Vagina steaming

Vagina steaming is a hot newly revived alternative medicine practice in which a person with a vagina squats over steaming water. The practice is also called vaginal steaming, v-steaming, vaginal steam baths, yoni steaming,Sanskrit. Yoni also means "vagina", but sounds more mystic. chai yok (차욕), or bajos.Spanish. Bajos means "down low". "Down low" is where your checking account goes after paying for this shit.
Vagina steaming supporters, who include noted pseudoscience promoters NaturalNews and Gwyneth Paltrow, claim that it has numerous benefits. Vagina steaming is supposed to "cleanse" the vagina, increase fertility, treat bad periods, and remove "toxins". There is no scientific evidence for any of these claims. Fully 14 of the 16 medical professionals who have commented on the practice say that vagina steaming is ineffective, or possibly harmful. In short, it is patent bullshit.
However, vagina steaming may genuinely upset that little man in the boat.
==History==
It has sometimes been reported than an unspecified 8th century CE Sanskrit document described sitting over a pot of boiling onions as an abortion methodAbortion — Cow Dung, Religion, And Technology by Ed Raymond (Aug. 9th, 2018) Duluth Reader. — but no one ever says which document, so it could be BS. There is evidence of traditional use of vagina steaming in a few locales around the world (Tete, Mozambique; KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Chonburi, Thailand; and Belize),Prevalence, motivations, and adverse effects of vaginal practices in Africa and Asia: findings from a multicountry household survey by Terence Hull et al. (2011) J. Women's Health (Larchmt) 20(7):1097-109. doi:10.1089/jwh.2010.2281. Note: vagina steaming and vagina smoking are treated the same in this study.Q’eqchi’ Maya Reproductive Ethnomedicine by Jilian De Gezelle (2014) Springer. ISBN 3319107437. but this has not been how the practice has been promoted in the West.
More definitively, The New York Medical Journal in 1897 reported the experimental use of steam on the uterus after an abortion,Steaming the uterus in septic conditions following abortion, etc. (March 20, 1897) The New York Medical Journal, p. 394. though unsurprisingly, this is known to cause severe burns to the delicate genital area.Atmokausis-Vaporisation: Schwerste innere Verbrennungen nach intrauteriner Anwendung von strömenden WasserdampfDeep Internal Burns after Intrauterine Application of Superheated Steam by W. Hardt & T. Genz (1989) Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 49(3):293-295. doi:10.1055/s-2008-1035757. This technique was being used in 20th century New York City.The History of Birth Control by Kathleen London (1982) Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute.
Why is vagina steaming a thing nowadays? Blame celebrities and clickbait.
In the West, vagina steaming was not popular until the late 2000s. However, it had a following in the alternative medicine community, especially "traditional" Korean and Mesoamerican practitioners, who offered vaginal steam baths (then often called chai-yok or bajos). These spas played up vagina steaming as an ancient and exotic practice and customers trickled in. Eventually, nontraditional spas began offering vagina steaming (likely because boiling water and letting customers pay to sit over it is lucrative).
===Niki Han Schwarz===
Vagina steaming hit the limelight in December 2010, when Niki Han Schwarz (owner of a traditional Korean spa) persuaded journalists to boost her fame report on her claim that vagina steaming helped her become fertile.The New-Old Practice of Vaginal Steam Baths by Meredith Melnick (Dec. 27, 2010) Time.Newest spa splurge: vaginal steaming (22 December 2010 - 16:29) AFP via Times Live (South Africa). This started a (short-lived) period where journalists (usually female) got vaginally steamed and wrote about the experience. In turn, this briefly increased vagina steaming's broader popularity.
After the hubbub died, vagina steaming quietly established a growing niche in spas, especially alternative-medicine spas.Vaginal Steaming Google Trends.
===Tia & Tamera Mowry===
In 2013, twin actresses Tia and Tamera Mowry got vaginally steamed and claimed it reduces menstrual cramps, prevents yeast infections, and treats infertility.Vaginal Steaming And Cannabis: Celebrities Who Swear By Alternative Medicine by Meg Butler (July 22, 2015) MadameNoire (archived from June 1, 2018).Would you pay $75 for a 'V-Steam'? The trendy down-there treatment that 'eases menstrual cramps' and 'boosts fertility' by Margot Peppers (Published: 20:35 GMT, 12 September 2013 | Updated: 21:25 GMT, 12 September 2013) The Daily Mail (archived from 28 Apr 2016 04:14:52 UTC). This again sparked a burst of popularity. This time, vagina steaming was more widespread, allowing more people to actually do it — and write about it. As a result, vagina steaming's broader popularity continued to exist (at low levels) until 2015.
===Gwyneth Paltrow===
In January 2015, Gwyneth Paltrow (a fashion guru and alternative medicine promoter) got a vaginal steam bath and preached its virtues (see quote).Gwyneth Paltrow Gets Vagina Steam at Spa, Preaches Its Virtues on Goop (Jan 29, 2015 AT 11:35AM) Us Weekly. Gwyneth defended vagina steaming against the torrent of Internet ridicule by arguing that vagina steaming "is a thousands-of-years-old practice in Korean spas".Gwyneth Paltrow Defends Vaginal Steaming and 'Conscious Uncoupling' in New Interview by Entertainment Tonight (Aug 3, 2015) YouTube. Eight months later, Paltrow changed her story and claimed that the piece on vagina steaming "actually came from her editorial director, Elise Loehnen".Gwyneth Paltrow not the one behind the vagina steaming claim by Torkel Ødegård (August 5, 2015) Doubtful News (archived from July 10, 2017). Right.
On the greatest scale yet, another phase of journalists got steamed and wrote about it. Vagina steaming underwent a large, apparently permanent jump in popularity, maintaining almost Paltrow-era popularity 15 months later.
