A gynae's guide to vaginal massage, plus whether she'd recommend getting one
Yep, really.
Did you know? According to Google Trend stats, vaginal massage is fast becoming a mainstay. Otherwise known as a yoni massage, data on the platform shows search around the topic is up 60% year-on-year.
Despite it sounding like something that comes complete with a happy ending, the Internet claims that vaginal massages are nothing of the sort. Rather, they're a form of vaginal care and a useful tool used designed to improve your sex life by relieving vaginal stress or tension – purportedly doing the same job as the best sex toys or indeed the best lube.
So, are the claims true? We've asked a top expert in the field to share their take. Keep reading for a little more on what vaginal massage is and whether Doctor Zahra Ameen, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at the Cadogan Clinic, would recommend it to her clients.
Vaginal massage: your guide
What is a vaginal massage?
Otherwise known as a "yoni massage," vaginal massage is a specialised sex technique for women which targets the vulva and inside the vaginal canal. FYI, yoni is Sanskrit for the vulva and means "sacred portal"
The aim? To improve sensitivity of the vagina, relieve tension in the vaginal walls, and enhance sexual pleasure, explains the Doctor Ameen.
"It is sometimes used to relive pain during sex or following childbirth, like your vagina burning," she continues. "In a clinical setting, it can be used to treat pelvic floor pain or dysfunction, incontinence and vulvodynia, aka that's pain in the vulva."
Additionally, some more holistic sexual practitioners like somatic sexologist Isis Phoenix maintain that yoni massage can help you to cleanse your vagina of any negative energy or emotion.
She further shares that the ritualistic nature of vaginal massage can help you figure out what works for you when it comes to sexual satisfaction.
Who performs a vaginal massage?
Good question. Vaginal massage can be performed alone, by a partner or by a qualified vaginal massage practitioner, explains the Doctor.
How does a vaginal massage work?
It depends which practitioner you see and for what purpose you need the vaginal massage.
Phoenix shares with Women's Health magazine that her vaginal massages take the following format:
- She and the client will sit on a table in a butterfly position with the client's legs draped over her.
- She then places her gloved hands on her client's vulva and asks her to repeat breathing exercises while touching the woman’s labia.
- Then, if her client has given prior consent to her doing so, Phoenix will put her fingers inside the vagina. When she finds a tight spot, presses it and asks the woman to contract her fingers while holding her breath.
Some women do orgasm during the "ritual" but others won’t. Neither is right or wrong - the point of the vaginal massage, according to Phoenix, is to know what makes you feel good, therefore making you better at communicating what you’re into during sex.
"The biggest benefit is that they feel a sense of embodied wisdom of what gives them pleasure," she explains. To be clear here: Phoenix maintains that boundaries are always clearly identified before the session begins. "It can go as far as you want it to go - you may just want your vagina to be held," she shares.
How much does a vaginal massage cost?
A yoni massage can cost anything between £50 to £300 in the UK.
So, would a qualified gynaecologist recommend it?
Would an expert recommend a vaginal massage?
Short answer: no. Doctor Ameen stresses that there is very limited evidence to prove that the phenomenon is beneficial.
"As a gynaecologist, this is not a therapy I would recommend," she shares. "There is limited evidence about the efficacy, and as doctors we can only recommend therapies that are safe and evidence-based."
Ultimately, having vaginal massage therapy is completely the decision of the individual, but she stresses the importance of thorough research and visiting a reputable clinic where the practitioner has good credentials and patient testimonials.
Plus, do remember: as it isn’t a regulated type of massage, technically anyone could claim to be an expert without formal credentials, she concludes.
Bottom line: do see a qualified expert if you are experiencing any of the problems above and would like to seek medical help for your issues.
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What is a yoni session?
Good question. As consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at the Cadogan Clinic Doctor Zahra Ameen explains, it's a form of massage down there which promises to release vaginal tension and improve your sex life.
That said, the jury's still out as to whether they're actually effective - so much so, Doctor Ameen wouldn't recommend it to her own clients.
