Vaginal farts or queefs: Are they normal?

While they sound like flatulence, vaginal farts or queefing is a harmless bodily function that occurs when trapped air inside the vagina is released. To fart from your vagina is very natural. This is involuntary and cannot be controlled by you. When this air is released, it makes a farting sound, thus the name vaginal farts.

A study, published in International Urogynecology Journal, states that vagina farts is common, but have no serious consequences. Around 72.1 per cent women reported it to be a little bother. The causes of air getting trapped in the vagina could be from sex, exercise, as well as the use of vaginal products.

Symptoms of vaginal gas

The biggest symptom of vaginal gas is the feeling of air released from the vagina, in the form of a vaginal fart or queef. You may also notice pain in the vagina, or an unusual discharge. The other symptoms may include painful intercourse and vaginal infections.

Causes of vaginal farts or queefing?

Vaginal farts or queefing are involuntarily actions that sound like normal farts but don’t have an odour. Wondering why do queefs happen? There can be multiple causes of vaginal farts or queef. 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. This is why queefs during sex, or after it, are common.

You may also like

How are UTI and sex interlinked? Watch Video

6 causes of sticky discharge and how to prevent it Read Article

2. Pelvic floor problems

One of the major answers to why do girls queef is vaginal flatulence. This is not harmful, but trapped air can be a sign of some serious problems related to your pelvic floor. A study, published in the International Urogynecology Journal, states that vaginal farts or queefing is a result of pelvic floor dysfunction. 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.

Did your health query get answered? Get expert backed answers by HealthShot’s AI-powered chatbot

Ask Now

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 in the form of a vagina fart. Read here to know how you can deal with period farts.

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 vaginal farts.

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 vagina farts during 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 vaginal farts 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.

Can vaginal gas cause pain?

Usually vaginal gas does not cause pain. However, if it is painful, then it may be a symptom of vaginal fistula. A vaginal infection can also cause pain in the vagina. If you are experiencing pain in the vaginal area, it is important to consult your doctor.

Care and treatment of vaginal gas

Vaginal gas is common and natural and does not require any specific treatment. In most cases, it is caused by sexual activity or exercise, and resolves on its own, in the form of vaginal farts. However, when it comes to gas and flatulence, there are ways to reduce it.

When to call a doctor?

Vaginal gas is common and usually harmless. However, if you notice that you are passing gas from your vagina regularly, and you cannot connect this to sex to other physical activities, then it may be time to visit the doctor.

How to prevent queefs or vaginal farts?

Are you wondering how to stop queefs? 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!

FAQs

Is queefing normal during periods?

Yes, vaginal farts or queefing is normal during periods as the use of tampons and other menstrual products can cause air to get trapped in the vagina.