==What is it?==
Vagina steaming is cheap and simple, which probably explains why spas delight in charging their customers for the procedure. It goes as follows:Vaginal Steams: Forgotten Ancient Wisdom for Women's Healing Birth Institute (archived from October 24, 2014).Do-It-Yourself V-Steam The Detox Diva (archived from June 16, 2015).Moon Medicine: The Art Of Herbal Vaginal Steaming by Iris Josephina (January 15, 2016 5:38 AM) mindbodygreen (archived from January 13, 2017).The Secrets of Yoni Steaming by Maiya Shackelford (February 3, 2016 at 1:00pm) Her Campus (archived from June 16, 2020).Vaginal Steaming by Marisa (February 1, 2016) Birds Of Desire (archived from June 23, 2016).Vaginal Steam Baths Moon Rhythms (archived from 28 Apr 2016 04:14:34 UTC).
#A pot is filled with:
##Water (necessary)
##Any desired plants (optional)
#The pot is heated until the water starts steaming.
#The pot is placed under/into a seat that allows steam to rise into the vagina, such as a toilet.
#A person with a vagina then:
##Removes any clothing covering the vagina (necessary)
##Covers themselves with a blanket to prevent the steam from escaping (optional)
##Widens their legs to increase steam intake (optional)
#The "patient" then squats on the chair for 20 minutes to 1 hour.
Vagina steaming supporters warn against steaming while pregnant, immediately after delivery, or if the vagina has an infection.Vaginal Steams by Barbara Loomis(Apr 7th, 2012) Alignment Monkey (archived from June 21, 2014).Vaginal Steaming: Ancient Women’s Ritual by Sierra Brashear, Moon Blush (archived from April 15, 2015). Supporters also advise that a medical professional be consulted before the steaming. This is likely a case of the salon planning to blame the victim should anything go wrong, rather than an expectation that the client will actually see a medical professional.
==Scientific consensus==
Most medical professionals who are authorities on the matter (OBGYNs and MDs) are very much skeptical of the benefits of vagina steaming due to the lack of empirical evidence to support it. Currently, the tally stands at 14 (93.3%) in opposition and 1 (6.7%) in favor:
===In opposition===
OBGYNs:
#Dr. Manny Alvarez, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Hackensack University Medical Center: "There is absolutely no way [vagina steaming] has any significant health benefit."
#Dr. Pari Ghodsi, Group Practitioner at Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.A.:Curriculum Vitae Of Pari M. Ghodsi, M.D. Northlake Obstetrics and Gynecology (archived from April 15, 2015). "V-Steam, although a catchy name, makes no sense and is an overall bad idea."
#Dr. Draion Burch, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine:Draion M. Burch, DO American Osteopathic Association (archived from September 21, 2014). "There's no scientific evidence that shows it works."
#Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, OBGYN at Women's Care of Beverly Hills Medical Group: "Most of these kinds of treatments are not put through intensive clinical trials, so it becomes challenging to evaluate the actual impact they have."
#Dr. Camilo Gonima, OBGYN at the Institute for Women's Health:Gonima, Camilo A., MD Institute of Women's Health (archived from May 31, 2014). "Other than any possible involvement [that] stress might have on these issues, I don't see any basis for any significant effects on fertility or menstrual cycles. … [I] would emphasize that this should be entirely external, and I'd be cautious about safety to avoid the risk of scalding."
#Dr. Vicken Sahakian, OBGYN and medical director of Pacific Fertility Center in Los Angeles:[Dr. Vicken Sahakian] Pacific Fertility Center of Los Angeles. "It sounds like voodoo medicine that sometimes works."
#Dr. Jennifer Gunter, widely-certified OBGYN:About me Dr. Jen Gunter. "Steam is probably not good for your vagina. Herbal steam is no better and quite possibly worse. It is most definitely more expensive."Gwyneth Paltrow says steam your vagina, an OB/GYN says don’t by Jen Gunter (January 27, 2015) Dr. Jen Gunter.
#Dr. Mary Minkin, MD, OBGYN at Obstetrics Gynecology & Menopause Physicians, P.C. and clinical professor at the Yale University School of Medicine:Mary Jane Minkin, MD, FACOG (2007) Obstetrics Gynecology & Menopause Physicians (archived from September 5, 2014). "It's complete bull."3 Reasons You Definitely Shouldn't Get Your Vagina Steamed: An expert weighs in. by Ashley Oerman (Feb 2, 2015) Women's Health.
#Dr. Jennifer Ashton, OBGYN: "There is zero medical evidence to support the need for or benefits of vaginal steaming. The physiology of the vagina is such that it is constantly cleaning itself and doesn't need extra help. … Just make sure to avoid thermal burns from hot steam."Gwyneth thinks you should get a vagina steam by Julie Gordon (January 29, 2015 | 3:03pm) Page Six.
#Dr. Hilda Hutcherson, OBGYN at Columbia University Medical Center: "It probably feels good because the heat increases blood flow to the whole vaginal area, including the clitoris, which could turn some women on. But if you got too close to the steam, you could end up with second degree burns down there."5 Things You Definitely Should Not Be Doing to Your Vagina: Just when we thought we’d heard it all, Gwyneth Paltrow recently touted the restorative powers of vaginal steam treatments. Here's the scoop on this and four other things you shouldn't do to your vagina. by Hallie Levine January 28, 2015) 'Health.com.
#Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, OBGYN at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
#Dr. Katherine Thurer, gynecologist at the Raby Institute for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern University:Integrative Medicine Physicians Raby Institute (archived from June 20, 2019). "I could imagine one could have an allergic reaction to an herb or get burned." That said, she also writes: "Healthy vaginal tissue is used as an effective vehicle for the administration of medications like antibiotics, antifungal creams and hormones, so I suspect the herbs in the steam can be easily absorbed this way, too."
MDs:
#Dr. Siri Chand Kaur Khalsa, MD, One Medical Group and "Integrative medicine" practicioner:Meet Our Medical Team One Medical (archived from September 6, 2015). "The premise that the body needs spa treatments to remove toxins has no clear basis in human biology. … Regarding Vaginal Steaming’s proposed health benefits, the vagina has extensive blood flow and mucous membranes, so it absorbs medications easily, but there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of absorbing herbs vaginally."I Went To A Spa For My Uterus And This Is My Story: These trendy treatments promise all kinds of health benefits but it was, literally, a lot of hot air. And our reporter kinda loved it. by Laura Hooper Beck (01-27-15) Fast Company.
#Dr. Gorski MD, PhD, FACS, Professor of Surgery at Wayne State University School of Medicine and surgical oncologist at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute specializing in breast cancer surgery: "I suppose this whole 'perineal' or 'vaginal' steam bath is just something that we nasty, allopathic 'Western' doctors just don't understand. To us, it’s just shooting a bunch of steam up a woman’s nether regions."
Non-MDs:
#Timothy Caulfield, Professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta, and author of Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?:Timothy Caulfield Faculty of Law, University of Alberta .: "Paltrow is the perfect symbol of popular culture in our world right now. […] I think she should be held to a standard and that standard should be science. […] The claims made for [vagina steaming] are wrong and it could even be harmful[.] […] You shouldn’t monkey with the bacterial flora down there."Gwyneth Paltrow celebrity health tips leaves scientist steaming by Will Pavia (7:27PM May 11, 2015) The Australian (archived from 26 Jan 2017 03:27:38 UTC).
#Nicholas LeRoy, Doctor of Chiropractic, founder of Chicago-based Illinois Center for Progressive Health:Dr. Nicholas LeRoy, DC, MS Illinois Center for Progressive Health (archived from May 17, 2014). "HPV can live on the surfaces of objects for long periods of time."
===In favor===
OBGYNs:
#Dr. Lissa Rankin, MD, OBGYN, "mind-body medicine physician", founder of the Whole Health Medicine Institute, author of Mind Over Medicine: Scientific Proof That You Can Heal Yourself:Lissa Rankin BlogHer (archived from March 2, 2106). "There's no scientific evidence to support or reject the claims made by advocates of vaginal steam baths, so the truth of the matter is that we just don't know whether they offer any health benefit. But I'm not one to knock ancient Eastern health care practices, so who knows? I'm a big fan of checking in with your gut (and your lady bits!) What does your body tell you? […] [I]f the wisdom of your body speaks to you and says, "YES! This is the answer for me," pay attention."What Vaginal Steam Baths Are Really Like: An OB/GYN Weighs In by Lissa Rankin (January 30, 2015) BlogHer (archived from September 24, 2015).
PhD's:
#Dr. Lisa S. Lawless, PhD, psychotherapist and CEO of Holistic Wisdom, Inc.:Lisa LawlessSome psychotherapists are medical doctors; others are not. Since RW isn't certain, we'll give her the benefit of the doubt. "Vaginal steaming in Chinese medicine is used to relieve stagnation and coldness in the body, and in Eastern medicine in general it is used to dilate the blood vessels, increase blood circulation, provide oxygenation and relax the pelvic floor muscles. Other ways it improves health depends on the herbs that are used and the healing properties each herb brings to the table."
Non-MDs:
#Rosita Arvigo, Doctor of The official site of Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN "Vaginal or yoni steam baths are an old, respected treatment for women used by Maya midwives and traditional healers in Central and South America. The practice is mentioned in early chronicles of Spanish friars who took time to record the healing practices of the Maya and Aztec. Bajos (ba-hoes) as they are called in Spanish, are a common and effective treatment for many female complaints, especially those of a serious or chronic nature."
#Isa Herrera, & CSCSCertification Overview The National Strength and Conditioning Association. (both non-doctoral positions), and employee of Renew Therapy (which offers vagina steaming):Who We Are and Our Approach Renew Physical Therapy (archived from August 25, 2018)."[[Bullshit|[The] steam works wonders on hemorrhoids [and] for women who are trying to have a baby either naturally or with assistive fertility therapy.]] … It is a wonderful way to nurture the soul, spirit and body all at the same time."When Things Get Steamy: Can Vagina Steams Aid in Vaginal and Uterine Health? by Megy Karydes (December 5, 2013) Chicago Health.
==Impacts==
An easy guide to the claimed impacts of vagina steaming:
*Beneficial:
:*Adds good plants to the vagina: No. No significant amount of plant matter gets into the vagina. Most of the plants have no proven positive health effects, and possible negative ones.
:*Cleanses: A little yes, mostly no.
::*Cleans the vagina: No. The vagina self-cleans. Douching doesn't work and is harmful.
::*Cleans the uterus: No. Almost no steam will enter the uterus.
::*Reduces odor: Yes. Odor can be drowned out with the smell of something else. However, odor is not harmful, is normal, and can help diagnosis.
::*Removes toxins: No. The alleged removal of vaguely-defined "toxins" is an unscientific claim by definition.
:*Helps irregular periods: Probably not. Vagina steaming will not solve any of the hormonal imbalances/pituitary tumors that cause irregular periods.
:*Treats abnormal growths: No. You can't steam away cancer.
:*Prevents vaginal infections: Hell no.
:*Balances hormones: No. The vagina does not regulate hormones — and even if they did, steam would not "balance" them.
:*Aids fertility: No.
::*Niki Han Schwarz did it!: No. This argument is anecdotal, untested, and self-interested information isn't acceptable.
::*Increases circulation: Maybe, but there are currently no credible studies that support this idea — and it is unlikely to be true since anyone with half a brain already knows that burning the vagina is bad, and many better alternatives exist.
::*Great for testicles too!: Now cis men and trans women can also enjoy the benefits of getting steamed! Nope. Warmer balls are less fertile.
:*Aids relaxation: Sure. Sitting somewhere warm and not doing anything for an hour is probably pretty nice.
:*Causes arousal: Yes. This probably explains everything reported on the "beneficial" side.
*Harmful:
:*Causes infections: Possible, especially if done wrong. Shooting water into the vagina upsets its naturally acidic pH, hurts good bacteria, and makes infection more likely.
:*Causes steam burns: Possible, especially if done wrong. Steam is as hot as boiling water, and therefore is far more likely to cause burns.
:*Causes vaginal irritation: Possible, especially if done incorrectly. Shooting water into any organ hurts it, and allergic reactions to the plants used aren't impossible.
:*Causes complications during pregnancy: Likely, especially if done wrong. Putting boiling water next to a womb which contains a developing baby is probably not a great idea.
:*Causes contraction of the purse: Yes, even if done right.
==Claimed benefits==
Before discussing any specific claims, it's useful to remember a couple of general ideas:
First, no medical studies have been done on the efficacy of vagina steaming, which makes all evidence for these claims anecdotal at best. Further, almost all of reports of the effects of vagina steaming are produced by practitioners of it, which leads to an obvious conflict of interests and may lead to false, exaggerated, and/or selective reporting.
Second, many of the healing effects claimed to be the result of vagina steaming are within the bounds of a regression to the mean, where the ailment was likely to go away even without vagina steaming. Whether a regression to the mean occurred is impossible to tell without comparison to a placebo in a controlled trial, of which none have occurred. Given how dubious the benefits are and how easily it can do harm, a formal investigation into vaginal steaming is unlikely to happen.
===Adds good plants to the vagina===
thumb|right|A woman sitting on a bucket, which appears to contain leaves raked in from the yard. Source: van Andel 05.[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5766025_Dry_sex_in_Suriname Dry sex in Suriname] by Tinde van Andel et al. (2008) Journal of Ethnopharmacology 116(1):84-8. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2007.11.003
Most vagina steaming claims are based on the transfer of good plants into the vagina via steam.
When practitioners add plants to boiling water and let it steam, it is improbable that any significant amount of the plant rises with the steam, much less enters the vagina, the bloodstream, or the skin. If the plant is truly effective, why not increase the concentration and use it topically (smear it on) or insert it directly? To quote Dr. Siri Khalsa:
The most commonly used herbs are mugwort, oregano, rosemary, basil, calendula, and marshmallow root.I Tried It: Vaginal Steaming (and Why You Should Too) by Jessica Renae (February 24, 2015) Peaceful Dumpling (archived from April 13, 2016). Unsurprisingly, most of the plants used don't do what is commonly claimed (see the main articles for more):
*Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is claimed to be antibacterial and spiritually cleansing. In vitro (test tube) studies have shown basil's antibacterial properties; however, no clinical studies have been conducted, so we don't know how well it works for humans or whether 'vagina steaming' is an effective method for applying it. No reputable journals have published on basil's spiritually cleansing properties yet, so we'll just have to wait for confirmation on that one.
*Chamomile (Asteraceae spp.) is claimed to be soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic. In vitro (test tube) studies have shown that chamomile is antibacterial and antiviral; however, in vitro studies cannot necessarily be applied to humans. None of the other claims appear to have scientific merit.
*Horsetail (Equisetum spp.) is claimed to flush bacteria out of the bladder. There's no evidence that horsetail is antibiotic. There is evidence that horsetail, especially when improperly used, contains potentially toxic chemicals!
*Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is claimed to be ancient medicine, contain antibiotics and antifungal agents, stimulate production of hormones to maintain uterine health, prevent cancer, prevent ulcers, stimulate a period, ease mental discomfort, reduce the impacts of menopause, treat yeast infections, and treat infertility. It hasn't been proven to do any of the above and can have mild to life-threatening allergenic reactions.
*Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is claimed to "tonify" the reproductive system (give it more "energy"/qi/etc.), balance hormones, and increase circulation to the pelvis.
*Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is claimed to promote healing of the skin. There is no evidence that red clover heals the skin, and there is evidence red clover causes rashes.
*Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is claimed to be antiseptic and stimulate circulation. Little research on rosemary in humans exists, and none substantiates either of these claims. However, rosemary has been used traditionally as an abortifacent; if we accept the verdicts of traditional medicine, then vaginally steaming when pregnant with rosemary is probably an even worse idea.
*Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is claimed to be antiseptic and a "uterine stimulant". Oregano has certainly not been proven to be antiseptic, though it has antiparasitic potential in the intestines. Oregano also may cause miscarriages, which further advises against steaming while pregnant. We're not sure what "uterine stimulation" means, exactly, so it's difficult to assess it.
*Sage (Salvia officinalis or other Salvia spp.) is claimed to "move blood and chi through physical and emotional obstructions". Sage can affect blood pressure; it usually reduces blood pressure in persons with low blood pressure and increases it in persons with high blood pressure, which is kinda not-good. We can't say anything about the chi, though.
*Wormwood (Artemisia spp.) is claimed to have antimicrobial/bacterial/viral properties, induce uterine contractions, and treat bladder infections, fevers, open sores, constipation, diarrhea, and parasitic infections. Wormwood can cause vomiting and a variety of mental discomforts, and is neurotoxic in large doses.
*Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is claimed to be astringent (contract bodily tissues), cause "cleansing", and be antibacterial.
*Rose petals are claimed to be really soft. How this helps vagina steaming, we're not sure.
Of course, given its promoters' rather ... well-lubricated grasp of scientific concepts, we must consider the possibility that when they say "plants" they include fungi and microorganisms in that category, and are implying that vaginal steaming will somehow adjust the vaginal microflora. 
It's very unlikely to, and even if it did, randomly mucking about with one's own vaginal flora is unlikely to be of benefit. The vagina naturally maintains its microflora in a near-optimal equilibrium, and actively disturbing that equilibrium is seldom productive and quite possibly unhealthy.
===Cleans the vagina===
Almost all supporters of vagina steaming mention (directly or indirectly) that vagina steaming "cleans up" down there.Vaginal steam bath finds a place among Southern California spa options: A Korean treatment for the vaginal area is said to aid health and fertility. What's missing is evidence. by Sari Heifetz (December 20, 2010) Los Angeles Times. Because who doesn't want to be "clean"?
Depending on how someone sits, vagina steaming can either force steam onto the skin of the pelvic region or into the vagina.
If vagina steaming gets water into the vagina, then it is effectively a less-intense form of douching — since in both instances, water is forced into the vagina.Vaginal Douching: Helpful or Harmful? Reviewed by Trina Pagano, MD (September 19, 2018) WebMD.Douching Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Many believe that douching effectively cleans the vagina, even though little scientific evidence supports this belief; similarly, it's entirely possible that many incorrectly believe that vagina steaming has the same benefits. In fact, the acidic environment of the vagina effectively self-cleans, making douching and vagina steaming unnecessary.No, Gwyneth Paltrow, Vaginas Don't Need to Be Steam Cleaned by Tia Ghose (January 30, 2015) LiveScience.
These and other conditions make vagina steaming drastically increase the risk of vaginal infection.
If, on the other hand, vaginal steam is ineffective in getting steam into the vagina, then there is no benefit (other than a wet ass and some wasted time, of course).
===Cleans the uterus===
Any claims of cleaning the uterus are even more specious than normal for vagina steaming. Steam has very little access to the vagina, let alone the uterus. To quote Dr. Ghodsi:
And to quote Dr. Gunter:
Alternatively, supporters claim that herbs enter the bloodstream and flow to the uterus:
Since blood flows from the heart to the vagina to the heart, not the uterus, we're not quite sure what mechanism is in play here.
===Reduces odor===
Many supporters of vagina steaming argue that vagina steaming reduces vaginal odor.Vaginal Steam Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism.Yup, I am Gonna Talk About Vaginal Steam Baths by Stephanie (May 6, 2013) Mama & Baby (archived from August 21, 2014).
Douching can mask vaginal odor, but doesn't truly remove it. Similarly, vagina steaming (which often contains good-smelling herbsI Tried A Vaginal Steam Treatment, And Here's What Happened: Things got really hot really fast when I tried The V-Steam. by Dana Oliver (04/20/2016 02:55pm EDT | Updated April 24, 2016) Huffington Post.) probably can hide the odor of the vagina, without removing its source.
A low level of vaginal odor is natural, and there's no (medically necessary) need to mask it. Strong odor may be the result of infection; if so, it is best to see a doctor before douching or vaginally steaming, because hiding the odor makes it harder for the doctor to diagnose the issue.
===Removes "toxins"===
Some supporters go beyond claims of "cleansing" and claim that vagina steaming removes "toxins" from the vagina.Should You Get A V-Steam? Vaginal Detox Claims To Soothe Menstrual Cramps And Boost Women's Fertility by Lizette Borreli (May 12, 2014 06:25 PM) Medical Daily.Yoni Sanctuary Spa (archived from September 30, 2016). Because the "toxins" that are apparently removed aren't specified, it's more likely that the term is a catch-all for "gross stuff that supposedly exists in my genitals" rather than anything meaningful.
===Helps irregular periods===
Vagina steaming is claimed to cure irregular menstrual periodsWhat is vaginal steaming? by Lisa S. Lawless (August 05, 2013) Natural News (archived from 28 Dec 2014 11:07:55 UTC).Painful Periods & Vaginal Steaming: A Lost Practice that Supports Feminine Cycles Kolya Naturals (archived from July 29, 2015). (those which have significantly more or less blood flow, happen significantly more or less often, are accompanied by pain or mental discomfort, or last for a long time).
There are many and varied causes for irregular periods, including stress, exercise, changes in weight, changes in diet, illness, changes in routine, hormone imbalances (with polycystic ovarian syndrome being most common), birth control pills, uterine fibroids, uterine endometriosis, cancer, and many more.What causes menstrual irregularities? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Abnormal Menstruation (Periods) (08/25/2019) Cleveland Clinic. This leads to two problems:
#False positives may be common. If somebody starts exercising (and thus solves their irregular period) and vaginally steams, they may incorrectly think the vagina steaming solved the problem.The only way to prevent such a false positive is to have controlled studies; no such studies have been conducted on vagina steaming.
#If vagina steaming is claimed to prevent all irregular periods, then it also must resolve or counteract all of these problems, which is simply ridiculous. Claiming to be a panacea is a hallmark of pseudoscience.
===Treats abnormal growths===
Vagina steaming is claimed to treat (abnormal growths in the uterus),How To Get Rid Of Fibroids Naturally Using Yoni Steaming (02/9/2016 | 1:42) Uterine Fibroids Natural Treatment (archived from December 11, 2016). uterine (abnormal growths outside of the uterus), and/or cancer.
How putting gaseous water in the vagina with a tiny concentration of herbs (sometimes) could fix abnormal internal growths is unknown.
Presumably the steam uses its magical powers to identify the "good" growths from the "bad" growths and then somehow removes said bad growths.
This is especially ridiculous since steam has very little access to the vagina, and even less access to the uterus, where many of these growths occur.
