Vaginal steaming is a health fad that’s become popular in recent years.
The craze, which involves squating above steaming water that’s infused with detoxing herbs, is supposed to “revitalise” your intimate areas.
But actually, there’s no scientific proof that it majorly benefits the body.
In fact, the practice can actually do more harm than good.
Daily Star spoke to a gynaecologist to get the lowdown on the quirky treatment.
Gwyneth Paltrow is among the celebrities to talk about vaginal steaming.
This has led to the everyday woman trying the trend, which is worrying given that it can damage your health.
Dr Shree Datta, consultant gynaecologist at MyHealthcare Clinic, spoke to Daily Star Online about the intimate craze.
The expert revealed that steaming your vagina isn’t more effective for cleaning it than bathing is.
She said: “Vaginal steaming has recently become popular but there’s no evidence to say it’s any better than soaking in a warm bath.”
Vaginal steaming could affect the natural pH of the vagina, leading to infections or irritation.
Dr Shree said: “Just remember your vagina is designed to have a healthy balance of bacteria and this might change with internal douching or cleansing.”
If the risk of a nasty infection doesn’t put you off of vaginal steaming, the fear of getting burnt may be enough too.
Putting your intimate areas near to boiling water can lead to them getting scalded.
Dr Shree added: “If the temperature is too high, it may do more harm than good.”
Ladies who want to keep their intimate areas feeling fresh are advised to take a different approach.
The NHS advises women to clean with un-scented soaps.
It explains: “It’s a good idea to avoid perfumed soaps, gels and antiseptics as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina and cause irritation.
“Use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area around the vagina (the vulva) gently every day.”
The website adds that in most instances, the orifice is self-cleaning anyway.
It states: “The vagina will clean itself inside your body with natural vaginal secretions (discharge).”
