Vagina steaming

{{gold}}
[[File:V-steam-set-up-225x300.jpg|thumb|right|165px|alt=Vagina steaming setup.|A more marketable version of the flopped alternative practice known as "nut roasting".<ref>[https://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/butthole-brothers-for-life 21 Things Two Guys Learned Getting Their Buttholes Steamed] by Matt Stopera & Jack Shepherd (Feb 13, 2015) ''BuzzFeed''. "Be CAREFUL with your genitals. Testicular safety is IMPORTANT. "Penis boiling" was something we were warned about." "We fucked up big time by cranking it to the highest temperature: a level 10. No one's butthole can withstand a level-10 steam. Not even Gwyneth."</ref>]]{{altmed}}{{cquote|I suppose this […] "vaginal" steam bath is just something that we nasty, [[Allopathy|allopathic]] […] doctors just don't understand. To us, it's just shooting a bunch of steam up a woman's nether regions. To the [[woo]]-meisters, though, it’s not just steam that's being forced to go places where usually only spouses, lovers, or gynecologists go. Oh, no. It’s super special, extra powerful [[Herbal supplement|herbal]] [[detox]] steam, which means that it has super duper magical powers.|||[[David Gorski]], MD<ref name=Sci>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/12/21/steamed-vajajay-woo/ Steamed vajajay woo] (oracknows on December 21, 2010) ''ScienceBlogs''.</ref>}}

'''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''',<ref group=note>[[Sanskrit]]. ''Yoni'' also means "vagina", but sounds [[deepity|more mystic]].</ref> '''chai yok''' (차욕),{{efn|Korean. ''Chai yok'' is not a common Korean practice, and the phrase doesn't even sound Korean!<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150329102121/https://reddit.com/r/Korean/comments/2srci7/chaiyok/ Chai-yok] by Vajennie (2015) ''Reddit'' (archived from March 29, 2015).</ref>}} or '''bajos'''.<ref group=note>Spanish. ''Bajos'' means "down low". "Down low" is where your checking account goes after paying for this shit.</ref>

Vagina steaming supporters, who include noted [[pseudoscience]] promoters [[NaturalNews]] and [[Gwyneth Paltrow]], claim that it has numerous benefits. Vagina steaming is supposed to [[#Cleans the vagina|"cleanse" the vagina]], [[#Aids fertility|increase fertility]], [[#Helps irregular periods|treat bad periods]], and [[#Removes "toxins"|remove "toxins"]]. There is no scientific evidence for ''any'' of these claims. Fully [[#Scientific consensus| 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 [[#Causes arousal|upset that little man in the boat]].

==History==
It has sometimes been reported than an unspecified 8<sup>th</sup> century CE Sanskrit document described sitting over a pot of boiling onions as an [[abortion]] method<ref>[https://duluthreader.com/articles/2018/08/09/111179-abortion-cow-dung-religion-and-technology Abortion — Cow Dung, Religion, And Technology] by Ed Raymond (Aug. 9<sup>th</sup>, 2018) ''Duluth Reader''.</ref> — 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),<ref>[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51214584_Prevalence_Motivations_and_Adverse_Effects_of_Vaginal_Practices_in_Africa_and_Asia_Findings_from_a_Multicountry_Household_Survey 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.</ref><ref>''Q’eqchi’ Maya Reproductive Ethnomedicine'' by Jilian De Gezelle (2014) Springer. ISBN 3319107437.</ref>{{rp|21}} 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,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=0TACAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA394&lpg=PA394&dq=steam+abortion&source=bl&ots=lqSAetOS9w&sig=lHerBX1Bbj4We-LFIFXzNP0wB-4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj3p_C0t8fYAhWGRCYKHc5jCN04ChDoAQhCMAQ#v=onepage&q=steam%20abortion&f=false Steaming the uterus in septic conditions following abortion, etc.] (March 20, 1897) ''The New York Medical Journal'', p. 394.</ref> though unsurprisingly, this is known to cause severe burns to the delicate genital area.<ref>[https://www.thieme-connect.com/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-2008-1035757 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.</ref> This technique was being used in 20<sup>th</sup> century [[New York City]].<ref>[http://teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/1982/6/82.06.03.x.html The History of Birth Control] by Kathleen London (1982) ''Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute''.</ref>

Why is vagina steaming a thing nowadays? Blame [[Appeal to celebrity|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 [[#Is traditional and/or exotic medicine|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.<ref name=LAT/><ref name=Time>[http://healthland.time.com/2010/12/27/the-new-old-practice-of-vaginal-steam-baths/ The New-Old Practice of Vaginal Steam Baths] by Meredith Melnick (Dec. 27, 2010) ''Time''.</ref><ref>[http://www.timeslive.co.za/lifestyle/2010/12/22/newest-spa-splurge-vaginal-steaming Newest spa splurge: vaginal steaming] (22 December 2010 - 16:29) ''AFP'' via ''Times Live'' (South Africa).</ref> 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.<ref name=Google>[http://www.google.com/trends/explore#q=vaginal%20steaming%2C%20chai%20yok%2C%20vaginal%20steam%20bath%2C%20vagina%20steaming%2C%20yoni%20steam&cmpt=q Vaginal Steaming] ''Google Trends''.</ref><ref name=LS />

===Tia & Tamera Mowry===
In 2013, twin actresses Tia and Tamera Mowry got vaginally steamed<ref name=LS /><ref name=Med /> and claimed it reduces [[#Helps irregular periods|menstrual cramps]], [[#Prevents vaginal infections|prevents yeast infections]], and [[#Aids fertility|treats infertility]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180601132436/http://madamenoire.com/547710/alternative-medicine/14/ Vaginal Steaming And Cannabis: Celebrities Who Swear By Alternative Medicine] by Meg Butler (July 22, 2015) ''MadameNoire'' (archived from June 1, 2018).</ref><ref>[http://archive.is/ulKQK 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).</ref> This again sparked a burst of popularity. This time, vagina steaming was more widespread, allowing more people to actually do it &mdash; and write about it. As a result, vagina steaming's broader popularity continued to exist (at low levels) until 2015.<ref name=Google />