===Prevents vaginal infections===
Vagina steaming is purported to reduce the risk of vaginal infections, including yeast infections, and bladder infections.
This is basically the opposite of what probably will happen.
===Balances hormones===
Putting steam into the vagina almost certainly cannot alter the body's balance of hormones. Even more certainly, if it does alter them, it probably won't balance them, given all the herbs claimed to be going up there.
===Aids relaxation===
[[File:Four Spiritual Benefits to Womb Steaming.jpeg|thumb|right|Text:"[[Brainwave woo|[T]akes you to deeper alpha and theta brain wave states for deep soul level healing[.]]]Apparently you heal the soul with brain waves. And what's the difference between "deep" and "light" soul level healing?[I]nspires clarity and quiet mindfulness[.]Because you're fucking sitting still for half an hour. Try it sometime.[E]nhances creativity and problem solving[.]Maybe sexual creativity; aside from that, it's just sitting.[C]onnects you to the source of all creation through your organ of creation[.]What even is the "source of all creation", and do you want to "connect" to it?]]
Perhaps vagina steaming "releases stored emotions and taps into the energy that is our creative potential." Or perhaps vagina steaming has nothing to do with it. The experience might be relaxing, since you have to stay in a warm, comfortable place for a long time. In this way, it might provide some of the same benefits of meditation.
On the other hand, even if you're as dry as the Sahara desert, it's probably a better idea to pursue a relaxing spa visit that doesn't risk vaginal burns and infections.
===Aids fertility===
Some supporters argue that vagina steaming helps increase fertility. For example, Dalene Barton writes:Traditional Vagina Steam for Healthy Fertility by Dalene Barton (12/21/2010) Natural Fertility Info (archived from July 2, 2014).
They're wrong.
The first argument in favor of increased fertility is that "Niki Han Schwarz did it!" Niki Han Schwarz, who was the 45-year-old owner of a vagina steaming spa, had unsuccessfully tried to become pregnant "for three years" — until she vaginally steamed. (Or, so she says.)Vaginal Steam Baths Could Cure Infertility and Bad Periods by Briana Rognlin (December 20, 2010; 5:04 pm ET) Blisstree (archived from July 1, 2011). This evidence is flawed in numerous ways: 
#This evidence is about as anecdotal as it gets, and can be explained entirely by Schwarz's regression to the mean.
#This evidence has a clear conflict of interest, since Schwarz stands to gain if vagina steaming becomes popular. While her biased opinion is not necessarily wrong, it is more likely wrong.
#This evidence omits major details. For example, Schwarz doesn't explain how she was trying to get pregnant. If she was doing, for example, other fertility treatments, this could falsely make it appear as if vagina steaming had caused the fertility.
#Finally, this evidence still doesn't provide any mechanism through which vagina steaming is supposed to help those sperm on their way.
The second argument is that vagina steaming "increases circulation". The idea goes that vagina steaming increases heat (obviously), that heat increases circulation (again true), and that circulation increases fertility. (Increased bloodflow also increases the flow of oxygen and immune factors, which might be beneficial — however, they will not aid pregnancy.) Indeed, increasing circulation in the kidneys has been shown to help pregnancy;Observation on clinical efficacy of activating renal blood circulation and ovarian stimulation formula in treating ovulation failure infertility by Xiao-Di Fan et al. (2013) Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 38(1):119-22. In Chinese.Clinical Efficacy Observation on Therapy Ovulation Failure Infertility Caursed by PCOS With Reinforcing Kidney, Activating Blood Circulation and Ovarian Stimulation Compound Recipe by Xuan-Ting Jin et al. (2014) Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 39(1):140-3. In Chinese. so the idea is not totally insane. However:
#No known scientific studies directly support the idea that warmer vaginas increase fertility.
#Simply put, the effects of vagina steaming are extremely temporary. Unless someone is steaming for days on end, their bloodflow will go right back to normal extremely quickly.
#Scalding the vagina is probably bad for pregnancy.
#If increasing heat is the only goal, then a hot bath should aid fertility just as much as vagina steaming, at a lower cost and with fewer risks.
#If increasing bloodflow is the only goal, then almost anything (including exercise and better posture) should aid fertility just as much as (if not more than!) vagina steaming, at a lower cost and with fewer risks.
thumb|right|"Guys, don't try that Gwyneth Paltrow steam thing. I think I've just poached my balls."[http://archive.is/Kio5v Guys, don't try that Gwyneth Paltrow steam thing. I think I've just poached my balls.] by James Blunt (1:17 AM - 20 Feb 2015) Twitter (archived from 28 Apr 2016 04:14:50 UTC).
Finally, the third argument is that testicular steaming (which is administered in the same way and in the same place as vagina steaming) can also improve fertility.
In reality, warming the testicles inhibits sperm production and reduces fertility. The whole reason why they dangle from the body is to keep them cooler than the body's main temperature. If warm temperatures facilitated sperm production, men wouldn't have easily-kickable nutsacks.
==Genuine benefits==
===Tradition===
For a taste of the New Age-i-ness surrounding vagina steaming, we turn to SoulVibrance:
Vagina steaming does have a history in Africa and South Korea:
*Some argue that vagina steaming is an "old, respected treatment for women" and that this somehow makes it more likely to work.Yoni Steam Vibrant Herbs (archived from 26 Dec 2014 20:14:12 UTC).Could abdominal massage and vaginal steaming be the missing link with your fertility? by Sarah Clark (May 01, 2015) Fabulously Fertile Blog (archived ffrom 2 May 2015 19:03:24 UTC). However, the long history of vagina steaming has no impact on its efficacy.
*Some argue that vagina steaming is a traditional Mayan/Korean/African/Greek/Asian treatment and that this somehow makes it more likely to work. However, the traditional use of vagina steaming has no impact on its efficacy.
Other claims of a "vagina steaming tradition" are tenuous at best.The Mysterious Origins of Vaginal Steaming by Jen Burd (January 18, 2015) Skeptoid.
===Causes arousal===
As Dr. Hilda Hutchinson states:
Combining arousal and the placebo effect is a great recipe for self-reported "good feelings" after a vagina steam treatment.
==Potential harms==
===Causes infections===
As noted above, vagina steaming is comparable to gaseous douching. Douching may upset the pH balance of the vagina, which upsets the balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina, which, in turn, increases the risks of infection.Gwynnie is no Gyno by Pari Ghodsi (February 2, 2015) PariMD. People who douche are more likely to have vaginal infection, vaginal irritation, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy complications, and cervical cancer.
Furthermore, because the vaginal mucosa is highly absorptive, whatever gets shot up there is likely to enter the entire body. This is especially dangerous for vagina steaming, which may occur in public spas with less-than-sterile seating arrangements. This is also especially true for yeast, which loves the warm, moist environment that steam provides.Vaginal Steam Baths – A Douche By Any Other Name… by Margaret Polaneczky (December 23, 2010) The Blog That Ate Manhattan.
As Dr. Gunter puts it:
===Causes steam burns===
Vagina steaming forces steam onto the pelvic region and potentially into the vagina. Steam definitionally, in a normal room, must be 100° C; getting steam on you is like having boiling water spilled on you. Vagina steaming can cause steam burns.
Steam, just like boiling water, can cause burns; in fact, steam burns are far worse than burns from boiling water.Why is a steam burn more damaging than a burn with boiling water of the same temperature? UCSB ScienceLine.Steam Burns by Janelle Van Dongen (03/06/2012 - 11:28) Physics and Astronomy Outreach Program at the University of British Columbia (archived from November 26, 2012). This compounds the fact that the vagina is especially sensitive and not especially resilient. Burning oneself is always lovely; scalding one's genitals is slightly more so.
Many practitioners of vagina steaming recommend allowing the boiled water to cool first in order to attempt to avoid steam burns and lawsuits. This helps prevent burns. It also happens to change the process from vaginal steaming to placing-one's-vagina-over-hot-water-ing. At that point, vagina steaming presumably has the same effects as using a warm compress on the region, but with more potential for infection and irritation.
===Causes vaginal irritation===
Even if vagina steaming does not cause burns, it certainly has the potential to cause vaginal irritation. This may occur through adverse reactions to the plant(s) used (if any actually rise with the steam) or merely through the act of pushing heated water into the vagina and uterus. While inflamed genitals may not seem so bad, if there is a precancerous condition in the vagina, then vaginal irritation may exacerbate the condition. Chronic inflammation — by itself — is a known cause of several types of cancers.Chronic Inflammation and Cancer by Emily Schacter & Sigmund A. Weitzman, Oncology, 2002.
===Spreads STDs===
Scientific evidence does exist on vagina steaming and STIs.
Vagina steaming is used to "dry" the vagina by limiting vaginal secretions. After "drying" their vagina, people then have "dry sex"; supposedly, a drier vagina increases the sexual pleasure for the person with a penis. However, dry sex can be excruciating and lead to tears on the vagina, which makes it easier to transfer STIs such as HIV/AIDS.Sex, STIs and specific cultural practices (2013) Soa Aids Nederland (archived from April 8, 2015).
As Tinde van Andel et. al. state:
In addition, any intravaginal practices have a risk of transferring STIs.
===Causes complications during pregnancy===
Douching in general can cause complications during pregnancy, and vagina steaming is comparable to douching. (Or, at least, if vagina steaming proponents want to argue that it's effective, then they must argue that it's similar to douching — or else it does almost nothing, and isn't worth the time.)
Most practitioners of vagina steaming warn against vaginally steaming while pregnant.Why Vaginal Steaming could be the Best Thing we’ll Try This Year. by Sierra Brashear (January 9, 2015) Elephant Journal (archived from April 13, 2019).
===Causes contraction of the purse===
Spas that offer vagina steaming services tend to have prices that range from about $20Does Your Vagina Need A $50 Steam Bath? by Margaret Hartmann (12/20/10 1:16PM) Jezebel (archived from September 25, 2017). to about $100. Considering that this service is the equivalent of (1) boiling water and (2) letting somebody sit over it for a little while, this is a pretty nice way (1) for spas to make money and (2) for customers to lose it.
==Scientific evidence on efficacy==
Unfortunately, no available studies have scientifically tested the efficacy of vagina steaming.
The closest approaches to such a study are self-reported surveys. Unfortunately, such studies are inherently unreliable. Furthermore, people report both positive and negative effects from vagina steaming.
As such, it is impossible to say that true empirical scientific evidence on the medical impacts of vagina steaming exists.
===Publicly available===
Prevalence and self-reported health consequences of vaginal practices in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: findings from a household surveyPrevalence and self‐reported health consequences of vaginal practices in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa: findings from a household survey by J. Smit et al. (2011) Tropical Medicine and International Health 16(20: 245-256. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3156.2010.02687.x.
