Vaginal steam users report improvements with menstrual irregularities such as absent periods, long menstrual cycles, short menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding, light bleeding and clots. They have also reported that steam is useful for managing negative menstrual cycle side effects such as cramps, pain, headaches and back pain. It is recommended to try steaming on a weekly basis and before and after the period to see if that improves the irregularity or side effect. It is also advised to get a custom steam plan and a menstrual cycle analysis to determine the underlying imbalances that are potentially causing the problem and create a tailored steam plan for underlying imbalances.

On average, menarche (the first period) occurs around the age of 13, though it may occur earlier or later. 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.

They can also add weekly steam sessions to encourage cycle regularity and improved period health.

Steaming is recommended prior to conception regularly for one year, in order to ensure that the womb is healthy and ready to conceive.

Optimal conception readiness occurs when someone has a menstrual cycle that is 28-30 days in length, a healthy four-day period that begins and ends with fresh red blood flow and has no signs of old menses.

Most people will be ready for conception with one year of weekly vaginal steam sessions.

Vaginal steaming can be used in tandem with fertility assistance as suggested by Reproductive Endocrinologist, Dr. Laurena White of The Eudaimonia Center.

Although steaming is contraindicated during pregnancy, it can be used once the mother is full term for labor preparation and active labor support.

Case studies show that steaming may be useful to encourage labor starting naturally, shorten labor time and prevent birth injuries. If possible, every birth-giver or their birth-worker team should have vaginal steam supplies in the home and designated birthing space.

A vaginal steam sauna and steaming herbs are a great gift for every mom/parent-to-be.

The most common and universal use of vaginal steaming around the world is for postpartum recovery.

A trial study called the Fourth Trimester Vaginal Steam Study found that postpartum steaming was useful for returning the vulva to it’s pre- pregnancy state more quickly; expelling lochia (postpartum discharge) in a shorter period of time; reducing the strength and occurrence of postpartum contractions; lowering blood pressure and pulse; helping the uterus shrink below the pelvic bone more quickly; accelerating waist girth and weight reduction; alleviating suture discomfort such as itchiness, tightness, pulling or tenderness; improving bowel regularity; and reducing postpartum hemorrhoids.

Though it’s best to start as soon as possible (as early as the day of birth), it must first be confirmed that the uterine blood vessels are closed and it is safe to initiate steaming.

Link for the study:
http://www.fourthtrimestervaginalsteamstudy.com/

Insemination Prevention (Plan B):

Specific herbs and steaming protocol are available

Vaginal Steaming can be used during and after pregnancy loss. Vaginal steam users have found that it is useful for clearing out retained pregnancy matter, returning post pregnancy loss missing cycles, encouraging a healthy period upon menstruation  return, initiating contractions for missed miscarriages and recovering from fallopian tube removal.

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-menopausal years is also recommended to help relieve symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and night sweats.

Vaginal steaming  may be used after menopause. Steam users report relief of vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, phantom period symptoms, low libido and poor sleep.

Postmenopausal steam users can also use steaming if they have infections, fibroids and cysts.

Vaginal steaming can be used while experiencing viral, yeast and bacterial infections.

Vaginal steaming helps to clear out irregular vaginal discharge which appears to relieve and reduce infection symptoms. Steam users report that it has helped with yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, cervical dysplasia and HPV. In China and Korea, steaming has also been used to address uterine cancer.

Steaming for vaginal infections requires special training and should be done after consultation or intake form. The practitioner will first determine the nature of the infection, if and when steaming can be used, the appropriate herbs and setup, as well as additional factors that may trigger the infection in order to help with prevention.

Vaginal steaming can be used for ovulation pain and cramping. It can be used before ovulation to attempt to prevent the problem as well as during the pain for alleviation. If there are any signs of old residue in the womb during the period, it should be resolved to see if it can prevent further occurrence of the problem.

Vaginal steaming may be used when uterine disorders present themselves. Vaginal steam users have reported improvement with fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts, Bartholin’s cysts, cervical cysts, paraurethral cysts, polyps, scarring, Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

Steaming for womb dysfunctions requires special training and should not be done without a certified practitioner.

Steaming can be done anytime someone experiences sexual trauma that may have been painful or triggering or difficult to process. This is true for experiences where there was consent and someone is with a trusted partner as well as if there was a rape or other type of violation.

Vaginal steaming can be used to clear out other person’s semen and/or scent, disinfect wounds, possibly prevent pregnancy. Additionally, it serves as a soothing experience that may help to aid with relaxation when struggling with disturbed sleep.

Lastly, vaginal steaming may help with the return of menstrual regularity and health which would be useful in hormonal balance — likely, a key factor in trauma recovery.

Vaginal steaming can and should be used when experiencing pain during sex. In many cases, steam users have reported immediate relief. If focused on using steam to help with sexual pain, try steaming directly prior to sex with a home setup.

Vaginal steaming can be used when pelvic organ prolapse of the uterus, colon or bladder occurs.

In many cases, vaginal steam users have reported prolapse improvement with steaming, especially if done immediately postpartum.

In other situations where the prolapse has a longer history, vaginal steam users have used steaming coupled with pelvic floor exercises to see improvement.

Vaginal steaming can and should be used for certain rectal issues. When steaming to target this area, the user must elevate their feet or tilt their body to allow steam target the rectum.

Steam users have reported improvement with hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, anal fissures and anal fistula. There have been several cases where people were able to avoid surgery for these issues. In Korea, rectum steaming is also used for colon cancer.

Vaginal steaming can be helpful when there is a fistula (hole) in the rectum, vagina or bladder. Steaming appears to help clean the fecal matter or urine at the fistula site and disinfect the abrasion to allow the hole to repair itself.

Vaginal steaming can be done immediately before pelvic exams to help with skin elasticity and possibly reduce the occurrence of abrasion or pain.

Vaginal steaming may also be done as soon as possible after pelvic exams to disinfect tears, clear out lubricant, and prevent any chance of cross contamination from medical tools or hands.

In some cases, vaginal steam users have been able to successfully use vaginal steaming as an alternative to surgery.

If your health provider is recommending an elective, non-emergency hysterectomy, myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, exploratory laparoscopy or pelvic floor reconstructive surgery then you can schedule a consult to outline a 3-12 month steam plan to see if the problem can be naturally resolved before making the decision to schedule a life-altering surgery.

If an elective surgery has already been scheduled, please remember that you can cancel or postpone your surgery at any time. An elective surgery is your choice.

Vaginal steaming can be used following a recent or previous surgical procedure, as long as any incisions have been completely healed prior. Vaginal steam users have reported a variety of post-surgical steaming benefits including relief from scar tissue discomfort, diminished sensation, vaginal dryness, irregular discharge and pain during intercourse.

Pelvic steaming can and should be used for male health issues. In Asia, the practice is as widely used for male reproductive issues as it is for female reproductive issues.

Male steaming may be used for erectile dysfunction, prostate health, reduction of an enlarged prostate, any penile or scrotal diseases, any rectal issues, colon cancer, hemorrhoids.