Vaginal Steaming
Hi, hello, and welcome, Bestie! If you’re up on recent trends in the women’s health space, you’ve probably heard about vaginal steaming, made popular in Western culture by Gwyneth Paltrow and her company, Goop. For those of us that have no idea what I’m referring to, let’s discuss. Vaginal steaming, also known as “v-steaming” or “yoni steaming” is the practice of sitting over a pot of hot water and exposing the vulva to the steam. The water is often infused with different essential oils, such as rosemary or basil. The whole experience is marketed as having health benefits such as relieving menstrual cramps, improving fertility, and cleansing the vagina. So, what’s the history of vaginal steaming and what does the evidence say about it? Let’s find out.
Vaginal Steaming History:
The origins of vaginal steaming are unclear. The information that exists is sparse and conflicting at times. I have come across many blogs that talk about the history of vaginal steaming and its origins as a documented practice in ancient Mayan, Korean, and South African cultures (1). However, I have yet to come across any firmly reputable sources that claim the same.
Does vaginal steaming work?
There is limited research about v-steaming, but some articles report the possibility of acquiring burns from the practice. In a scientific paper from 2019, the author reports on a case in which a 62-year-old woman tried vaginal steaming in order to reduce her prolapse (2). Unfortunately, during the process, the woman sustained a second-degree burn to the tissue (2). This case presents a very real danger that comes along with vaginal steaming.
I believe vaginal steaming has a place in its original cultural context and I cannot speak on that custom. My opinion is not concerning those for whom vaginal steaming is an ancestral practice. I do, however, want to speak on v-steaming and its place in Western culture. I often recommend that patients use heat on or near their vulvar tissues. A hot bath with or without epsom salts or sitting on a heating pad can help to relax and calm the tissues of the vulva and pelvic floor. Folks with pelvic pain may find some relief from the use of external heat (3). Given this information, it is possible that vaginal steaming could be a viable option for providing heat to the external tissues of the vulva and in turn, this could reduce pelvic pain or discomfort. Please note that this is my opinion and I do not have evidence-based research to back it up (so far I have been unable to find any research articles that look at whether the heat of the vaginal steam helps reduce pain). Also, I believe there are much better ways to promote pain relief and relaxation of the vulvar tissues, such as a hot pack and/or bath, as mentioned above.
When it comes to other claims about vaginal steaming, I have a bit of a harder time getting on board. First off, folks have claimed that vaginal steaming has fertility benefits. I have not found any research to support this claim and it seems unlikely that vaginal steam could affect the female reproductive system. Some folks claim the steam travels up the vagina and targets the uterus, but in actuality, the steam only reaches the external tissues of the vulva (4). The steam is not able to travel up the vagina to the cervix and/or uterus (4). I am curious to see if future research proves me wrong, but I’m not holding my breath.
Finally, I take issue with the claim that vaginal steaming “cleans” or “cleanses” the vagina. As discussed above, the steam is not able to travel up into the vagina (4). Even more importantly, though, the vagina does not need cleaning/cleansing!!! I cannot overstate this enough. The vagina is self-cleaning and washing it with soap, essential oils, or herbs can disrupt its natural microbiome and cause infection (5,6). If you notice an unusual odor or discharge coming from your vagina, talk with your medical provider. If not, your vagina doesn’t need to be washed!
To wrap up, I’m not really sure vaginal steaming has a place when taken out of its original cultural context (whatever that may be). While a bit of heat to the pelvic region can aid in pain management, I personally would recommend a hot bath or heat pad over v-steaming. For folks who have tried and loved vaginal steaming, great! I’m not here to judge that and if you find something that works for you, I’m happy. However, I do want folks to be aware of the risks associated with vaginal steaming, and the alternative options that exist. If you do choose to pursue this type of wellness activity, find a reputable provider and ensure the temperatures aren’t exceedingly high.
Have you tried vaginal steaming? If so, what did you think?
XOXO,
Your Pelvic Bestie
References:
https://www.theflowerchildbruja.com/blogposts/gn6io740iz5lcszgusb9j33al1mfvy
Magali Robert, Second-Degree Burn Sustained After Vaginal Steaming, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, Volume 41, Issue 6, 2019, Pages 838-839, ISSN 1701-2163, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2018.07.013.
Kaur N, Rana AK, Suri V. Effect of dry heat versus moist heat on Episiotomy pain and wound healing. Nursing & Midwifery Research Journal. 2013;9(1):21-33. doi:10.1177/0974150X20130103
Sabo MC, Balkus JE, Richardson BA, Srinivasan S, Kimani J, Anzala O, Schwebke J, Feidler TL, Fredricks DN, McClelland RS. Association between vaginal washing and vaginal bacterial concentrations. PLoS One. 2019 Jan 24;14(1):e0210825. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210825. PMID: 30677048; PMCID: PMC6345501.
Jenkins, A., Money, D., & O’Doherty, K. C. (2020). Is the vaginal cleansing product industry causing harm to women? Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, 19(3), 267–269. https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2020.1822166
*The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives
