‘Vaginal steaming’ explained as doctor issues warning over controversial method

The act of vaginal steaming is more popular than you might think - but you might want to think twice before taking part, according to an expert.

The practice, which is often commonly referred to as 'yoni steaming', has been around for centuries.

While some people have opted to take part in an attempt to battle cramps, others are fuelled by claims of great cleanliness.

Others have embarked on a yoni steaming journey in order to aid fertility, while actress Gwyneth Paltrow claimed in 2015 that the practice can be utilised for 'extra energy', as well as 'to rebalance female hormones and for a squeaky clean uterus.'

Vaginal steaming has been around for centuries (Getty Stock Image)

What is vaginal steaming?

As the title suggests, it consists of using hot, steaming water, often infused with herbs, to steam your vagina.

This is achieved by squatting or sitting over a pot, or aiming your vagina towards the steam.

The Women's Wellness Collective state: "Steaming helps improve stagnation and cleanses old residue in the vaginal canal and womb space."

They continue: "Doing vaginal steams assists the body with cleansing and improves circulation, which enhances the body’s own healing mechanisms.

"On an emotional level, steaming activates a connection to femininity and is a powerful act of self-love."

Kourtney Kardashian did a 'yoni steam' and documented the process on The Kardashians (Hulu)

Why do people do it?

The Women's Wellness Collective allege that vaginal steaming aids everything from 'emotional and spiritual healing to physical cleansing'.

The purported 'healing' powers of vaginal steaming is a driving factor in why many people choose to take part in the phenomenon.

Back in 2022, Kourtney Kardashian steamed her vagina with roses in efforts to boost her fertility after having trouble to conceive a child with her husband, Travis Barker.

The pair went on to have a son, Rocky, in 2023.

In The Kardashians, Kourtney told her sisters: "I did a yoni steam and I want to buy you all a yoni steam. It’s so good for your vagina, you put roses and stuff in there."

Some people believe vaginal steaming can help ease cramps (Getty Stock Image)

Potential benefits

Many people absolutely swear by vaginal steaming and do it as regularly as two times a month. There are many potential benefits, as per Healthline:

• Stress
• Depression
• Haemorrhoids
• Infections
• Infertility
• Hormone imbalances
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Digestive issues
• General pain

It's important to consider that there is no concrete evidence on the benefits, however.

Vaginal steaming could lead to an infection, an expert has warned (Getty Stock Image)

And Dr. Talia Crawford, MD, who works in obstetrics and gynaecology, warned people against the act.

She told Cleveland Clinic: "Certain medications are well absorbed vaginally. On the other hand, there is no proven health benefit for any of the herbal products used in vaginal steaming. Also, it is unknown if an adequate amount of the herbs’ chemical properties are absorbed through vaginal tissue to reach the bloodstream."

The doctor noted that the practice could burn your vagina, and has the potential to lead to bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

She continued: "The vagina is a self-cleansing organ, so the use of steaming, douching or other cleansing agents is not necessary or recommended as it disrupts the natural bacterial balance."

Crawford concluded: “Additionally, vaginal steaming seats or other equipment may introduce harmful bacteria that could result in a vaginal infection if it has not been properly cleaned."