===Gwyneth Paltrow===
{{cquote|The real golden ticket here is the Mugworth{{sic}} V-Steam: You sit on what is essentially a mini-throne, and a combination of infrared<ref group=note>Vagina steaming ''does'' involve heat, which ''is'' related to {{wpl|infrared}} radiation. That said, vagina steaming ''does not'' directly create infrared radiation for the purposes of healing. Furthermore, even if vagina steaming ''did'' involve infrared, it certainly wouldn't cleanse the vagina.</ref> and [[#Adds good plants to the vagina|mugwort]] steam cleanses your uterus, et al. It is an [[#Causes arousal|energetic release]] — not just a [[#Cleans the vagina|steam douche]] — that [[#Balances hormones|balances female hormone levels]]. If you’re in LA, you have to do it.|||[[Gwyneth Paltrow]]<ref name=LS /><ref name=US /><ref name=Pari /><ref name=RB>[http://www.redbookmag.com/body/pregnancy-fertility/news/a21030/vaginal-steam-treatment/ "Vaginal Steaming Is a "Must" For Gwyneth Paltrow, But Not for Everyone"], Redbook Magazine</ref><ref>[http://archive.is/5mvkA Gwyneth Paltrow Defends Vaginal Steaming Against Medical Science] by Tyler Johnson (July 20, 2016 1:48 pm) ''Hollywood Gossip'' (archived from 21 Jul 2016 22:26:48 UTC).</ref>}}

In January 2015, [[Gwyneth Paltrow]] (a fashion guru and alternative medicine promoter) got a vaginal steam bath and preached its virtues (see quote).<ref name=LS /><ref name=US>[http://archive.is/5mvkA Gwyneth Paltrow Gets Vagina Steam at Spa, Preaches Its Virtues on Goop] (Jan 29, 2015 AT 11:35AM) ''Us Weekly''.</ref> Gwyneth defended vagina steaming against the torrent of Internet ridicule by arguing that vagina steaming "[[Appeal to ancient wisdom|is a thousands-of-years-old practice in Korean spas]]".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN4rA9HBngw Gwyneth Paltrow Defends Vaginal Steaming and 'Conscious Uncoupling' in New Interview] by  Entertainment Tonight (Aug 3, 2015) ''YouTube''.</ref> Eight months later, Paltrow changed her story and claimed that the piece on vagina steaming "actually came from her editorial director, Elise Loehnen".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170710062600/http://doubtfulnews.com/2015/08/gwyneth-paltrow-not-the-one-behind-the-vagina-steaming-claim/ Gwyneth Paltrow not the one behind the vagina steaming claim] by Torkel Ødegård (August 5, 2015) ''Doubtful News'' (archived from July 10, 2017).</ref> 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,<ref name=LS /> maintaining almost Paltrow-era popularity 15 months later.<ref name=Google />

==What is it?==
[[File:Vaginal steaming blanket.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Smiling woman misplaces pot of soup, rests on stool after failed search mission.|Smiling woman misplaces pot of soup, rests on stool after failed search mission.<ref name=SM>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150718110039/http://www.springmoonfertility.com/vaginal-steams/ The healing power of vaginal steams] by Kathryn (November 13, 2014) ''Spring Moon'' (archived from July 18, 2015).</ref>]]

Vagina steaming is cheap and simple, which probably explains why spas delight in charging their customers for the procedure. It goes as follows:<ref name=SM /><ref name=Natural /><ref name=Birther>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141024070809/http://www.birth-institute.com/alternative-medicine-and-childbirth/vaginal-steams Vaginal Steams: Forgotten Ancient Wisdom for Women's Healing] ''Birth Institute'' (archived from October 24, 2014).</ref><ref name=NN/><ref name=Soul/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150616090108/http://thedetoxdiva.com/do-it-yourself-v-steam/ Do-It-Yourself V-Steam] ''The Detox Diva'' (archived from June 16, 2015).</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170113044955/http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-23308/moon-medicine-the-art-of-herbal-vaginal-steaming.html Moon Medicine: The Art Of Herbal Vaginal Steaming] by Iris Josephina (January 15, 2016 5:38 AM) ''mindbodygreen'' (archived from January 13, 2017).</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200616211957/https://www.hercampus.com/school/roosevelt/secrets-yoni-steaming The Secrets of Yoni Steaming] by Maiya Shackelford (February 3, 2016 at 1:00pm) ''Her Campus'' (archived from June 16, 2020).</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160623155334/http://www.birdsofdesire.com/blog-content/2016/2/1/vaginal-steaming Vaginal Steaming] by Marisa (February 1, 2016) ''Birds Of Desire'' (archived from June 23, 2016).</ref><ref>[http://archive.is/Lk36c Vaginal Steam Baths] ''Moon Rhythms'' (archived from 28 Apr 2016 04:14:34 UTC).</ref>

