Facts About Vaginal Steaming

Full disclosure: I love Groupon. It’s full of deals on stuff and services I never knew I needed. A detoxing foot bath for $5? Yes, please! Half-off a pumpkin spice facial? Sign me up for that seasonal treat. Buy one, get one, vaginal steaming? Heck yes … I need to see the fine print on that one.

You’ve probably heard of vaginal steaming before. It’s been around for centuries. More recently, celebrities like Chrissy Teigan have posted about it on social media. I remember hearing about it on an episode of “The Kardashians.” “It’s so good for your vagina — you put roses and stuff in there,” Kourtney said.

Roses? And stuff? In your vagina? “The appeal is that [people think] it ‘cleans it out’ and provides nutrients to the area,” said Heather Bartos, M.D., an OB-GYN and member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council.

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But like many things on reality TV, vaginal steaming isn’t what it seems. Here’s what you need to know before you get that Groupon.

What is vaginal steaming?

Vaginal steaming, also called v-steaming and yoni steaming, involves sitting over a pot of hot water that’s infused with herbs. A blanket or towel is placed around your lower body to keep the steam from escaping.

Spa-like facilities may offer vaginal steaming using a special seat with a hole in the middle for the steam to come through. There are also DIY kits for at-home steamers.

What are the supposed vaginal steaming benefits?

As Bartos mentioned, part of the draw of vagina steaming is that it supposedly helps “clean” the vagina.

Vaginal steaming has also been said to help regulate periods, ease period cramps and increase fertility. Although there’s no scientific evidence to back up any of these claims.

What are the risks of vaginal steaming?

“Steaming — as the name suggests — can cause severe burns and irritation to the vulva and vagina,” Bartos said.

Beyond the possibility of burns (which seems like enough to say hard pass) the herbs can cause inflammation and infection. Bartos said vagina steaming is basically a super hot version of a douche, which you shouldn’t do. (It can upset the balance of bacteria in your vagina.)

Read: 15 Minutes With: Ashley Winter, M.D., Talks Urology, Sex and All Things Vaginas >>

Also, Bartos noted that vagina steaming perpetuates the myth that the vagina is dirty and needs cleaning — which isn’t true. “Your vagina is perfect the way she is!”

Does vaginal steaming work?

Science says there are no real benefits to vaginal steaming. “The vagina doesn’t sit around ‘open,’ so getting nutrients into the area is nearly impossible,” Bartos said. “No one does rectal steaming.”

The vaginal steaming verdict: Save your money — and your vagina. There are plenty of other Groupons in the sea.