Vaginal Steaming - Benefits, Risks and Precautions

What Is Vaginal Steaming?

Vaginal steaming is an alternative health treatment done by exposing the vagina to steam to cleanse it. It is also called V-steaming or yoni steaming. This procedure can help to improve vaginal health. There is no scientific evidence to prove the effects of vaginal steaming or its benefits. But, few people have reported that vaginal steaming has various advantages that range from relieving period pain to improving fertility, cleansing the vagina and uterus, easing PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms, and regulating menstruation. Vaginal steaming is a natural remedy done from ancient times to cleanse the vagina and uterus, regulate menstruation, and ease period cramps and bloating.

How to Perform Vaginal Steaming?

Vaginal steaming can be done by squatting over a pot with steaming water that contains added herbs. The herbs that can be used may include basil, rosemary, mugwort, and wormwood.

People who practice vaginal steaming usually believe that the herbs added in the steaming water can penetrate the vaginal tissues and offer benefits that enhance vaginal health. It can be done at home, but most doctors do not recommend it to be done at home. It is also available at spas, where the treatment typically takes about 20 minutes to 45 minutes.

What Are the Benefits of Vaginal Steaming?

Vaginal steaming can deliver the herb-infused steam into the vagina.

• Detoxify the womb.

• Regulate monthly bleeding.

• Treatment for stress.

• Relief from menopause symptoms.

• Decrease fatigue.

• Reduces stress.

• Treats hemorrhoids.

• Improve energy levels.

• Promotes healing after childbirth.

• Decrease headaches.

• Reduces premenstrual symptoms, like bloating, cramps, exhaustion, and heavy bleeding.

• Boosts fertility.

What Herbs Can Be Used in Vaginal Steaming?

• Mugwort.

• Wormwood.

• Rosemary.

• Chamomile.

• Calendula.

• Basil.

• Oregano.

How Can Vaginal Steaming Be Done at Home?

Vaginal steaming can be done at home, but you must consider its supposed benefits and possible safety issues yourself before doing.

1. Add a cup of herbs of your choice to a basin of hot water.

2. Allow these herbs to steep for at least a minute in the water.

3. After removing your clothes from the waist down, stand or squat directly over the basin.

4. Wrap a towel around the waist and legs to avoid the steam from escaping.

5. The steaming session can last for 20 minutes to 60 minutes, approximately depending on the temperature of the water and how soon the steam may cool down.

What Are the Risks of Vaginal Steaming?

As there is no scientific research about the benefits of vaginal steaming, there is no research to prove whether it is safe or not. Since the vagina is not meant to be steam-cleaned, it can raise the temperature of the bacteria, which can easily grow in a heated environment leading to a possible infection. Adding extra moist heat and exposing the vagina to certain additives could also increase a woman's risk for yeast or bacterial infections.

The lactobacilli, a natural bacteria found in the vagina, can help keep the vaginal pH balanced by producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide while protecting against infection.

Disturbing this balance can upset the natural bacteria produced by the vagina and cause an imbalanced pH level, leading to irritation and infections, such as vaginitis.

Moreover, vaginal skin, which is delicate and sensitive, can put you at risk of burns or scalding when you squat over a container of steaming herbal water.

What Are the Possible Precautions to Be Taken While Performing Vaginal Steaming?

• While performing vaginal steaming, a person should avoid getting too close to the steam or the water that is too hot because the steam could burn the sensitive vaginal tissues if the steam is too hot.

• If the steam feels uncomfortable or too hot, it is advisable to move away from the steam.

• It is better to consult with the primary care physician if a woman is trying to restore the pH balance in her vagina due to frequent infections before trying vaginal steaming. There are several prescription treatments available to restore pH balance, which is more effective than vaginal steaming.

• If the equipment used for vaginal steaming is not clean, it can also increase the risk for infections and other side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to clean all equipment thoroughly before using it.

• If a person gets the vaginal steaming treatment in the spa, they should enquire to the spa staff about how they clean their equipment and what steps are they undergoing to reduce the risk of infection.

• It is better to avoid vaginal steaming during pregnancies because there is no evidence that it cannot harm the growing fetus.

• Therefore it is advisable to avoid using hot tubs, saunas, and heating pads around the pelvis during pregnancy.

What Are the Other Best Ways to Keep Your Vagina Clean?

Since the vagina is self-cleaning itself, there is no need to clean the inside of the vagina. But a few steps are there to clean the outside of your vagina, which includes your vulva, along with your clitoris, clitoral hood, and inner and outer labia. The vagina is a very sensitive and delicate area. Therefore, using perfumed soaps and washes can irritate them. So, the best way to keep the vagina healthy is by keeping the area clean, dry, and free of perfumes.

A few steps to clean the vagina are:

• Wash your vagina with warm water and unscented soap, and make sure that the soap does not go directly inside your vagina.

• Skip using the washcloth, which can irritate sensitive skin.

• Use your clean fingers to cleanse gently.

• Rinse the area thoroughly with water that is not too hot and pat dry with a clean, soft towel.