V-Steaming: We Tried It!

With all the hullabaloo about celebrity vaginal steaming lately, we decided that as (self-proclaimed) vagina experts we'd better give it a try. By the way, you can read our interview with an actual vagina expert here.

Our two guinea pigs were myself (Tracy) and Kelli. We steamed separately at our own homes. Read on for our experiences!

What was your set up?

Tracy's set up: I used a blend of my favorite herbal teas from Harbor Herbalist in a big glass bowl. I added bowling water, then waited for it to cool. I decided not to use a stool because I'm a crazy person and thought that squatting would be comfortable. (Spoiler: it wasn't.) I'm wearing slippers because everyone recommended them for staying toasty, and a voluminous maxi dress to act as a blanket.

 

 

 

 

Kelli's set up: I used a kitchen step stool. I filled a glass bowl with steamy water and put it on the lower step. I put a small pillow on the top step to sit on. I didn't have a lot by way of herbs, and everything I read said do NOT use essential oils or you'll burn your hoo ha. So I used fresh rosemary, because it was the only herb I had that doesn't remind me too much of eating soup. Then I sat on the top step, scooched forward enough for the steam to be on target, and wrapped my body in a fleece blanket.

 

 

 

 

Soooo.... how was it?

Tracy's experience: I gave up on squatting about two minutes in. I switched to kneeling, either leaning forward or sitting upright. I wish I had followed my first instinct, which was to use a yoga mat, to keep my knees comfortable. Ended up balling up my dress underneath them for padding. Ditched the slippies pretty quickly, too: this was a VERY toasty experience. My inner thighs have never been sweatier! And yes, I did watch an episode of Friends while steaming my vagoo.

 

 

 

 

Kelli's experience: What did it feel like? Steamy. I honestly don't know what all the negative reactions are about this because IT'S JUST STEAM. It doesn't go up inside your vagina, it's just warm, and steamy on the exterior. No weirder than a facial steam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would you do it again?

Tracy's verdict: I think it should be renamed "vulva steam" since that's the part that's actually being steamed! It was a not-unpleasant experience, but I think if I were going to do it again I'd want to do it more mindfully and with a purpose. I can imagine a spa-like session being pretty amazing--especially after going birth.

Kelli's verdict: Sure. I don't think I'll mark my calendar for it, but if I'm feeling in the mood to pamper myself in any way, I'd add this to my list of options.