Vaginal farts: 7 normal reasons why women queef

If you are reading this, chances are you have wondered, “Why am I farting from my vagina?” or “Why does air come out of my vagina?” It may seem strange, but vaginal farts are real, ladies! Also known as queefs, vaginal farts are nothing but trapped air.

What causes vaginal farting?

First things first, like we mentioned, vaginal farts are normal. They are involuntarily actions that sound like normal farts but don’t have an odour. Since it is not waste gas, it doesn’t smell! There can be multiple causes of vaginal farts or queef.

It may be embarrassing, but it is common. While it may have during regular activities as exercise or sex, queefing may even signal a medical condition sometimes. Let us know some reasons behind vaginal farts.

1. Sexual activity

When something is inserted in the vagina (like a penis, fingers or sex toys), it can trap air inside. The “in and out” movement for sexual pressure can also trap the air, which is then released as a vaginal fart when the sexual activity is done.

2. Pelvic floor problems

Vaginal flatulence is not harmful, but trapped air can be a sign of some serious problems related to your pelvic floor. Vaginal farts are linked to conditions like urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. So, it is always advised to do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

3. Use of tampons and menstrual cups can lead to vaginal farting

The use of feminine hygiene products like tampons and menstrual cups which are inserted inside the vagina, can also allow air to get trapped inside. The air is then released when the product is removed or while exercising or stretching.

Also, read: The struggle is real! Here’s why Indian women still resist tampons and menstrual cups

4. Gynaecological procedures

Physical examinations and procedures during the vaginal examination can also allow air to enter inside the vagina where it can get trapped and subsequently released as a queef.

5. Exercises and stretching

Any exercises that stretch out the pelvic area often opens and relaxes your vagina, allowing the air to enter. Hence, you might hear some vaginal farts while you exercise.

6. Labour and childbirth

A study published in the journal ISRN Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that most cases of vaginal gas in women start after normal delivery.

Also, read: 5 unexpected ways your body might change permanently after pregnancy

7. Vaginal fistula

In case you have been experiencing queefs for a while, you may be curious if vaginal gas can be a sign of anything serious. Sometimes, it may happen due to a vaginal fistula. It is a condition where an abnormal hollow chamber is created between two normally unconnected organs. It would be best to consult a gynaecologist.

How to prevent vaginal farts?

While you cannot control vaginal farts, you can reduce activities that can increase your chances of trapping air in your vagina. Whether it is avoiding queefs during sex or preventing vaginal farts during exercise, certain techniques may help.

When it comes to sex, reduced in-and-out movement of the penis, finger or sex toy can help you avoid queefs. You could also look at doing pelvic floor strengthening exercise in general to avoid air from making its way into the vagina and then out of it as a vaginal fart!

If you are doing yoga in a group, you could either avoid certain yoga postures that can induce a vaginal fart, or simply stop getting embarrassed about something as natural as a queef!