Vaginal steaming may be more harmful than beneficial: doctors
VAGINAL steaming is a trend that has taken off locally with new businesses offering herbal treatment to women. It involves sitting over a container of water with herbs that are being boiled, and the action promises to cleanse the privates and offer a range of benefits to include reduced discomfort and bloating associated with menstrual cycles; regulating absent or irregular menstrual cycles; increasing fertility; treating uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine weakness and uterine prolapse; healing haemorrhoids; treating chronic vaginal/yeast infections; maintaining healthy odour; and relieving symptoms of menopause.
But while the way you decide to treat you female parts is ultimately your choice, it is important to do so from an informed position, weighing the pros and cons, doctors say.
Obstetrician-gynaecologist (ObGyn) Dr Jordan Hardie said there’s no scientific evidence to support the claims that vaginal steaming, otherwise referred to as V-steaming or Yoni steaming, is beneficial in treating these conditions.
In fact, he said it may be more harmful than beneficial.
“It may lead to burns to the vagina if a woman is sitting too close or in the water being boiled. Instead of curing, it can increase the risk of vaginal infections by changing the natural flora (good bacteria) in the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of pathogens (bad bacteria). Some women may also develop an allergic reaction to the chemical or herbs being used in the steam treatment,” he pointed out.
Apart from vaginal steaming, another trend being advertised is the insertion of potions and rocks more popularly termed “yoni eggs”, which promise even greater wonders. The “eggs” are made of jade, obsidian or quartz and are placed in the vagina. They are used to perform kegel-like exercises to improve sexual function. Other claims for the “eggs” include for recovery after childbirth, preventing urinary incontinence, providing more intense orgasms, and reducing menstrual cramps.
The potions, meanwhile, are said to be antimicrobial and antibacterial oils that promise to balance pH levels; prevent infections; eliminate yeast and other minor infections; eliminate vaginal odour, dryness and itching; and act as a natural lubricant, massage oil and body oil with capabilities to clear up razor bumps and eczema.
But Dr Hardie said there is no science proving that the yoni or jade eggs, as well as the potions, are effective. He also warned that placing these objects inside the vagina can lead to vaginal infections, toxic shock syndrome and lacerations.
Additionally, Dr Anna-Kay Taylor Christmas, another ObGyn, said vaginal steaming, as advertised, only directs a jet of steam towards the vulva, but the many healing claims are not backed by any evidence. She said, based on female biology, it is also unlikely that they can do the things they purport to do.
And, in relation to the inserts, she shared the same sentiments as Dr Hardie and labelled them “an expensive waste of money, preying on people’s ignorance about their bodies”.
She said women should not confuse these vaginal steams with a sitz bath, which is recommended to help promote healing after surgery or to repair the vulva and perineum after an episiotomy during childbirth.
“This is where the affected area is soaked for some minutes in a warm salt water bath. That treatment is easy, cheap/free and has no adverse effects,” she said.
Dr Taylor Christmas further emphasised the importance of women recognising that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ which has its own mechanisms in place to remain clean, and the uterus is essentially a closed system that only allows macroscopic (visible or large scale) sperm to pass through the cervix upwards once it is working properly.
“Be informed,” she said. “These treatments can cause damage if the temperature is too hot and may alter the normal state of the vulva and vagina, making you more prone to infections.”
