FAQs

Is vaginal steaming safe?

Yes, if done correctly. Steaming consists of water with the addition of herbs for their beneficial medicinal properties. Steaming your vagina is no different from steaming your face or your hair. Steaming provides healing and relaxation to your reproductive organs. If you are nervous about steaming, try steaming with just plain water first. This will allow you to become comfortable with the idea of steaming and when you are ready to utilize the benefits of herbs, you can then introduce them into your steam.

Why steam if the uterus is self-cleansing?

Your vagina & uterus are self-cleansing; however, if you are experiencing any imbalances such as blood clots, cramps, brown or black blood, cysts, missing or delayed periods, etc. then your vagina and uterus are not functioning optimally. Steaming helps to assist your uterus and vagina to achieve optimal health and wellness.

Steaming can also be done even if there is no imbalance. Steaming is very therapeutic. The warmth from the steam is relaxing, not only to your reproductive organs, but to your whole body.

Can steaming cause infections or disrupt my pH?

You should always consult a trained professional before steaming. A trained professional will screen you to determine which herbs are best for your needs; they will also be able to determine if you have any contraindications for steaming.

Different herbs treat different conditions. If you or someone who is not professionally trained uses the wrong herbs, then yes, steaming can disrupt the normal flora of your vagina. Steaming for the wrong length of time or having the temperature too hot can also cause disruption to your natural flora. Steaming under the wrong conditions could possibly result in disrupting the flora of your vagina, which may possibly result in an infection.

A Peristeam Facilitator will be able to customize a steam plan with the correct combination of herbs, determine the correct duration of time based off any contraindications present and your desired wellness goals. Which is why I would highly advise you to consult with a trained Peristeam Facilitator before steaming.

How often can I steam?

How often you can steam depends on the reason why you are steaming. For general maintenance, you can steam once a week, twice a month or three days before and/or after your period. For more specific reasons such as (in)fertility, fibroids, PCOS, infections, etc. you would need to consult with a professional.

Can I steam while pregnant?

No. Steaming should not be done while pregnant.

Can steaming be done during active labor?

Steaming should be performed by a midwife, doula, Peristeam Hydrotherapist or trained professional who is familiar with steaming for labor preparation. Steaming under supervision can be performed when a client is 38-40 weeks and during active labor. Studies have shown that steaming can encourage labor starting naturally, reduced labor times and prevention of birth injuries.

Can I steam postpartum?

Yes. The most common use for vaginal steaming worldwide is for postpartum healing. Steaming helps the vulva to return to its pre-pregnancy state more quickly. It also helps to reduce postpartum hemorrhoids, alleviate any discomfort or pain, accelerates weight reduction, helps the uterus to shrink and helps to heal and assist several other things related to postpartum.

Can steaming help with hemorrhoids?

Yes. Vaginal steaming can be used for certain rectal issues such as hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, anal fissures and anal fistulas.

Can my daughter steam?

Yes. It is recommended that a child start steaming at the age of 12 in order to encourage a healthy first period. Once the first period occurs, steaming should be done the day after the period ends as a regular monthly practice.

Once menarche starts, it is recommended that they schedule their first appointment with a Peristeam Hydrotherapist to make sure their period is healthy and to receive instruction on how to have a healthy menstrual cycle.

Can steaming help with fertility concerns?

Yes. Regular steaming for a year is recommended prior to conception. This helps to ensure that the womb is healthy and ready to conceive. For those who have a womb dysfunction such as endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, cysts, polyps or fibroids it is recommended to consult with a Peristeam Hydrotherapist for an advanced steam plan that targets the underlying menstrual cycle imbalance.

Can I steam for pregnancy loss?

Yes. Vaginal steaming can be used to recover from any pregnancy loss (miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth). Steaming can help encourage a healthy period upon menstruation return. It can also help clear out any retained pregnancy matter and initiate contractions for missed miscarriages. It can also help with returning post-pregnancy loss missing cycles.

Steaming for pregnancy loss requires special training and should be done with supervision of a practitioner.

Can I steam if I have an infection?

Yes. Steaming can be used while experiencing a viral, yeast and/or bacterial infection. Steaming helps to clear out irregular vaginal discharge which helps to relieve and reduce infection symptoms.

Steaming for vaginal infections requires special training and should be done with supervision of a practitioner.

 ***Always inform the practitioner if you are currently experiencing an active infection, breakout, etc.***

 Can I steam if I’ve experienced trauma?

Yes. Steaming can be done any time someone experiences sexual trauma that may have been painful or triggering or difficult to process. Steaming can be used to clear out the other person’s semen and/or scent, disinfect wounds and possibly prevent pregnancy.

If focused on preventing pregnancy, healing wounds or returning menstrual regularity and health, a consultation with a Peristeam Hydrotherapist is strongly recommended.

Can I steam after surgery?

Yes. Steaming can be done starting six weeks post-op once the incision is healed and steaming can be done on a weekly basis. Steaming can provide relief from scar tissue discomfort, relief from vaginal dryness, can help diminish numbness, decrease irregular discharge and relief from pain during intercourse.

Can I steam on birth control?

Yes. Steaming is recommended on a weekly basis while using IUDs, hormonal birth control pills and while using Depo-Provera (contraception injections). Steaming can help with birth control side effects by providing relief from missing periods, menstrual cramps, clots, heavy bleeding, infections and skin blemishes.

Can I steam if I’m perimenopausal or already in menopause?

Yes. Vaginal steaming may be used when approaching menopause to make sure that when the period comes to a complete stop, there isn’t any old residue left in the womb. Weekly steaming during pre-menopause is recommended to possibly help relieve symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. Steaming after menopause has reportedly helped relieve symptoms of vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, phantom period symptoms, low libido and poor sleep.

If you are postmenopausal and experiencing infections, fibroids and/or cysts you can also benefit from steaming.

Can men steam?

Yes. Pelvic (Lingam) steaming can be used to address male health issues. Male steaming can be used for erectile dysfunction, prostate health, reduction of an enlarged prostate, any penile or scrotal diseases, any rectal issues, colon cancer and hemorrhoids.

Are there any side effects?

Positive side effects include, but are not limited to: better sleep, decreased swelling in legs and feet, decreased abdominal bloating, slimmer waistline, increased libido, decrease in breast soreness, fewer PMS symptoms, increased energy, increased lubrication, healthy bowel movement and reduced back pain.

Some cleansing side of effects of vaginal steaming include headaches after steaming, this may mean that you are dehydrated. Similar to side effects from spending time in a jacuzzi or full body sauna, it is important to hydrate yourself adequately.

You may also have an increase in discharge or see clumpy discharge. This is an indication that the steam is helping to prevent an infection by clearing out any irregular mucus which may host bacteria, yeast or viruses. If you have mucus discharge after steaming, this is a positive sign indicating that the steam is working as a cleanse. Continue to steam daily until all the irregular discharge is out.

Cramping (contractions) may occur after steaming. This is a sign that the steam has helped to loosen some old residue and the uterus is contracting to help expel it. Cramping may increase during menstruation. If either occurs, it is recommended to implement womb cleanse care guidelines.

Increased clots during post-steam period. If this occurs, then the steam has helped to loosen the stagnant matter and is helping it to flow out during the period. To assist the clots to clear out completely, it is best to implement womb cleanse care guidelines and to continue steaming until you have a clot-free period.

Sometimes brown or black discharge will come out following a steam session. This usually indicates that the steam has opened the uterus and is helping it to clear out some stagnant matter that was sitting in the uterus. It is recommended to continue a steam plan to expel the rest of the old residue.