Ever experience vaginal farts? Since farting is a physiologically typical activity, you may be wondering why you also fart from your vagina? Vaginal farts, also known as vaginal flatulence or queef, are just involuntary bodily movements brought on by trapped air inside your vagina. It is merely air from outside the body that enters the vagina, not waste gas as you produce from your rectum as a result of the digestion process. Even though it’s perfectly normal, many women find it embarrassing and look for ways to prevent vaginal farts.

Health Shots got in touch with Dr Suhasini Inamdar, Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, to understand whether you can control it or not.

Dr Inamdar says, “Vaginal flatulence is a natural occurrence where trapped air is expelled from the vagina, especially during physical activity or sexual intercourse. While it is not a cause for a medical concern, some people may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about it. Here you’ll find tips on how to manage and reduce queefing.”

Causes of vaginal farts

Before you learn ways to control or prevent it, here are several reasons why vaginal flatulence may occur:

1. Sexual activity or inserting objects into the vagina

During intercourse or when an object like a sex toy is inserted into the vagina, air may become trapped and be expelled during movement. The possibility of vaginal flatulence is also raised during a pelvic exam. Every time it happens and you feel embarrassed, simply laugh it off and remember that it’s completely natural and not a big deal.

2. Stretching or exercise

Air may become trapped in the vagina during any physical activity that involves stretching or movement of the pelvic muscles, which will then be released with further movement. When compared to other forms of exercise, yoga has been found to increase the likelihood of vaginal farts.

3. Pregnancy

Although the reason for vaginal farts during pregnancy is unknown, women may experience an increase in queefs, especially after giving birth when the pelvic floor muscles may be weaker.

4. Vaginal fistulas

That is one of the very rare reasons for vaginal farts. An abnormal opening that connects the vagina to other organs including the bladder, colon, or rectum is called a vaginal fistula. As a result, air may escape from the rectum, and pass through the vagina. But again it’s rare.

5. Using a tampon or menstrual cup

Certain feminine hygiene products, such as tampons, diaphragms, and menstrual cups, when inserted, can also force air into the vagina, which can cause queefing. You might hear an unpleasant sound when removing the product that sounds somewhat like flatulence.

Can you prevent farts?

Although it is not always possible to prevent vaginal flatulence because it is caused by sexual activity and exercise, the following tips may help reduce the frequency of queefing:

1. Learn about your pelvic floor

Understanding the muscles in the pelvic area and how they interact with other parts of the body can help you manage and reduce queefing. Pelvic floor exercises, breathing techniques, and pressure management can be useful in strengthening and relaxing the pelvic muscles.

2. Consult a pelvic floor, physical therapist

A specialist can assess the strength of your pelvic floor muscles and identify any tightness that may contribute to queefing.

3. Pay attention to your bowel movements

Soft stools and good bowel movement techniques can help reduce pressure in the pelvic area, which may contribute to vaginal flatulence.

4. Practice Kegels

You can strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor by incorporating kegel exercises into your everyday regimen. This is the best method to reduce the amount of queefing that occurs.

5. Pay attention to the sex position

One of the most typical sex positions that cause queefing is the doggy style. Engage in various types of sex positions instead of this only to prevent vaginal farts.

When to see the doctor for vaginal farts?

De Inamdar says, “If you experience vaginal flatulence outside of sexual activity or physical exercise, or if it is accompanied by pain or discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical advice. A doctor can diagnose any underlying conditions that may be causing queefing, such as a vaginal fistula.”

Takeaway

Vaginal flatulence is a normal occurrence and is not a cause for concern. However, if it causes discomfort or embarrassment, the above tips can be helpful in managing and reducing queefing. It is always recommended to seek medical advice if you have concerns or experience queefing outside of sexual activity or physical exercise.