Author: Keli Garza
Published: Dec 20, 2017

Melissa’s initial infection with bacterial vaginosis (BV) developed after having a couple miscarriages close together. The symptoms resembled a urinary tract infection with some thick yellow discharge and itchiness. Pregnant again, the doctor prescribed flagyl for Melissa and after three unsuccessful attempts both her and her doctor knew it wasn’t working. 

After delivery Melissa’s doctor attempted to treat the BV again, this time with stronger antibiotics. She started what she called “an endless cycle” of taking metrogel and clindamycin but, no matter what, the BV always returned. After the fourth round Melissa was at a breaking point and her doctor had given up. 

Searching for a better option Melissa came across vaginal steaming–a traditional therapy that involves sitting over a steaming pot of herbs. Midwives have used steam to treat gynecological issues for thousands of years. Though a well-established practice with countless positive case studies, steaming fell into obscurity in the West when male doctors took over women’s health care. Recently, knowledge of steaming has re-emerged and word of mouth of its effectiveness for treating BV–a problem particularly troublesome for gynecologists–has been spreading like wildfire.

Melissa decided to give it a try. She bought a vaginal steam sauna to use at home and did a consultation with a vaginal steam therapist to create a treatment plan. She was advised to steam for thirty days straight for ten minutes each session with herbs specifically formulated to clear up excess bacteria.

When Melissa originally started she reported that steaming made her feel a bit itchy. Increasing the length of her sessions from ten to fifteen minutes the itchiness passed. After one week–to Melissa’s complete surprise–her period showed up. Though her period was due she was caught off guard because, for the past six months, it had been coming two weeks late. This time, the period wasn’t only on time but she didn’t have the premenstrual cramps, diarrhea and back pain that usually forewarn it’s coming. 

Melissa resumed daily steaming after her period ended and noticed that she had a substantial amount of green mucus excretion. The vaginal steam therapist assured her that this was a good thing. The main goal of the treatment was to clear out all of the irregular–green, yellow, clumpy, thick–mucus in the uterus which is a breeding ground for bad bacteria. (Apparently, only the clear nectar-like discharge is good). Although the female reproductive organs are self-cleansing and have healthy microorganisms that help to keep everything in balance, in the case of recurring bacterial vaginosis the good guys have been overwhelmed and aren’t able to perform their protective function. Steaming consecutive days in a row clears the infection and allows the good flora to reset and defend from another invasion. 

In Melissa’s case it took two weeks of steaming daily to clear out all of the irregular mucus and, with it, the infection. She’s been BV-free ever since.

P.S. She also reports that her periods are still arriving on time and pain free and she says her sex life is a million degrees hotter.

About the Author
Keli Garza has a Masters degree in International Development graduating cum laude. She is the founder of the Peristeam Hydrotherapy Institute and owner of Steamy Chick.