Vaginal Steams can be safely combined for clients with either natural cycles or any cycle involving assisted reproductive technology such as IUI or IVF. The following is an FAQ that speaks to this:

• If you are in a natural cycle, steam once within a few days after your period, and then once just before ovulation but before intercourse (we don’t want to heat up the sperm).
• If you are taking Clomid, steam once before you start your Clomid medication, and then once just before ovulation but before intercourse/IUI. A side effect of Clomid may be a decrease in cervical mucous. The steam will help increase this mucous.
• If you are doing an injectable IUI cycle, steam once when you first begin your stimulation drugs, and then once in the morning before your IUI procedure. Steaming before your IUI procedure helps to liquefy the cervical mucous and creates a lubricated path for the insertion of the catheter through the cervix.
• If you are doing an IVF cycle, steam once before you begin your stimulation drugs, and then once in the morning before your transfer. Steaming before your transfer procedure helps create a lubricated path for the insertion of the catheter through the cervix.
• If you are doing a donor egg cycle, steam once while your donor is stimulating and then once in the morning before your transfer.

Directions:

• Obtain vaginal steam bath herbs from your local Natural foods store or herbalist. The contents should be about 1 ½ – 2 cups of blended herbs per bath.
• In a large pot containing about a gallon of water, place the herbs. Bring to a soft boil for 5 minutes then steep for 10 minutes with the lid on. Offer prayer.
• Place the pot of water/herbs under a slatted chair, lawn chair, or even your tiolet. Sit over the pot without underwear. Be careful to make sure the water/herbs have cooled enough so that you do not burn yourself!
• Drape yourself with a thick blanket from your waist down to the floor so that no cold air is introduced.
• Sit over pot of herbal steam for approximately 20 minutes.