Vaginal steaming may seem ineffective in some cases due to a misunderstanding of how to interpret efficacy. Some users initially experience an increase in irregular discharge, clotting, cramping, brown or black menses, or vaginal irritation and attribute steaming as the cause of these ‘problems’.
It is critical to understand that steam itself loosens and liquefies old residue and then the menstrual period allows it to fully flow out.
One must understand that steam cannot introduce matter, such as clots or mucus, into the vaginal canal.
Since steam helps to expel, dislodge, and clear out matter, however, vaginal steaming may result in a more intense post-steam period as built up stagnation drains and as the uterus contracts (cramps) to expel it. For this reason, understanding proper period care (how to care for the womb during the period in order to assist and not hinder the cleanse) is vital. It goes hand in hand with introducing a steam practice into someone’s routine.