Publications
Partners
Vaginal steaming has become popular with Hollywood celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and Gwyneth Paltrow being vocal about having tried it.
Some swear that the sitting over a pot of herb infused steam reduces menstrual cramps, while others insist it helped them heal faster after child birth.
Vaginal steaming has also been used to cleanse the vagina and improve fertility. I blame the bombarding of women with "cleaning products" for the vagina for the obsession with wanting to "clean" it. Women feel self conscious about the cleanliness of this organ because of the constant conditioning and shaming of their private parts.
Although it's not a new practice, it is the latest trend to take the health and wellness industry by storm. An unnecessary one. The vagina is self cleaning and pH sensitive. Not only is the risk of burning from the steam a possible danger, but the herb filled steam may also alter your vaginal pH (a normal pH is anywhere between 3.8 and 4.5); and worse, lead to infection.
This trend has no research or scientific data to back up the alleged benefits or menstrual cramps reduction and speedy postpartum healing.
If you have cramps try light exercise if you can, try a heating patch or hot water bottle. And time and consulting with your health care practitioner will ensure a healthy recovery process after child birth.
I doubt that there is any penetration of the vaginal tissues by the steam, let alone single-handedly be responsible for the regulation of the entire reproductive system.
I am going to give this trend a skip because the so called benefits do not outweigh the possible risks including burns and infection. I strongly advise against the DIY home version of steaming.