#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.<ref name=Monkey>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140621033106/http://alignmentmonkey.nurturance.net/2012/vaginal-steams Vaginal Steams] by Barbara Loomis(Apr 7<sup>th</sup>, 2012) ''Alignment Monkey'' (archived from June 21, 2014).</ref><ref name=NN /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150415033756/http://moonblushsacred.com/vaginal-steaming-ancient-wisdom-doesnt-lie-guest-post-by-sierra-brashear/ Vaginal Steaming: Ancient Women’s Ritual] by Sierra Brashear, ''Moon Blush'' (archived from April 15, 2015).</ref><ref name=Fab/> Supporters also advise that a medical professional be consulted before the steaming.<ref name=NN/><ref name=Sklar/> 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==
{{main|Scientific consensus}}
{{cquote|When I first read the articles about V-jay steaming, I wasn’t sure if they were discussing a feel-good technique, a novel treatment for the crabs, or a new venue for cooking your dumplings. But after managing to suspend my disbelief, I finally gathered that this is pure kitsch — a [[Appeal to celebrity|fad touted by uninformed celebs]]. I checked the medical literature as thoroughly as I could and found no ''credible'' evidence of any GYN health benefit from steaming one's junk. Positive health claims appear nothing more than anecdotal.|||Dr. David Shobin<ref>[https://www.yahoo.com/health/ooh-aah-we-tried-it-vaginal-steaming-110173312208.html Ooh! Aah! We Tried It: Vaginal Steaming] (February 5, 2015, 1:47 PM PST) ''Yahoo!Life''.</ref>}}
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."''<ref name=Fox/>
#'''Dr. Pari Ghodsi''', Group Practitioner at Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.A.:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150415033704/https://s3.amazonaws.com/leonardo_site_media/10724-92b1a7ef18cb717520c52949f0135eeb.pdf Curriculum Vitae Of Pari M. Ghodsi, M.D.] ''Northlake Obstetrics and Gynecology'' (archived from April 15, 2015).</ref> ''"V-Steam, although a catchy name, makes no sense and is an overall bad idea."''<ref name=Pari/>
#'''Dr. Draion Burch''', clinical assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140921151733/http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/news-and-publications/media-center/expert-sources/Pages/draion-burch.aspx Draion M. Burch, DO] ''American Osteopathic Association'' (archived from September 21, 2014).</ref> ''"There's no scientific evidence that shows it works."''<ref name=LS/>
#'''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."''<ref name=LAT />
#'''Dr. Camilo Gonima''', OBGYN at the Institute for Women's Health:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140531100708/http://www.ifwh.org/en/physicians?view=detail&npi=25&from=all Gonima, Camilo A., MD] ''Institute of Women's Health'' (archived from May 31, 2014).</ref> ''"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."''<ref name=Med/>
#'''Dr. Vicken Sahakian''', OBGYN and medical director of Pacific Fertility Center in Los Angeles:<ref>[Dr. Vicken Sahakian] ''Pacific Fertility Center of Los Angeles''.</ref> ''"It sounds like voodoo medicine that sometimes works."''<ref name=LAT />
#'''Dr. Jennifer Gunter''', widely-certified OBGYN:<ref>[https://drjengunter.wordpress.com/about-me/ About me] ''Dr. Jen Gunter''.</ref> ''"Steam is probably not good for your vagina. Herbal steam is no better and quite possibly worse. It is most definitely more expensive."''<ref name=Gunter>[https://drjengunter.wordpress.com/2015/01/27/gwyneth-paltrow-says-steam-your-vagina-an-obgyn-says-dont/ Gwyneth Paltrow says steam your vagina, an OB/GYN says don’t] by Jen Gunter (January 27, 2015) ''Dr. Jen Gunter''.</ref>
#'''Dr. Mary Minkin''', MD, OBGYN at Obstetrics Gynecology & Menopause Physicians, P.C. and clinical professor at the Yale University School of Medicine:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140905152033/http://obgynmenopause.com/dr_mary_jane_minkin_md.php Mary Jane Minkin, MD, FACOG] (2007) ''Obstetrics Gynecology & Menopause Physicians'' (archived from September 5, 2014).</ref> ''"It's complete [[Bullshit|bull]]."''<ref>[http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/gwyneth-paltrow-v-steam 3 Reasons You Definitely Shouldn't Get Your Vagina Steamed: An expert weighs in.] by Ashley Oerman (Feb 2, 2015) ''Women's Health''.</ref>
#'''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."''<ref>[http://pagesix.com/2015/01/29/gwyneth-thinks-you-should-get-a-vagina-steam/ Gwyneth thinks you should get a vagina steam] by Julie Gordon (January 29, 2015 | 3:03pm) ''Page Six''.</ref>
#'''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."''<ref name=Health>[http://news.health.com/2015/01/28/5-things-you-definitely-should-not-be-doing-to-your-vagina/ 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''.</ref>
#'''Dr. Taraneh Shirazian''', OBGYN at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.<ref name=Health/>
#'''Dr. Katherine Thurer''', gynecologist at the Raby Institute for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern University:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190620001934/https://www.rabyintegrativemedicine.com/pages/providers/367.php Integrative Medicine Physicians] ''Raby Institute'' (archived from June 20, 2019).</ref> ''"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."''<ref name=CHL/>

MDs:
#'''Dr. Siri Chand Kaur Khalsa''', MD, One Medical Group and "[[Integrative medicine]]" practicioner:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150906133327/http://www.onemedical.com/phx/physicians/ Meet Our Medical Team] ''One Medical'' (archived from September 6, 2015).</ref> ''"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."''<ref name=FC>[http://www.fastcompany.com/3041307/body-week/i-went-to-a-spa-for-my-uterus-and-this-is-my-story 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''.</ref>
#'''Dr. [[David Gorski|Gorski]] {{wpl|David Gorski|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."''<ref name=Sci/>

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?'':<ref>[http://www.hli.ualberta.ca/People/TimothyCaulfield.aspx Timothy Caulfield] ''Faculty of Law, University of Alberta ''.</ref>: ''"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 [[bacteria]]l flora down there."''<ref>[http://archive.is/CGDzL 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).</ref>
#'''Nicholas LeRoy''', Doctor of Chiropractic, founder of Chicago-based Illinois Center for Progressive Health:<ref>[http://www.drnick.net/ Dr. Nicholas LeRoy, DC, MS] ''Illinois Center for Progressive Health'' (archived from May 17, 2014).</ref> ''"[[HPV]] can live on the surfaces of objects for long periods of time."''<ref name=CHL/>

===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'':<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160302040113/http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/115249/info Lissa Rankin] ''BlogHer'' (archived from March 2, 2106).</ref> ''"[[Balance_fallacy|There's no scientific evidence to support or reject the claims made]] by advocates of vaginal steam baths, so [[Burden_of_proof#Shifting_the_burden|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 [[Appeal_to_tradition|ancient Eastern health care practices]], so [[Argument_from_ignorance|who knows]]? I'm a big fan of [[Anecdotal_evidence|checking in with your gut (and your lady bits!)]] What does your body tell you? […] [I]f [[Placebo_effect|the wisdom of your body speaks to you]] and says, "YES! This is the answer for me," pay attention."''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150924125028/http://www.blogher.com/steam-your-vagina-obgyn-vaginal-steam-baths What Vaginal Steam Baths Are Really Like: An OB/GYN Weighs In] by Lissa Rankin (January 30, 2015) ''BlogHer'' (archived from September 24, 2015).</ref>

PhD's:
#'''Dr. Lisa S. Lawless''', PhD, psychotherapist and CEO of Holistic Wisdom, Inc.:<ref>[http://lisalawless.com/ Lisa Lawless]</ref><ref group=note>Some psychotherapists are medical doctors; others are not. Since RW isn't certain, [[Fair and Balanced|we'll give her the benefit of the doubt.]]</ref> ''"Vaginal steaming [[Appeal_to_tradition|in Chinese medicine]] is used to [[Vague|relieve stagnation and coldness in the body]], and [[Appeal_to_tradition|in Eastern medicine]] [[Vague|in general]] it is used to [[Technobabble|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."''<ref name=NN/>

