What Is Vaginal Gas?

 What Is Vaginal Gas?

What is Vaginal Gas?

Also referred to as vaginal flatulence or vaginal farts, vaginal gas also goes by another name: queef. But what is it?

Queefing is an involuntary bodily function that occurs when trapped air is released from the vagina. The release of this air is the vaginal fart or queef. When the air is released, you might hear a sound similar to a fart. However, unlike flatulence, a queef does not emit any odor. Even though there is no odor, the sound of queefing can be embarrassing.

Air can enter the vaginal canal in a number of ways, but the result is always the same: The air gets trapped, forming an air bubble in the vagina. But why do queefs happen in the first place? The most common reasons are certain movements such as yoga or sexual activity

Causes of Vaginal Gas

During Sex
Different forms of sexual activity can also introduce air into the vagina and create sex noises. The movement of a vibrator or penis in and out of the vagina can also introduce air that quickly becomes trapped. When the object or penis is removed, the gas is released. Oral sex can also introduce air into the vagina. In cases such as these, queefing is just a normal bodily function and nothing to be concerned about.

Vaginal Fistula
A vaginal fistula is an abnormal, hollow tract between your vagina and another internal abdominal or pelvic organ. They are a potential cause for vaginal gas that is not directly related to sexual activity. There are different types of vaginal fistulas. These types are based on where the hole or tear is in the vagina and which organ the tract connects to. Fistulas need to be addressed by a medical professional and treated.

Feminine Hygiene Products
Products that are inserted into the vagina, such as tampons and menstrual cups, can allow air bubbles to become trapped inside the body. This air can escape when the product is removed, or during physical activity or stretching.

Tense Muscles
Certain activities, such as sexual activity or gynecological exams, may cause the pelvic muscles to tense. This can trap pockets or bubbles of air in the vagina. Coughing and exercise can also cause the pelvic muscles to tense, pushing air downward and out of the vagina.

Stretching Exercises
Certain exercises that involve stretching the pelvic region, such as yoga, often encourage the vagina to open or relax, allowing more air to enter. During a change in pose or position, air trapped in these pockets can suddenly be released.

Gynecological Exams
Physical examination and the insertion of a speculum during gynecological exams and other procedures can cause air to become trapped in the vagina. This air may be released when a doctor removes the speculum and finishes the physical examination.

Symptoms of Fistula

Vaginal gas is one symptom of a vaginal fistula. Other symptoms depend on the size and type of fistula that you have, but here are some symptoms to look for:

Loose stool leaking into your urine
Urine or vaginal discharge that has a strong unpleasant odor
Vaginitis or urinary tract infections that occur frequently
Incontinence, both fecal and urinary
Diarrhea
Discomfort or pain in and around the vagina and rectum
Painful sex
Nausea
Abdominal pain

Prevention of Vaginal Gas

In many cases, there is no real way to prevent vaginal gas, but there is also no need to. Usually, the only symptoms of vaginal gas are the noise and sensation of trapped air leaving the vagina, which is typically painless.

If vaginal gas does not go away naturally, squatting down, especially while urinating, can help trapped air escape. If vaginal gas is the result of tension, trying to relax and practicing deep breathing may help.

If vaginal gas is problematic, a person can avoid the sexual activities and physical exercises that cause it. Avoiding the use of internal female hygiene products, such as tampons, may also help reduce the risk.

Summary

For most of us, queefing is a normal, albeit annoying, bodily function. It’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, and a very common thing that most women experience. If you queef during a sexual encounter, you could try acknowledging the queef instead of pretending it didn’t happen. This will likely improve any awkwardness you or your partner might be feeling.
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