Protect your (vagina) from heat
Often gynos get questions on the types of soaps, or lack of soap, or frequency of washing the vulva and the vagina. Douching is a form of vaginal wash, and generally the recommendations are that douching not only is not necessary, but douching with the wrong substances at the wrong time can be detrimental and potentially cause PID or other infections. Often just washing with plain water is all that is recommended as our natural body balance is designed to keep those tissues clean and healthy. But we also get questions on the health consequences of too much heat (hot tubs, hot baths, hot steam) on the vagina. In a word, you do need to protect your vaginal and vulvar tissues from heat.
Gywneth Paltrow in a post discussed on the Glamour health site has recommended 'steaming your vagina.' We do want to respectfull offer Gywneth a gyno anatomy refresher course, she's really discussing the vulva, as her steam will not affect the vagina or the uterus, a thought echoed in the blog post of Dr. Jen Gunter. Other news agencies have weighed in on the vaginal steaming topic's inherent errors, as well as a bit about it's history.
While historical gyno trends are fascinating, they aren't always safe, effective, or practical... as with the historical contraceptive sponge-like use of crocodile dung pessaries. Whether laced with some sterilizing honey or not, it cannot be endorsed!
If you have soreness, if you have discharge, vaginal dryness, anatomic changes, or irritation, come visit the gyno to discuss personally, but don't risk burns, allergic reactions, or disruptions to your normal chemistry by trying this vulvar spa treatment without consultation.