Non-MDs:
#'''Rosita Arvigo''', Doctor of {{wpl|Naprapathy|Naprapathy|:}}<ref>[http://rositaarvigo.com/ The official site of Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN]</ref> ''"Vaginal or yoni steam baths [[Appeal to tradition|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 [[Vague|many female complaints, especially those of a serious or chronic nature.]]"''<ref name=Birther/>
#'''Isa Herrera''', {{wpl|Master of Physical Therapy|MSPT}} & CSCS<ref>[https://www.nsca.com/Certification/ Certification Overview] ''The National Strength and Conditioning Association''.</ref> (both non-doctoral positions), and employee of Renew Therapy (which offers vagina steaming):<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180825083507/http://renewpt.com/who-we-are/ Who We Are and Our Approach] ''Renew Physical Therapy'' (archived from August 25, 2018).</ref>''"[[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 [[Deepity|nurture the soul, spirit and body all at the same time]]."<ref name=CHL>[http://chicagohealthonline.com/when-things-get-steamy/ When Things Get Steamy: Can Vagina Steams Aid in Vaginal and Uterine Health?] by Megy Karydes (December 5, 2013) ''Chicago Health''.</ref>

==Impacts==
An easy guide to the claimed impacts of vagina steaming:

*'''Beneficial:'''
:*[[#Adds good plants to the vagina|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.
:*[[Cleanse]]s: A little yes, mostly no.
::*[[#Cleans the vagina|Cleans the vagina]]: No. The vagina self-cleans. Douching doesn't work and is harmful.
::*[[#Cleans the uterus|Cleans the uterus]]: No. Almost no steam will enter the uterus.
::*[[#Reduces odor|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"|Removes toxins]]: No. The alleged removal of vaguely-defined "[[toxins]]" is an unscientific claim by definition.
:*[[#Helps irregular periods|Helps irregular periods]]: Probably not. Vagina steaming will not solve any of the hormonal imbalances/pituitary tumors that cause irregular [[Menstruation|periods]].
:*[[#Treats abnormal growths|Treats abnormal growths]]: No. You can't steam away cancer.
:*[[#Prevents vaginal infections|Prevents vaginal infections]]: [[#Causes infections|''Hell'' no]].
:*[[#Balances hormones|Balances hormones]]: No. The vagina does not regulate hormones — and even if they did, steam would not "balance" them.
:*[[#Aids fertility|Aids fertility]]: No.
::*[[#Niki Han Schwarz did it!|Niki Han Schwarz did it!]]: No. This argument is [[Anecdotal evidence|anecdotal]], untested, and self-interested information isn't acceptable.
::*[[#Increases circulation|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.
::*[[#Aids fertility|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|Aids relaxation]]: Sure. Sitting somewhere warm and not doing anything for an hour is probably pretty nice.
:*[[#Causes arousal|Causes arousal]]: Yes. This probably explains everything reported on the "beneficial" side.

*'''Harmful:'''
:*[[#Causes infections|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|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|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|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|Causes contraction of the purse]]: Yes, even if done right.

==Claimed benefits==
{{cquote|Vaginal Steaming: Just a Bunch of Hot Air?|||[[Fox News]] <small>([[Stopped clock|Yeah, you know something's BS when even ''Fox'' doesn't buy it]].)</small><ref name=Fox />}}
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 interest]]s 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 [[Randomized controlled trial|controlled trial]], of which none have occurred. Given how dubious the benefits are and how easily it can do harm, [[WOMBAT|a formal investigation into vaginal steaming is unlikely to happen]].

===Adds good plants to the vagina===
[[File:Genital steam bath.PNG|thumb|right|A woman sitting on a bucket, which appears to contain leaves raked in from the yard. Source: van Andel 05.<ref>[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</ref>]]
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:<ref name=FC />

{{quotebox|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.}}

The most commonly used herbs are mugwort, oregano, rosemary, basil, calendula, and marshmallow root.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160413222122/http://www.peacefuldumpling.com/tried-vaginal-steaming I Tried It: Vaginal Steaming (and Why You Should Too)] by Jessica Renae (February 24, 2015) ''Peaceful Dumpling'' (archived from April 13, 2016).</ref> 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.<ref name=Monkey /> 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.<ref name=Monkey /> ''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.<ref name=Monkey /> 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 [[Appeal to ancient wisdom|be ancient medicine]],<ref name=Monkey /><ref name=LAT /> contain antibiotics and antifungal agents,<ref name=Monkey /><ref name=LAT /> stimulate production of hormones to maintain uterine health,<ref name=Monkey /><ref name=LAT /> prevent cancer,<ref name=Monkey /><ref name=LAT /> prevent ulcers,<ref name=Monkey /><ref name=LAT /> stimulate a period,<ref name=Monkey /><ref name=LAT /> ease mental discomfort,<ref name=LAT /> reduce the impacts of menopause,<ref name=LS /> treat [[#Causes infections|yeast infections]],<ref name=LS /> and [[#Aids fertility|treat infertility]].<ref name=LS /> 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 "[[Subtle energy|energy]]"/[[qi]]/etc.), balance hormones, and increase circulation to the pelvis.<ref name=SM />

*[[Red clover]] (''Trifolium pratense'') is claimed to promote healing of the skin.<ref name=Monkey /> 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.<ref name=Monkey /> 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".<ref name=Monkey /><ref name=SM /> 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".<ref name=Monkey /> 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.<ref name=LAT /> Wormwood can cause vomiting and a variety of mental discomforts, and is neurotoxic in large doses.

*[[List of medicinal plants#Y|Yarrow]] (''Achillea millefolium'') is claimed to be astringent (contract bodily tissues), cause "cleansing", and be antibacterial.<ref name=SM />

*Rose petals are claimed to be really soft.<ref name=Monkey /><ref name=Fab /><ref name=SM /> 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.<ref name=LAT>[http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/20/health/la-he-v-steam-20101220 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''.</ref> 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 &mdash; since in both instances, water is forced into the vagina.<ref name=WebMD>[http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginal-douching-helpful-or-harmful Vaginal Douching: Helpful or Harmful?] Reviewed by Trina Pagano, MD (September 19, 2018) ''WebMD''.</ref><ref name=WH>[http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/douching.html Douching] ''Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services''.</ref> Many believe that douching effectively cleans the vagina, even though little scientific evidence supports this belief;<ref name=WebMD /><ref name=WH/> 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.<ref name=LS>[http://www.livescience.com/49648-vaginal-steaming-no-benefits.html No, Gwyneth Paltrow, Vaginas Don't Need to Be Steam Cleaned] by Tia Ghose (January 30, 2015) ''LiveScience''.</ref><ref name=WebMD /><ref name=WH/>

