Author: Steamy Chick
Published: August 11, 2017
Updated: May 2024

Vaginal steaming – also known in English by the terms yoni steaming or pelvic steam therapy – is a universal practice women have used since ancient times. Though only a small amount of existing research on the benefits, there are a growing number of steam users who are trying it out for themselves and experiencing positive outcomes. Many case studies suggest that steam therapy shows potential as a self-care remedy for a number of gynecological concerns ranging from cramps, bacterial vaginosis, fibroids, fertility and more. One of the appeals of vaginal steaming is that it’s extremely gentle and simply involves sitting over a pot of herbal steam. Even so, it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts. Let’s start with the contraindications–when not to steam.

Contraindication #1: Menstruation

Although many turn to vaginal steaming to address menstrual problems, steaming during active menstruation or fresh spotting is contraindicated. Steaming while bleeding can be dangerous because the steam speeds up the blood flow and can cause heavy bleeding. Instead, steaming should be done before and after the period, which will help aid the natural uterine cleanse that occurs during the period.

Contraindication #2: Pregnancy

Although many find steaming helpful to aid in healthy conception and its most common use is after giving birth, steaming is contraindicated during pregnancy. Steaming while pregnant can be dangerous because the steam relaxes and opens the cervix, which could result in miscarriage or early labor.

(Once full-term, however, steaming can be used for labor preparation.)

Contraindication #3: After Insemination While Trying to Conceive

For anyone that is trying to conceive, they can steam during the time period after the period up until the point of ovulation and then they should stop. Steaming after insemination could interfere with the sperm, fertilization or implantation.

(This is also true for medically assisted insemination. Steam up until the point of the IVF or IUI transfer and then stop.)

Contraindication #4: Spontaneous Heavy Bleeding

For anyone that experiences spontaneous heavy bleeding–sometimes referred to as two periods per month–steaming is contraindicated. Because the steam speeds up circulation and opens the cervix, it might cause spontaneous bleeding to occur–which can be dangerous when it’s heavy. Women with spontaneous bleeding who want to steam should go to an acupuncturist first and get herbs to get the spontaneous bleeding under control first (hint: ask for yunnan baiyao and they may give you this or some other formula that is a right fit for you).

Contraindication #5: During Miscarriage

Though steaming is very helpful for miscarriage recovery, it is not advised to steam before the pregnancy matter has cleared out. In rare cases this might lead to heavy bleeding and can be dangerous. Start steaming after the pregnancy matter has cleared out and the bleeding has turned to brown.

Safe Setup

The next consideration when it comes to vaginal steam safety is how the steam session is setup. Below are the components to consider.

Vaginal Steam Sauna / Stool / Seat

Ensure that the vaginal steam seat is sturdy and that it is placed far enough above the steam not to cause a burn. Unfortunately, I’ve seen a lot of unsafe youtube videos that advise women to steam by sitting directly on or straddling over a hot pot. This is not safe. Sadly, one woman attempted such a setup and fell in. She endured several burns. The vaginal steam seat should be a wooden box, a birthing stool or a sturdy chair. (To find something suitable see the sauna marketplace.)

Herb Pot

The hot steam should not be in a plastic bowl as is commonly shown on youtube DIY setups. Toxins from the plastic can leak into the water and herbs and be introduced directly to the porous pelvic region. Glass jars are also common but often break if the water is too hot. The best herb pots are made out of clay, glass, enameled cast iron or – if those aren’t available – high quality stainless steel.

Electric Burner

Electric burners are commonly used to create long steam sessions. This is very helpful for targeting specific complaints and is commonplace in spas. Long steam sessions are not suitable for everyone however. Steaming with a burner can aggravate those with herpes, the mirena IUD, short menstrual cycles (27 days or shorter) or infections (BV, yeast, UTI). In such cases a mild (no-burner) steam session is more suitable.

Lastly, it’s not necessary to steam with a burner during hot weather. Mild steams are the best during summertime.

Getting the Right Herbs

Another safety consideration when steaming is making sure to get the right herbs. Most vaginal steam herb blends are comprised of herbs that have cleansing and circulatory properties beneficial for clearing out old residue and helping with cramps. Unfortunately, this category of herbs doesn’t work well for everyone. Specifically, women with short menstrual cycles (27 days or less) don’t tolerate cleansing herbs very well and it can cause their period to come early or may cause loose stools. Alternatively, if short-cyclers get the right herbs, it may help to extend their cycle to a normal 28 days while also clearing out old residue (see the Steamy Chick Hemostatic Herb Blend).

To Cloak or Not to Cloak

It’s common in spas to provide a plastic cloak while steaming which helps to cause a full body detox and increase circulation. It is okay, however, to steam without a cloak. In hot weather, if prone to infections, herpes, nightsweats or hot flashes, the cloak is unnecessary and might cause excess heat problems in the body. If a cloak is desired, opt for a light sheet or thin robe instead of plastic.

Vaginal Steam Safety

These are the basics of vaginal steam safety. As more spas are starting to offer vaginal steam services and new DIY at home videos pop up every day, it’s clear that the practice of vaginal steaming is spreading. As it does, the companies and individuals offering this service should implement proper screening processes to ensure there aren’t contraindications and to make the proper choices for clients that have excess heat, medical or uterine bleeding sensitivities.

REFERENCES:

(1) Vaginal Steam World Map

(2) List of Vaginal Steam Research Studies

(3) Pelvic Steam Testimonial Database

(4) Fourth Trimester Vaginal Steam Study

About the Author

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