Uses of Vaginal Steaming for Specific Conditions
Vaginal steaming is an increasingly popular technique, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. It can be used throughout a woman’s life for a wide range of diagnoses and issues. This ancient alternative healing method uses steam and herbal extracts to treat and regulate the female reproductive system. If you are unsure whether herbal steaming is suitable for you, we recommend consulting with your gynecologist.
You Can Prepare a Steaming Session at Home Without Special Equipment
The principle of steaming is gentle heating through steam. It’s a pleasant technique where the woman sits above hot steam. During the session, it is always recommended to wrap yourself in a blanket to prevent the heat from escaping. Typically, specialized steaming stools, boards, or chairs with a hole in the seat are used for this. These tools can be purchased on specialized websites, but it’s also possible to make your own steaming setup at home.
Another option is steaming on the toilet, where a pot with herbal blends is placed inside the toilet bowl. Steaming can even be done without any special tools (just a pot and a blanket), where the woman can kneel over the pot and rest her elbows on, for example, a bed.
When to Use Vaginal Steaming:
Painful Menstruation
Vaginal steaming can help regulate the menstrual cycle, especially to alleviate pain. It’s beneficial to choose herbs that help relieve cramps and discomfort. Steaming is recommended three days to one week before the expected start of menstruation. The practice can be done for several consecutive days. Once bleeding begins, discontinue steaming.
Endometriosis
Vaginal steaming can be used as a complementary treatment for clients with endometriosis. Since endometriosis involves an aseptic (non-bacterial) inflammation, heat does not have a negative effect. On the contrary, the combination of heat and herbs can provide pain relief. Steaming is recommended before menstruation or at any point during the cycle, but never during menstruation itself. There are herbal blends specifically designed for women with endometriosis available for purchase.
Supporting Fertility
Some women use vaginal steaming as part of an overall fertility support plan. The herbs can help improve the growth of the uterine lining and enhance the quality of cervical mucus. Additionally, the steaming process provides a calming effect for the woman.
For this purpose, it is advisable to steam only during the ovulatory period and not afterwards. You should start again only after menstruation ends. To support conception, steaming can be done once after menstruation and again a few days before ovulation (before intercourse) to ensure that the heat does not negatively affect the sperm.
Artificial Insemination (IVF) Process or Insemination
During Pregnancy and Childbirth
Vaginal steaming should only be performed after the 38th week of pregnancy. It can be done daily or every other day. This technique helps prepare the birth canal for labor and can also alleviate pain. Steaming is suitable during the first stage of labor, particularly when labor is beginning, as it again helps relieve pain and facilitates the relaxation of the birth canal. Nowadays, steaming is even offered in some maternity hospitals.
Postpartum
After childbirth, vaginal steaming can aid in the healing and recovery process. It is essential to begin steaming only after the bleeding has stopped or when the lochia significantly weakens and takes on a brownish/gray color. At that point, you can try a short steaming session. If there is no subsequent bleeding, you can continue with steaming to help complete the postpartum recovery period.
For optimal results, a 30-day postpartum steaming regimen is recommended. This practice can support healing, promote relaxation, and help restore balance to the body during the postpartum phase. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new practice postpartum to ensure it’s suitable for your individual situation.
When Vaginal Steaming Is Not Recommended
Vaginal steaming is contraindicated until the 38th week of pregnancy. It should not be performed earlier due to potential risks.
Steaming should never be done during menstruation or while experiencing postpartum bleeding (lochia).
If you are in the acute phase of any gynecological infection, it’s advisable to avoid steaming.
If you have a fever, elevated temperature, or are feeling unwell, it’s best to postpone steaming until you feel better.
If you wish to conceive or suspect you might be pregnant, avoid steaming after ovulation, as it could affect implantation or the health of the embryo.