A delicate episode, surrounded by surprise and medical attention, reveals the challenges of intimate health in old age
Last Monday, June 5, the city of Itaperuna, in the Northwest of Rio de Janeiro, was the scene of a case that caught the attention of both the medical community and the region’s residents.
A 70-year-old woman needed to be urgently hospitalized after arriving at the local Emergency Care Unit (UPA) with a foreign body in her genital region.
The incident, which initially surprised even health professionals, quickly gained attention due to its unusual nature — and for raising important debates about intimate health, sexuality in old age and body care.
According to information gathered by the Ururau portal, the elderly woman sought medical attention after trying to insert a carrot into her vaginal canal by her own means. During the act, the vegetable ended up breaking, getting stuck internally and causing intense pain, which led the patient to seek specialized help.
The Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) was called and provided immediate assistance, taking the woman to the UPA in Itaperuna. Given the severity of the situation, the medical team decided to transfer the patient to the São José do Avaí Hospital, where a surgical team performed the procedure to remove the object.
The surgical intervention was successful. Despite the risk of complications, such as perforations, infections or internal damage, the operation was carried out without major incidents. The patient is recovering, in a stable condition and under continuous medical monitoring.
According to hospital sources, the procedure required specific care due to the patient’s age and the sensitive area affected. The quick action of the professionals was essential to avoid further damage to the elderly woman’s health.
Although the case had a surprising impact, it brings to light a series of issues that are often neglected in society, especially in relation to the elderly:
Sexuality in old age: Longevity brings new challenges, including in the area of sexuality. Often, elderly people continue to be sexually active, but do not receive proper guidance on safe and healthy practices.
Taboos and silence: Shame or fear of talking about intimate health can lead people to resort to inappropriate methods, such as introducing non-recommended objects.
Lack of information: Limited access to sex education and the lack of regular gynecological monitoring are also factors that contribute to situations like this.
Experts argue that talking openly about these topics is essential to promote the physical and psychological well-being of the elderly, preventing risks and encouraging healthier practices.
Cases like this show the importance of a healthcare network prepared to deal with unusual situations without judgment, with care and professionalism. The UPA in Itaperuna and the Hospital São José do Avaí demonstrated efficiency and ethics in their care, providing the patient with the necessary care.
Furthermore, this episode highlights the urgency of awareness campaigns on responsible sexuality in all age groups, including the elderly, who are often forgotten in these discussions.
Despite some joking comments on social media, experts warn of the need to treat the matter seriously.
The risk of infection, bleeding and internal damage is real, and using inappropriate objects for intimate purposes can lead to serious consequences.
It is essential to understand that sexuality is part of human life at all stages — and that, with guidance and respect, it is possible to experience this aspect with safety, dignity and pleasure, regardless of age.
The episode involving the elderly woman from Itaperuna is, above all, a call for reflection. Behind a case considered unusual or even embarrassing, there is a person, a reality and a context that need to be understood with empathy.
In times when medicine is advancing and life expectancy is increasing, ensuring quality of life — including sexual life — involves information, prevention and openness to dialogue. Intimate health in old age should not be a taboo, but a right.