#Vaginalsteaming is a practice that involves a woman sitting over hot liquid (typically containing herbs) in an effort to cleanse/revitalize the vagina. Some suggested benefits are regulation of menses, stabilizing of hormones, improved cramping, treatment of discharge/odor, increased libido, decreased depression, & improved male partner pleasure.
What doesn’t add up:
– How this steam would ever reasonably get into the vagina (not to mention uterus) as the vagina is a tubular structure with collapsed rugated walls covered by the protective labia. – How steam & herbs would ever reasonably affect hormonal function as the primary hormones impacting a woman’s cycle and vaginal health are created in the ovary and transmitted in the blood
– Why an environment that literally provides pro-bacterial aspects like heat, moisture, & herbs would ever cleanse anything (note: bacteria & yeast thrive in warm, moist environments)
Theories that may explain certain testimonials:
– “Increased Libido or increased Male Partner Pleasure”: Directed heat and moisture can increase blood flow to the vagina and clitoris a sensation that is also present during intercourse and other pleasurable acts.
– “ Decreased Stress”: Herbal steam can create the same sensation as aroma therapy, another time-tested practice with no requirement for a vaginal route
Evidence against the practice:
– Only the perfect bacterial balance can promote/maintain the pH that is necessary for optimal vaginal health– Subtle changes in pH can lead to odor and discomfort, which is why most physicians recommend against “pH balancing feminine washes”
– The length of your menstrual cycle is dictated by your hormone levels over weeks. These affect the thickness of your uterine lining and the timing of ovulation which both impact cycle length
