a risky Tik Tok trend

“Adjust the menstrual cycle”, “Cure infections”, “increase libido” or “get rid of bad energies ” are all arguments put forward by some tiktokers to promote the vaginal sauna. However, this trend could have particularly harmful effects. In She, the gynecologist Nasrine Callet exposed the risks of such a practice. Infections, burns or dryness, the tendency also known as “Yoni steam” is definitely not to be taken lightly.

As the name suggests, the practice aims to expose her vagina to the vapors of boiling water previously infused with herbs. The idea is to squat over the container and stay there for a few minutes. Asked by She, the expert mentions harmful vapors that can disrupt the intimate flora. “The mixture of water and heat is not good: the mucous membranes inside the vagina will retain moisture, which is a factor in the proliferation of mycoses and fungi”, explains Nasrine Callet. In addition, water that is too hot can cause burns and affect the “Pelvic circulation”, which could promote the appearance of varicose veins. Clearly, the expert “Strongly advise against this practice”.

The dangers of not knowing the vagina

On TikTok, the hashtag #YoniSteam has more than 30 million views. And each follower has their own advice for achieving the optimal vaginal sauna. This practice, however, does not come from the social network; indeed, in 2015, Gwyneth Paltrow had already praised the merits of this controversial method, recalls the magazine.

And if this practice finds so many followers, it is also because it takes advantage of a lack of knowledge of women about their own vagina. The gynecologist would like to remind you: the vagina is an organ “Self-cleaning”. It therefore does not need steam to function properly. “Good personal hygiene is washing the vulva with water, and that’s it. And we don’t put anything inside ”, insists Nasrine Callet. The vagina, like the intestines, is not a “Sterile organ” and has “Beneficial bacteria”. These protective bacteria constitute the balance of the vaginal flora and, because it is very fragile, this balance must be respected.