These and other conditions make vagina steaming drastically [[#Causes infection|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===
{{cquote|The formulation of a vaginal steam bath consists of aromatic, cleansing herbs that will penetrate into the uterine wall. The therapeutic effects of thermotherapy and aromatherapy contribute to the effectiveness of this treatment. Overall the bath aids as a uterine lavage or internal cleanse of the membranes that often accumulate incompletely flushed debris/fluids from cycle to cycle.|||Marc Sklar<ref name=Sklar>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150415033730/https://www.fertilityauthority.com/blog/marc-sklar/2014/2/05/what-are-vaginal-steam-baths What are Vaginal Steam Baths?] by Marc Sklar (February 5, 2014) ''Fertility Authority'' (archived from April 15, 2015).</ref>}}

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.<ref name=RB /> To quote Dr. Ghodsi:<ref name=Pari />

{{quotebox|Anything put into your vagina does not have direct access into your uterus. Your cervix, which is the bottom of the uterus, sits in the top of your vagina and it does have a a tiny hole in which menstrual blood comes out, sperm goes in, and that also dilates during labor to allow a baby to come out. But it is too small for something released into your vagina to get up into your uterus unless there is an apparatus going into your uterus helping its entry or it has natural propellers like sperm.}}

And to quote Dr. Gunter:<ref name=Gunter />

{{quotebox|Steam isn’t going to get into your uterus from your vagina unless you are using an attachment with some kind of pressure and MOST DEFINITELY NEVER EVER DO THAT.}}

Alternatively, supporters claim that herbs enter the bloodstream and flow to the uterus:<ref name=Eleph />

{{quotebox|When the herbs are placed in the hot water, their medicinal properties, including volatile oils, are released and carried to the surface of your skin, and to the inside of the vagina, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream and into 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.<ref>[http://clinicalherbalism.com/vaginal-steam/ Vaginal Steam] ''Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism''.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140821135407/http://www.mamaandbabylove.com/2013/05/06/yup-i-am-gonna-talk-about-vaginal-steam-baths/ Yup, I am Gonna Talk About Vaginal Steam Baths] by Stephanie (May 6, 2013) ''Mama & Baby'' (archived from August 21, 2014).</ref><ref name=Natural/>

Douching ''can'' mask vaginal odor, but doesn't truly remove it.<ref name=WH/> Similarly, vagina steaming (which often contains good-smelling herbs<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/vaginal-steam-facial-review_us_57151bf9e4b06f35cb702f0c I 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''.</ref>) 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.<ref name=WH/>

===Removes "toxins"===
Some supporters go beyond claims of "cleansing" and claim that vagina steaming [[Detox|removes "toxins"]] from the vagina.<ref name=Med>[http://www.medicaldaily.com/should-you-get-v-steam-vaginal-detox-claims-soothe-menstrual-cramps-and-boost-womens-fertility 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''.</ref><ref name=Soul /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160815000000*/http://besanctuary.com/services/yoni Yoni] ''Sanctuary Spa'' (archived from September 30, 2016).</ref><ref name=Natural/> 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 periods<ref name=SM/><ref name=Monkey /><ref name=NN>[https://archive.is/vlpPe What is vaginal steaming?] by Lisa S. Lawless (August 05, 2013) ''Natural News'' (archived from 28 Dec 2014 11:07:55 UTC).</ref><ref name=Sklar /><ref name=Soul /><ref name=Fab /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150729222211/http://kolyanaturals.com/2015/07/painful-periods-vaginal-steaming-a-lost-practice-that-supports-feminine-cycles/ Painful Periods & Vaginal Steaming: A Lost Practice that Supports Feminine Cycles] ''Kolya Naturals'' (archived from July 29, 2015).</ref><ref name=Natural/> (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, [[#Treats abnormal growths|uterine fibroids, uterine endometriosis, cancer]], {{wpl|uterine prolapse||,}} and many more.<ref>[http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menstruation/conditioninfo/Pages/causes.aspx What causes menstrual irregularities?] ''National Institute of Child Health and Human Development''.</ref><ref>[http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/healthy_living/hic_Coping_with_Families_and_Careers/hic_Normal_Menstruation/hic-abnormal-menstruation Abnormal Menstruation (Periods)] (08/25/2019) ''Cleveland Clinic''.</ref> 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.<ref group=note>The only way to prevent such a false positive is to have controlled studies; no such studies have been conducted on vagina steaming.</ref>
#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 {{wpl|Uterine fibroid|uterine fibroids}} (abnormal growths in the uterus),<ref name=SM /><ref name=NN/><ref name=Sklar /><ref name=Soul/><ref name=Natural>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161211005640/http://fibroidnaturaltreatment.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fibroids-naturally-using-yoni-steaming/ How To Get Rid Of Fibroids Naturally Using Yoni Steaming] (02/9/2016 | 1:42) ''Uterine Fibroids Natural Treatment'' (archived from December 11, 2016).</ref> uterine {{wpl|endometriosis}} (abnormal growths outside of the uterus),<ref name=SM /><ref name=NN/><ref name=Sklar/><ref name=Soul /><ref name=Natural/> {{wpl|hemorrhoid|hemorrhoids|,}}<ref name=NN/><ref name=Soul /><ref name=Natural/> 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 [[#Cleans the uterus|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,<ref name=NN /><ref name=LAT /><ref name=LS /><ref name=Soul /><ref name=Natural /> and bladder infections.<ref name=NN />

This is [[#Causes infections|basically the opposite of what probably will happen.]]

