This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
Published on August 16, 2019, a growing trend in vaginal steaming has raised concerns among gynaecologists in Kenya.
Dr Aggrey Akula and Dr Nelly Bosire, experts in the field, warn that the practice can cause second-degree burns on the lining of the cervix and vagina.
According to Dr Bosire, the vaginal environment is delicate and any changes to its chemical composition can invite problems. She notes that the practice has no health benefits and can lead to yeast infections and urinary tract infections.
Dr Akula advises that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ that functions just fine without the need for steaming. He warns that using steam can disrupt the normal environment of the vagina and cause irritation and infection.
A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada reported a case of a 62-year-old Canadian woman who sustained serious injuries after trying vaginal steaming as a cure for vagina prolapse.
Experts recommend using plain, non-perfumed soaps on the external vulva area only and maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina.