This article contains a wealth of self-reported information about vagina steaming.All relevant information: The article states that, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 24.8% of respondents had heard of vagina steaming, 7.6% had practiced vagina steaming, and 3.5% currently practice. Of those who currently practice, vagina steaming is performed on average 2 times per month. Of those who currently practice, 54.0% use traditional materials, 8.0% use alum, 8.9% use mixtures of commercial and traditional materials, and 18.7 use unspecified materials. Of those who currently practice, 2.4% steam during personal hygiene, 32.2% steam around menstruation, 28.7% steam before sexual intercourse, 1.4% steam after sexual intercourse, 8.6% steam in times of discomfort, and 5.5% steam with no particular pattern. Of those who currently practice, 2.3% steam for hygiene, 20.0% steam for wellness, 85.4% steam to treat an infection, 66.4% steam to increase sexual pleasure, 0.0% steam to avoid pain during sex, 0.0% steam to restore a sensation of virginity, and 1.7% steam to provide a sense of femininity. Of those who currently practice, 9.4% report increased cleanliness, 64.0% report odor reduction, 54.1% report a drier vagina, 29.3% report a wetter vagina, 28.7% report a tighter vagina, 4.3% report a looser vagina, 3.7% report a hotter vagina, 4.9% report stimulation of the vagina, 2.5% report relief of symptoms. Of those who currently practice, 0.0% report a health problem with their current practice. Of those who have ever practiced, 7.3% reported genital irritation and/or pain, 1.5% reported genital itching, 0.2% reported genital bleeding or sores, and 0.9% reported Dyspareunia. For our purposes, a few statistics stick out: of those who currently practice vagina steaming, 9.4% report increased cleanliness, 64.0% report odor reduction, and 2.5% report relief of symptoms. Of those who have ever practiced, 7.3% reported genital irritation and/or pain, 1.5% reported genital itching, 0.2% reported genital bleeding or sores, and 0.9% reported (painful intercourse). This study is entirely self-reported and thus does not avoid any potential (positive or negative) incorrect self-diagnosis.
Study Effect of Satureja bachtiarica Alcoholic Extract on Some Components of Complement System and IgM in Rat SerumStudy Effect of Satureja bachtiarica Alcoholic Extract on Some Components of Complement System and IgM in Rat Serum by Meysam Khodadadi (2014) International Journal of Agriculture and Forestry 4(3):207-210. doi:j.ijaf.20140403.10.
This article, while describing some of the known qualities of Satureja bachtiarica, states:
This would seem to support claims that vagina steaming, when accompanied with a herbal massage, can increase sexual satisfaction.
For this claim, the article cites the book Medical Botany: Plants Affecting Man's Health (1977); however, this species of Satureja is not actually mentioned in the book.Medical Botany: Plants Affecting Man's Health by Walter H. Memory P. F. Elvin-Lewis (1977) John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0471533203.
As a final warning, this article's publisher is a bit sketchy.New publisher: Scientific & Academic Publishing by Stef Brezgov (May 28, 2019) Scholarlyoa.
A multi-country study on gender, sexuality and vaginal practices: Implications for sexual healthA multi-country study on gender, sexuality and vaginal practices: Implications for sexual health by Adriane Martin Hilber & R. Elise B. Johansen (2012) World Health Organization.
The WHO noted that:
*67% of women in Chonburi, Thailand vaginally steam
*86% of women in mainland Asia reported vaginally steaming after giving birth
*10% of women in Tete vaginally steam, 64% in order to increase male sexual pleasure via vaginal tightening, and 23% in order to dry the vagina
The article also noted, in general, that some recent studies suggest that those who perform intravaginal practices (such as vagina steaming) and especially those who have "dry sex" (for which people vaginally steam) have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
Dry sex in SurinameDry sex in Suriname by Tinde van Andel et al. (2008) Journal of Ethnopharmacology 116(1):84-8. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2007.11.003.
This article mentions that vaginal steam baths, particularly steam baths that contain drying and tightening herbs are used to dry and contract the vagina in order to improve pleasure during sex. However, as the article notes, such a practice can harm the vagina and spread STDs.
The article provided insight into another reason (besides dry sex) that people vaginally steam:
The articles also stated that vagina steaming after delivering a baby may be better than no treatment at all:
That said, the article isn't an empirical study and doesn't jibe with the idea that it's hard to get steam into the uterus.
===Paywalled===
Interventions to improve vaginal health for reducing the risk of HIV acquisitionInterventions to improve vaginal health for reducing the risk of HIV acquisition by Bridget Akudo Nwagbara et al. (16 May 2012) Cochrane Systematic Review doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009869.
This article explores HIV-avoiding techniques for females and mentions vagina steaming. Unfortunately, any interesting relevant information is not in the abstract.
Prevalence, Motivations, and Adverse Effects of Vaginal Practices in Africa and Asia: Findings from a Multicountry Household SurveyPrevalence, Motivations, and Adverse Effects of Vaginal Practices in Africa and Asia: Findings from a Multicountry Household Survey by Iwu Dwisetyani Utomo et al. (2011) Journal of Women's Health 20(7):1097-1109. doi:10.1089/jwh.2010.2281.
This article surveys numerous women across a large area in order to attempt to determine how many and why people perform vaginal practices, as well as if they have any adverse impacts. Vaginal practices in Africa were often explicitly linked to increasing sexual pleasure and maintaining partner commitment, while vaginal practices in Asia were more often linked to maintaining femininity and health. The article also notes that very limited evidence of the biomedical consequences of most vaginal practices exists.
==See also==
*Vagina myths
*Acupuncture
*Aromatherapy
*Homeopathy (another magical water treatment)
*187 Fake Cancer "Cures" Consumers Should Avoid (many "cures" are ingredients of vagina steaming)
*Sauna
==External links==
*Google Trends for vagina steaming
*Snake Oil Alert: Why Gwyneth Paltrow Gets Her Vagina Steam-Cleaned, and Why You Probably Shouldn’t
*Tag Archive for vagina steaming, Doubtful News
*Let’s Talk About Vaginal Steam Cleaning (or not)
*People with Vaginas, Here Is the Latest Trend for You
==Notes==
==References==
Category:Orientalist woo
Category:Nature woo
Category:Pseudoscience
Category:Purity culture