===Balances hormones===
{{cquote|The vagina is not regulating your hormones. Your brain regulates your hormones. Nuff said.|||Dr. Ghodsi<ref name=Pari />}}

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.<ref name=Pari /><ref name=RB />

===Aids relaxation===
[[File:Four Spiritual Benefits to Womb Steaming.jpeg|thumb|right|Text:<br />"[[Brainwave woo|[T]akes you to deeper alpha and theta brain wave states for deep soul level healing[.<nowiki>]</nowiki>]]<ref group=note>Apparently you heal the soul with brain waves. And what's the difference between "deep" and "light" soul level healing?</ref><br />[I]nspires clarity and quiet mindfulness[.]<ref group=note>Because you're fucking sitting still for half an hour. Try it sometime.</ref><br />[E]nhances creativity and problem solving[.]<ref group=note>Maybe [[#Causes_arousal|sexual]] creativity; aside from that, it's just sitting.</ref><br />[C]onnects you to the source of all creation through your organ of creation[.]<ref group=note>What even ''is'' the "source of all creation", and do you want to "connect" to it?</ref>]]
{{hatnote|Not to be confused with the relaxing sensation of having [[AIDS]].}}
{{cquote|Kind of when you were a kid and you pulled your shirt over your legs to sit on the vent during cold winter days. Another way to increase your benefit is to self-massage on your abdomen with your hands… or a vibrator. Yes, I know what I said.|||Inquisitr being edgy<ref name=Inq>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130926234136/https://www.inquisitr.com/890389/vaginal-steaming/ Vaginal Steaming Trend: Think Of It As A Steam Facial For The Vagina] (August 6, 2013) ''Inquisitr'' (archived from September 26, 2013).</ref>}}
Perhaps vagina steaming "releases stored emotions and taps into the energy that is our creative potential."<ref name=Natural /> 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 [[#Causes steam burns|vaginal burns]] and [[#Causes infections|infections]].

===Aids fertility===
{{cquote|There is absolutely no way this has any significant health benefit. The illusion that any hot air infused with some herbal spice would penetrate the vaginal barriers of your body and improve fertility, regulate hormones does not hold any water{{pun}} with me.|||Dr. Manny Alvarez<ref name=Fox>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130905230224/http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/12/22/vaginal-steaming-just-bunch-hot-air/ Vaginal Steaming: Just a Bunch of Hot Air?] (December 22, 2010) ''Fox News'' (archived from September 5, 2013).</ref>}}
Some supporters argue that vagina steaming helps increase fertility.<ref name=NN/><ref name=Soul/><ref name=LAT/><ref name=LS/><ref name=Fab/><ref name=Natural /><ref name=SM/> For example, Dalene Barton writes:<ref name=Nat>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140702202152/https://natural-fertility-info.com/vagina-steam.html Traditional Vagina Steam for Healthy Fertility] by Dalene Barton (12/21/2010) ''Natural Fertility Info'' (archived from July 2, 2014).</ref>

{{quotebox|Vagina Steam baths bring heat to the womb. … Different herbs have different healing actions. Typically more than one herb was chosen and formulated in a blend, specific to the woman’s unique fertility needs. The combination of herbs work to nourish, tone, heal, bring in fresh oxygenated blood, promote cleansing, and make supple the vaginal and uterine tissues.}}

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.)<ref name=LAT /><ref name=Med /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110701200303/http://blisstree.com/live/vaginal-steam-baths-could-cure-infertility-and-bad-periods/ 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).</ref> This evidence is flawed in numerous ways: 

#This evidence is about as [[anecdotal evidence|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 [[appeal to bias|biased opinion]] is not ''necessarily'' wrong, it is more likely wrong.<ref name=TBTAM />
#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.<ref name=TBTAM />
#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<ref name=LS />), and that circulation increases fertility.<ref name=NN /><ref name=Nat /> (Increased bloodflow also increases the flow of oxygen and immune factors, which might be beneficial — however, they will not aid pregnancy.<ref name=LAT />) Indeed, increasing circulation in the kidneys has been shown to help pregnancy;<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23596887 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.</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24754183 Clinical Efficacy Observation on Therapy Ovulation Failure Infertility Caursed{{sic}} 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.</ref> 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.
#[[#Causes steam burns|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.<ref name=Time />
#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.

[[File:James Blunt.PNG|thumb|right|"Guys, don't try that Gwyneth Paltrow steam thing. I think I've just poached my balls."<ref>[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).</ref>]]
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.<ref name=LAT />

In reality, warming the testicles ''inhibits'' sperm production and ''reduces'' fertility.<ref name=Sci /> 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===
{{cquote|It's a simple, relaxing treatment. You can imagine people doing this in the forest somewhere.|||Lanee Neil, [[Appeal to nature|appealing to nature]]<ref name=LAT />}}
For a taste of the [[New Age]]-i-ness surrounding vagina steaming, we turn to SoulVibrance:<ref name=Soul />

{{quotebox|Yoni steaming is about more than uterine health, and it is certainly more than a beauty treatment. The practice brings a reconnection to the female body and to the wisdom of plant medicine. It is an opportunity for women to celebrate and cherish our bodies, and learning to enjoy our wombs as the beautiful, sacred center from which our capacity to change the world radiates. Yoni steaming is also about women taking back ownership of our own health, and utilizing our intuition as well as gifts from the Earth to support and nourish our well-being. Yoni steaming is also about trusting the wisdom of generations of women, elevating their perspectives as not only valid, but integral to our health.}}

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.<ref name=Soul>[http://archive.is/oX1gZ Yoni Steam] ''Vibrant Herbs'' (archived from 26 Dec 2014 20:14:12 UTC).</ref><ref name=Fab>[http://archive.is/NIKrC 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).</ref> However, [[Appeal to ancient wisdom|the long history of vagina steaming has no impact on its efficacy]].
*Some argue that vagina steaming is a traditional Mayan/[[Korea]]n/[[Africa]]n/[[Greece|Greek]]/[[Asia]]n treatment and that this somehow makes it more likely to work.<ref name=Birther /><ref name=LAT /><ref name=Soul /><ref name=Natural /><ref name=SM /> However, [[Appeal to tradition|the traditional use of vagina steaming has no impact on its efficacy]].

Other claims of a "vagina steaming tradition" are tenuous at best.<ref>[http://skeptoid.com/blog/2015/01/18/the-mysterious-origins-of-vaginal-steaming/ The Mysterious Origins of Vaginal Steaming] by Jen Burd (January 18, 2015) ''Skeptoid''.</ref>

===Causes arousal===
As Dr. Hilda Hutchinson states:<ref name=Health />

{{quotebox|[Vaginal steaming] probably feels good because the heat increases blood flow to the whole vaginal area, including the clitoris, which could turn some women on.}}

Combining [[Masturbation|arousal]] and the [[placebo effect]] is a great recipe for self-reported "good feelings" after a vagina steam treatment.

