What is vaginal ozone application?
As defined in the Ozone Application Guideline (opens in a new tab) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, vaginal insufflation is “the procedure in which ozone gas at a suitable dose and volume produced by a medical ozone device is administered by the vaginal route using ozone-resistant, single-use sterile materials.”
Only physicians who hold the relevant certificate may perform the procedure, and only at premises authorised by the Ministry.
An important limit: the diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological complaints fall within the specialty of obstetrics and gynaecology. This procedure does not replace that assessment. If you have a gynaecological complaint, you should first be assessed by the relevant specialty.
When is the procedure considered?
For the guideline’s indication list, see the Major Ozone Therapy page.
Candidiasis appears in that indication list, and the guideline also states that ozone may be applied in a supporting role in human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. In these areas the vaginal route may be considered on clinical grounds.
Appearing in the indication list does not mean that the procedure will treat that disease. For applications in gynaecology and infertility, the guideline requires that the opinion of a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology be sought.
In which patients is the procedure not performed?
The patient groups in whom the procedure cannot be performed under the Ozone Application Guideline are listed below:
- Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency
- Patients with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (Basedow-Graves type)
- Pregnant patients
- Patients with malignant hypertension
- Patients with active and heavy bleeding
- Patients with profound thrombocytopenia
- Patients in the acute phase of conditions such as cerebral haemorrhage and heart attack
- Patients with acute alcohol poisoning
In the following patients, additional caution is required:
- In patients with a bleeding or clotting disorder
- In patients with a chronic condition (because of general medication interactions)
- In patients receiving intravenous copper or iron treatment
- In patients with haemochromatosis
In accordance with the guideline, the procedure is performed with the opinion of the relevant specialist physician in patients under 18 years of age, in oncology patients (with the opinion of the specialist physician primarily responsible for the treatment), in patients of advanced age and in patients during an acute flare of a chronic condition.
Additional conditions specific to this area
The procedure is not performed if the following are present:
- Pregnancy or a suspected pregnancy
- Active vaginal bleeding
During menstrual bleeding, the procedure is postponed.
In these situations, the procedure is planned subject to the physician’s assessment:
- The postpartum period (the opinion of a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology is sought)
- An active pelvic infection or undiagnosed vaginal discharge (assessed by the relevant specialty first)
- Recent gynaecological surgery or a gynaecological procedure
- An intrauterine device
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding (its cause is investigated first)
- No previous sexual intercourse
- A known gynaecological mass or a history of cancer (the opinion of the relevant specialist physician is sought)
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment and the decision on suitability. A detailed history is taken; the physician asks about the menstrual pattern, pregnancy status, gynaecological complaints and previous procedures. If needed, the opinion of the relevant specialist physician is requested.
- Information and consent. The physician explains the procedure, the method of application and the possible side effects, verbally and in writing; the information form is completed and signed.
- Preparation. The procedure takes place in conditions that respect privacy.
- The procedure. The medical ozone device produces an ozone-oxygen mixture at a suitable dose and volume, which is administered by the vaginal route using ozone-resistant, single-use material.
- Observation. The patient is kept under observation after the procedure.
All materials used are single-use and ozone-resistant. The device and the materials must be registered in the Product Tracking System. The area where the procedure is performed is well ventilated.
How long does it take, and how many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions and the interval between them are determined according to the person, the indication and the outcome of the assessment; a definite number cannot be given in advance. At each session the vital signs, the technique used and the side effects observed are recorded in the patient’s file.
What should you do before and after the procedure?
Before: in accordance with the guideline, you should come to the session having eaten a light meal. At the session, report:
- Whether you are having your period
- Your pregnancy status
- All the medicines and supplements you use
- Your known allergies
After: there may be short-lived tenderness, a sensation of gas or slight discharge. At the end of the session you are given written recommendations on matters such as sexual intercourse, swimming pools and the sea after the procedure.
Risks and side effects
Those that may be related to vaginal application: irritation, itching and a burning sensation in the area; a temporary increase in discharge; tenderness; rarely, minor bleeding; flare-up of an existing infection.
The side effects reported by the guideline for ozone applications:
- Low or high blood pressure
- Low or high blood sugar
- Particle reactions
- Itching at the application site
- Insomnia
- Gastritis
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
Rarely seen: air embolism, intraocular haemorrhage.
If side effects continue after the session, a further assessment is made and, if necessary, the procedure is discontinued.
Results vary from person to person.
When should you see a physician without delay?
If you experience these symptoms during treatment, contact your physician without delay:
- Bleeding after the procedure
- A high fever
- Foul-smelling or discoloured vaginal discharge
- Progressively increasing pain in the lower abdomen
- Increasing redness, swelling or burning in the area
In the event of sudden and severe abdominal pain, bleeding that does not stop, marked dizziness, fainting or altered consciousness, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
What does vaginal ozone application involve?
As defined in the guideline, ozone gas at a suitable dose and volume produced by a medical ozone device is administered by the vaginal route with ozone-resistant, single-use sterile materials.
Is this procedure sufficient for my gynaecological complaint?
No. The diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological complaints fall within the specialty of obstetrics and gynaecology, and this procedure does not replace that assessment. If you have a complaint, you should first be assessed by the relevant specialty.
Will vaginal ozone eliminate my disease?
No; no such statement may be made. The Ministry of Health guideline states this explicitly. The procedure is performed with the aim of supporting treatment that is already under way, and only where it is considered suitable after the physician’s assessment.
Is it performed during my period?
During menstrual bleeding the procedure is postponed. If you mention your menstrual pattern when you make the appointment, the session can be planned for a suitable day.
Is vaginal ozone performed during pregnancy?
No. The guideline lists pregnancy among the situations in which it cannot be performed. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, please say so at the beginning of the consultation.
Is vaginal ozone application uncomfortable?
There may be short-lived tenderness, a sensation of gas or slight discharge. These sensations vary from person to person. The procedure takes place in conditions that respect privacy, and what you may feel is explained to you beforehand.
How many sessions are needed for vaginal ozone application?
A definite number of sessions cannot be given in advance. The number of sessions and the interval between them are determined according to your indication and the outcome of the assessment.
Sources
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, General Directorate of Health Services, Ozon Uygulama Kılavuzu, Ankara, June 2025. https://ekutuphane.saglik.gov.tr/Yayin/697 (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Uygulamaları Yönetmeliği, Official Gazette 28 April 2026 / 33237 (this repealed the regulation dated 27 October 2014, number 29158, Art. 19). https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/04/20260428-2.htm (opens in a new tab)
