervision.
The applicator is sterile and single-use. The treatment can be performed with an intrauterine device (coil) in place.
Legal framework: In Türkiye, ozone therapy is performed by certified physicians within the framework of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (GETAT) Regulation. My clinic is routinely inspected by the district health directorate of the Ministry of Health and is inspected separately under its health tourism authorisation certificate. The products I use are recorded.
Who is not suitable
Treatment is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:
- Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Autoimmune disease in an active phase
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to the product components
- Uncontrolled chronic illness
- Untreated bleeding disorder or unregulated anticoagulant use
I do not perform these treatments during active cancer treatment. For a person with a history of cancer, I make the decision together with the treating specialist.
Treatment is postponed during menstruation and during an active herpes outbreak with lesions; it is planned after the period ends. With an undiagnosed complaint, a gynaecological assessment comes first.
Without being a medical contraindication, I also consider expectation and treatment to be mismatched in these situations:
- People with an undiagnosed complaint — a diagnosis comes first
- People who want to stop their current treatment — gynaecological follow-up and treatment continue
- People expecting a lasting result from a single session
Suitability is determined by consultation in every case.
Pricing
Under the applicable regulations, price information cannot be published on our website. The cost of a treatment depends on the product used, the technique chosen and the extent of the treatment. You can call the clinic for detailed information.
Frequently asked questions
Can vaginal ozone be done with an intrauterine device (coil) in place?
Yes, it can be performed with an intrauterine device in place. The decision is made at consultation.
Can vaginal ozone be done during my period?
No. No treatment is given during menstruation; it is planned after the period ends.
How soon after vaginal ozone can I have intercourse?
Sexual intercourse is not advised for 24 hours after treatment. You can return to daily life the same day.
Does vaginal ozone replace antibiotic or antifungal treatment?
No. I place vaginal ozone alongside the treatment prescribed by the gynaecologist, not in its place; I plan it as support in diagnosed, recurrent cases.
Planning your visit
My clinic is in Nişantaşı, Şişli, on the European side of Istanbul, approximately 45 minutes from Istanbul Airport.
For vaginal ozone therapy I suggest planning a stay of two to three days: arrival, consultation and treatment, and departure. Because this treatment may be planned as more than one session, it may require more than one visit. The first session takes place in Istanbul, and we plan the schedule of any following sessions together according to your travel arrangements, with remote follow-up in between. Flying is generally appropriate 24 hours after an injectable treatment.
Consultations are conducted in English. Follow-up after you return home is arranged remotely, and I remain reachable for any questions during the period in which the result develops.
You can read how I offer this treatment at my clinic, IV Point, on the ozone therapy page.
Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin — Specialist in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Diploma Registration No: 113606 Ozone Therapy Certificate — Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, 2019
Published: 22 February 2026 · Last updated: 2026-09-22 This content has been medically reviewed by Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin.
References
- Bocci V, Borrelli E, Travagli V, Zanardi I. The ozone paradox: ozone is a strong oxidant as well as a medical drug. Med Res Rev. 2009;29(4):646–682. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19260079/
- Zargaran M, Fatahinia M, Zarei Mahmoudabadi A. The efficacy of gaseous ozone against different forms of Candida albicans. Curr Med Mycol. 2017;3(2):26–32. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29354778/
- Ağlamış SÖ, Yılmaz Ergani S, Adeviye Şahin E, Şahin H, Şahin T. Efficacy and safety of intravaginal gas ozone therapy in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. J Health Sci Med. 2025;8(5):811–817. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1734344