==Potential harms==

===Causes infections===
As [[#Cleans the vagina|noted above]], vagina steaming is comparable to gaseous douching.<ref name=TBTAM /> 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.<ref name=RB /><ref name=LS /><ref name=Pari>[http://www.doctorpari.com/2015/02/02/gwynnie-is-no-gyno/ Gwynnie is no Gyno] by Pari Ghodsi (February 2, 2015) ''PariMD''.</ref><ref name=WebMD /><ref name=WH /> People who douche are more likely to have vaginal infection, {{wpl|bacterial vaginosis||,}} vaginal irritation, [[sexually transmitted disease]]s, pregnancy complications, and cervical [[cancer]].<ref name=LS /><ref name=WebMD /><ref name=WH /><ref name=TBTAM />

Furthermore, because the vaginal mucosa is highly absorptive, whatever gets shot up there is likely to enter the entire body.<ref name=WebMD /><ref name=WH /><ref name=TBTAM /> This is especially dangerous for vagina steaming, which may occur in public spas with less-than-sterile seating arrangements.<ref name=TBTAM /> This is also especially true for yeast, which loves the warm, moist environment that steam provides.<ref name=TBTAM>[http://www.tbtam.com/2010/12/vaginal-steam-baths-douche-by-any-other-name.html#.VJxP7F4AKA Vaginal Steam Baths – A Douche By Any Other Name…] by Margaret Polaneczky (December 23, 2010) ''The Blog That Ate Manhattan''.</ref>

As Dr. Gunter puts it:<ref name=Gunter />

{{quotebox|We don’t know the effect of steam on the lower reproductive tract, but the lactobacilli strains that keep vaginas healthy are very finicky about their environment and raising the temperature with steam and whatever infrared nonsense [[#Gwyneth Paltrow|Paltrow]] means is likely not beneficial and is potentially harmful. Some strains of lactobacilli are so hard to cultivate outside of this the very specific vaginal environment that growing them in a lab is next to impossible. There is also the possibility that the "steam" from these plants could contain volatile substances that are harmful to lactobacilli or other aspects of the vaginal ecosystem.}}

===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.<ref name=LS /><ref name=Pari /><ref name=RB />

Steam, just like boiling water, can cause burns; in fact, steam burns are far worse than burns from boiling water.<ref>[http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=1322 Why is a steam burn more damaging than a burn with boiling water of the same temperature?] ''UCSB ScienceLine''.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121126195652/http://c21.phas.ubc.ca/article/steam-burns 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).</ref> This compounds the fact that the vagina is especially sensitive ''and'' not especially resilient.<ref name=Pari/> 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
.<ref name=Birther /> 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.<ref name=Fox /> While inflamed genitals may not seem so bad, if there is a precancerous condition in the vagina, then vaginal irritation may exacerbate the condition.<ref name=Fox /> Chronic inflammation &mdash; by itself &mdash; is a known cause of several types of cancers.<ref>[http://www.cancernetwork.com/review-article/chronic-inflammation-and-cancer Chronic Inflammation and Cancer by Emily Schacter & Sigmund A. Weitzman, ''Oncology'', 2002.]</ref>

===Spreads STDs===
{{main|Sexually transmitted disease}}
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]].<ref name=WHO /><ref name=Andel /><ref name=SOAA>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150408234814/http://www.soaaids.nl/en/information-for/diversity/topics/sex-stis-and-specific-cultural-practices Sex, STIs and specific cultural practices] (2013) ''Soa Aids Nederland'' (archived from April 8, 2015).</ref>

As Tinde van Andel et. al. state:<ref name=Andel />

{{quotebox|In many African cultures, '''plants and other intravaginal desiccants are used to minimise vaginal secretions.''' '''This practice, known as 'dry sex', creates a vagina that is dry, tight, and heated,''' which is supposed to generate an increased sensation for the man during intercourse. Although '''this is uncomfortable and painful''', African women express the need to please their husbands with dry sex in order to keep them from leaving and to minimise the number of girlfriends (Baleta, 1998; Kun, 1998). Previous '''research has shown that dry sex damages the epithelium of the vagina and can lead to lacerations, inflammations, and the suppression of the vagina's natural bacteria, all of which increase the likelihood of infection with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV''' (Brown et al., 1993; Runganga and Kasule, 1995; Kun, 1998; McClelland et al., 2006).<br />[…]<br />'''None of our respondents were aware that a dry, tight vagina is a risk factor for STDs. On the contrary, they were convinced that a regular cleansing of their intimate parts would protect them against such infections''' and ensured their partner's fidelity. The Maroon males we spoke to were all positive about genital baths. Their only concern was that some women used not only tightening herbs in the baths but also 'dangerous' plants in order to acquire [[magic]] power over them.<br />[…]<br />'''Most Surinamese medical practitioners we interviewed knew of the dry-sex practices and were concerned about the possible relationship between these genital baths and the spread of STDs, HIV/AIDS, cervical carcinoma, and ectopic pregnancy in their country.'''<br />[…]<br />Maroons of both sexes, who were interviewed by Terborg (2001), explained that vaginal dryness and tightness during intercourse was not only preferred, but without it sexual pleasure was not possible. '''When asked if dry sex caused contact bleeding and pain, the majority of respondents answered positively. As of 2001, Suriname was experiencing a serious AIDS epidemic, with HIV being prevalent in more than 1% of the adult population''' (UNAIDS/WHO, 2005). '''The vast majority of the HIV-positives are found among the Maroons''' (Terborg, 2001; Terborg et al., 2005).<br />[....]<br />As both men and women highly appreciate dry sex, '''education and awareness programmes should discuss the risks of genital steam baths and encourage safe methods, such as avoiding contact bleeding during intercourse by means of a ‘good warming up’''' and promoting the use of condoms (Terborg, 2001).}}

In addition, ''any'' intravaginal practices have a risk of transferring STIs.<ref name=WHO />

===Causes complications during pregnancy===
Douching in general can cause complications during pregnancy,<ref name=LS /><ref name=WH /><ref name=WebMD /> and [[#Cleans the vagina|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 &mdash; or else it does almost nothing, and isn't worth the time.)

