Vaginal steam baths have long attracted the attention of thousands of women around the world, as many celebrities have promoted the practice. This treatment, also called vaginal steam or “steam” Yoni», it consists of exposing the vaginal area to the vapor released by some herbs to purify and reduce certain ailments. Does it really work? Is there evidence?
Despite the many benefits of reporting anecdotal data, For now, there are no scientific studies that demonstrate that its use is effective. Instead, health professionals warn that it can pose some risks, especially if done at home and without the proper precautions.
How do vaginal steam baths work?
To perform vaginal steam baths, an infusion of various herbs is prepared. Then, the vagina is exposed to the vapors released by cookingin a period that can oscillate between 20 and 45 minutes.
Some luxury spas offer this service for a fee. To do this, they use a special seat called a “throne”, which has a hole through which steam escapes.
However, some people make it at home without any special elements. Simply, the preparation is introduced into a basin and, after this, the woman crouches naked on the container to receive the vapours. A towel is often worn around the waist and legs so that the steam does not escape.
In general, the herbs that are used are as follows:
- Chamomile.
- Marigold.
- Basil.
- Mugwort.
- Origan.
- Absinthe.
- Rosemary.
Uses and benefits of vaginal steam baths
In traditional medicine, vaginal steam baths are used as a treatment to “cleanse” a woman’s vagina, uterus and entire reproductive tract. With this, its defenders say, it is possible to reduce some common female problems, such as the following:
- Menstrual symptoms: cramps, bloating, heavy bleeding and fatigue.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Bad vaginal odors.
- infertility.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Fatigue.
- infections.
- Heachache.
Now, it’s important to consider that these alleged benefits have no scientific basis. Some point out that it works because it improves blood flow to the vaginal tissues, which would stimulate healing. However, these claims have not been proven by science.
Although vaginal steam baths have always existed, the truth is that their popularity is recent. They made global headlines in 2015 after being promoted by celebrity Gwyneth Paltrow.. Since then, they have become a practice offered by some spas and spas in the Western Anglo nations.
For example, UK-based alternative therapist Claire Stone has been offering vaginal steaming therapies for nearly a decade. Social networks have helped promote the practice, thanks to the supposedly positive comments of those who have suffered it. Despite the latter, bathrooms of this type may have more disadvantages than benefits.
So what do the studies say?
No quality research has been done to evaluate the purported benefits of vaginal steams. Its popularity is due to online testimonials and claims in popular literature that, of course, have no scientific basis.
A job Posted in Culture, health and sexuality in 2017 suggests it This kind of practice stems from ideas such as that a woman’s body is dirty, that contemporary life is harmful and that it is necessary to be constantly improving to maintain health.
But the truth is that there are many myths surrounding women’s intimate health. Contrary to what many think, the vagina does not need specific products or treatments to clean itself. As they explain researchers In Women’s healththe vagina cleans itself thanks to the presence of a microbiome, consisting mainly of Lactobacillus.
This group of bacteria produces lactic acid and other substances that make it up adjust the pH of the area to prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In this way they prevent infections and dermatological alterations, among other problems.
Therefore, there is no need to use soaps, steams, powders, baths or any chemicals for feminine hygiene. An investigation Posted in Epidemiological reviews warns that practices such as douching are, in fact, harmful. Its regular use is associated with ailments such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
That said, one thing should be clear: There is no need to wash or “cleanse” the inside of the vagina. This has its own cleaning mechanism. For washing the outside, using water should be sufficient. If soap is used, it must be pH neutral, free from perfumes and irritants.
Can vaginal steam baths be dangerous?
There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether vaginal steaming is safe and effective. Anyway, there is some concern regarding the risks of burns from exposing these heat-sensitive tissues.
A clinical case Posted in Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada in 2019 warned about this problem. The researchers presented the case of a 62-year-old woman who suffered second-degree burns after applying vaginal steam in an attempt to reduce the prolapse in the area.
In turn, it is believed that overheating the intimate region can provide an ideal environment for growth of microorganisms that cause infections. This gets worse if the items used are not given proper sanitation.
For safety reasons, its application is not recommended in case of diseases of the reproductive system, infections and pregnancy. Under all these conditions, it is best to consult a doctor.
What is there to remember about this treatment?
Although vaginal steam rooms are sold with the aim of improving intimate health, the truth is this they are unnecessary and can be dangerous. Under normal conditions, the vagina has the ability to clean itself naturally, thanks to its microbiome. If something upsets your pH balance, your ob-gyn can prescribe treatment to restore it.
A job Posted in Review of anti-infectious therapy in 2021, she warned about how the vaginal products and services industry manipulates reality to create addiction. They do this by setting trends and building misconceptions about vaginal cleansing.. Researchers note that more than $2 billion is spent each year in the United States alone on douches, deodorant sprays, soaps, wipes, and powders.
However, in case of resorting to this type of intervention, it is essential not to get too close to the steam to avoid burns. The environment in which it takes place must be hygienic, as well as the elements used. Otherwise, there is a high risk of infections.
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