A 62-year-old woman was reportedly hospitalized for second-degree burns after trying vaginal steaming — once promoted by Gwyneth Paltrow‘s goop.
According to medics at the University of Calgary, Canada who published a report in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, the lady-in-question tried the controversial procedure to help remedy her stage four vaginal prolapse — which ailed her for nine months.
Related: Gwyneth Paltrow ROASTS Fan Who Asks If She Cooks!
Vaginal prolapse is a common condition where the bladder, uterus, and/or bowel protrudes into the vagina, which can cause the feeling of a vaginal lump. It most often happens due to childbirth or pregnancy, but can also be caused by obesity, menopause, strenuous exercise, or medications.
Reportedly, two days before entering treatment, the woman followed “the advice of a traditional Chinese doctor” and mixed an unspecified herbal medicine blend in a pan of boiling water, placed the pan on the rim of a toilet bowl, and sat on the toilet seat for twenty minutes.
She reportedly did this on two occasions — one day apart.
When she visited an emergency unit, she complained of blood in her vaginal discharge, and how multiple pessaries — devices that go into the vagina to relieve symptoms — were not working.
When examined, doctors discovered second-degree burns involving the cervix and linings of her vagina.
She was treated with antibiotics, and had to wrap the area with gauze twice a day. Her vaginal prolapse surgery — which she was previously on a waitlist for — was postponed until she had healed.
Lead author of the report, Dr. Magali Robert, penned:
“The practice of vaginal steaming has gained increased acceptance since 2015, following the endorsement by Gwyneth Paltrow on her popular website goop.com… In today’s society, steaming is another method of empowering womanhood.”
The medical professional added:
“Women are exposed to health information from various sources, including other allied health professionals, the Internet, interpersonal communication, popular print, and television… Our patient was recommended this therapy by a traditional Chinese doctor whom she trusted… This exposure allows women to seek unconventional therapies, some of which may cause harm.”
Back in 2015, the actress’ website wrote a profile on Santa Monica-based Tikkun Spa, specifically about their “V-Steam” procedure.
The publication wrote:
“Tikkun is the next level when it comes to Korean spas, combining high-tech far-infrared heat with traditional Korean sauna therapies. So if you want to lie down in a Himalayan-salt-brick-tiled sauna or sit in a Hwangto clay room, you get the added benefit of far-infrared heat. And in addition to the sauna rooms, there’s a long menu of massages and kick-ass body scrubs to complement the sauna time. We’re burying the lede though, because the real golden ticket here is the Mugworth V-Steam: You sit on what is essentially a mini-throne, and a combination of infrared and mugwort steam cleanses your uterus, et al. It is an energetic release. If you’re in LA, you have to do it.”
However, as we reported that same year, board certified OB/GYN and vulvovaginal disorders expert — Dr. Jen Gunter — criticized the entire fad by writing in a blog post:
“Steam is probably not good for your vagina. Herbal steam is no better and quite possibly worse.
Mugwort or wormwood or whatever when steamed, either vaginally or on the vulva, can’t possibly balance any reproductive hormones, regulate your menstrual cycle, treat depression, or cure infertility.
Steam isn’t going to get into your uterus from your vagina unless you are using an attachment with some kind of pressure and MOST DEFINITELY NEVER EVER DO THAT.”
Take that, Gwyneth!
[Image via Apega/WENN.]
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