Most practitioners of vagina steaming warn against vaginally steaming while pregnant.<ref name=Monkey /><ref name=Eleph>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190413064229/http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/01/why-vaginal-steaming-could-be-the-best-thing-well-try-this-year/ 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).</ref>

===Causes contraction of the purse===
Spas that offer vagina steaming services tend to have prices that range from about $20<ref name=Jez>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170925095613/http://jezebel.com/5715255/does-your-vagina-need-a-50-steam-bath Does Your Vagina Need A $50 Steam Bath?] by Margaret Hartmann (12/20/10 1:16PM) ''Jezebel'' (archived from September 25, 2017).</ref> to about $100.<ref name=Inq /> 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==
{{anchor|Sci}}{{cquote|[A]sking for scientific citations at a holistic spa is rather like requesting chopsticks at an ice cream parlor: not only will they not have them, they won’t really understand why you’re asking in the first place.|||Russell Saunders<ref>[https://web.archive.org/articles/2015/01/29/for-the-love-of-goop-don-t-steam-your-vagina.html For the Love of Goop Don’t Steam Your Vagina: Oh Gwyneth. When will you stop passing on your absurdity in the form of healthy, scientific advice?] by Daniel Summers (01.29.15 2:45 AM ET) ''The Daily Beast''.</ref>}}{{cquote|Not only is there potential to burn yourself if the steam's too hot, went these cautionary tales, but some gynecologists think the herbal steam might mess with good bacteria, which are vital to keeping women healthy and infection-free. [...] But as it turns out, nobody’s yet done a study on the practice. That was enough for us.|||Roxanna Asgarian, proving Saunders right<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160917153955/http://www.houstoniamag.com/articles/2016/5/31/vaginal-steaming-ice-house-june-2016 This Month's Must-Try Dept: Vaginal Steaming: You know what it’s like when you make yourself a cup of hot chamomile tea, hold it in both hands, and breathe in the steam?] by Roxanna Asgarian (5/31/2016 at 12:00am) ''Houstonia Magazine'' (archived from September 17, 2016).</ref>}}

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 survey<ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-3156.2010.02687.x/full Prevalence 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.</ref>'''<br />
This article contains a wealth of self-reported information about vagina steaming.<ref group=note>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 [[Sex|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.</ref> 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 {{wpl|Dyspareunia}} (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 Serum<ref>[http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.ijaf.20140403.10.html Study 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.</ref>'''<br />
This article, while describing some of the known qualities of ''Satureja bachtiarica'', states:

{{quotebox|[M]assaging vertebral column with plant creams containing extract of this plant (''Satureja bachtiarica'') accompanied by foot baths and vagina steaming is very effective to reduce orgasmic dysfunction in women (Lewis and Elvin-Lemis, 1977).}}

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.<ref>''Medical Botany: Plants Affecting Man's Health'' by Walter H. Memory P. F. Elvin-Lewis (1977) John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0471533203.</ref>{{rp|331,390,510}}

As a final warning, this article's publisher is a bit sketchy.<ref>[http://scholarlyoa.com/2012/02/05/new-publisher-scientific-academic-publishing/ New publisher: Scientific & Academic Publishing] by Stef Brezgov (May 28, 2019) ''Scholarlyoa''.</ref>

'''A multi-country study on gender, sexuality and vaginal practices: Implications for sexual health<ref name=WHO>[http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/75182/1/WHO_RHR_HRP_12.25_eng.pdf A 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''.</ref>'''<br />
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) [[#Spreads STIs|have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV]].

'''Dry sex in Suriname<ref name=Andel>[http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tinde_Andel/publication/5766025_Dry_sex_in_Suriname/links/54c55ed80cf2911c7a553e6f.pdf 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.</ref>'''<br />
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 [[#Spreads STDs|can harm the vagina and spread STDs]].

The article provided insight into another reason (besides dry sex) that people vaginally steam:

{{quotebox|Being clean is essential in the Afro-Surinamese culture and is reflected in its ethnobotany. Menstruating women and mothers in childbed are considered unclean (Price, 1993; Fleury, 1996). Vaginal baths are seen as a way to purify the female body and make it attractive again for the opposite sex (Fleury, 1996).}}

The articles also stated that vagina steaming after delivering a baby may be better than ''no'' treatment at all:

{{quotebox|These baths also caused the uterus to return to its former shape and prevented childbed fever and a sagging waist. If a woman refrained from cleansing her uterus after childbirth, she ran the risk of contracting ‘cold in the belly’. According to our respondents, this dangerous illness, caused by ‘dirty blood’ left in the uterus after delivery, could lead to severe abdominal pains, fever, and ultimately death. This description suggests serious uterine infections and puerperal fever.<br />[…]<br />Given the popularity of dry sex, its important role in AfroSurinamese culture, and the limited understanding of infective mechanisms in Maroon society, a general prohibition of genital steam baths in Suriname is no option. Moreover, prohibiting traditional midwife practices could have negative effects on women’s health, especially in remote areas where health centres are poorly staffed and equipped (Terborg, 2001; Ticktin and Dalle, 2005).<br />[…]<br />Our results show that genital steam baths are frequently used to facilitate the removal of placental remains after birth, miscarriage or abortion. In the major Maroon settlements, where 58% of the deliveries take place without an officially trained birth attendant (United Nations Population Fund, 2007), knowledge of medicinal plants that contract the uterus and prevent puerperal fever can save lives. Cleaning out the uterus after a miscarriage by means of steam and herbs is preferable to receiving no treatment at all.}}

That said, the article isn't an empirical study and doesn't jibe with the idea that [[#Cleanses the uterus|it's hard to get steam into the uterus]].

===Paywalled===
'''Interventions to improve vaginal health for reducing the risk of HIV acquisition<ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009869/abstract Interventions 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.</ref>'''<br />
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 Survey<ref>[http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2010.2281 Prevalence, 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.</ref>'''<br />
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<ref name=Google />
*[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/01/29/snake-oil-alert-why-gwyneth-paltrow-gets-her-vagina-steam-cleaned-and-why-you-probably-shouldnt/ Snake Oil Alert: Why Gwyneth Paltrow Gets Her Vagina Steam-Cleaned, and Why You Probably Shouldn’t]
*[http://doubtfulnews.com/tag/vagina-steaming/ Tag Archive for vagina steaming], [[Doubtful News]]
*[https://crayfisher.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/lets-talk-about-vaginal-steam-cleaning/ Let’s Talk About Vaginal Steam Cleaning] (or not)
*[http://www.websnick.in/uncategorized/people-vaginas-latest-trend-vaginal-steaming/ People with Vaginas, Here Is the Latest Trend for You]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note|2}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{altmedbox}}

[[Category:Orientalist woo]]
[[Category:Nature woo]]
[[Category:Pseudoscience]]
[[Category:Purity culture]]

Categories: Orientalist woo, Nature woo, Pseudoscience, Purity culture