Queefing a lot: Why Women Queef and What to Do About It

15.11.202215.07.2023 by alexxlab

Содержание

Why Women Queef and What to Do About It

Updated

23 November 2022

Published

23 December 2019

Fact Checked

Reviewed by Tanya Tantry, MD, Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Medical Consultant at Flo

Flo Fact-Checking Standards

Every piece of content at Flo Health adheres to the highest editorial standards for language, style, and medical accuracy. To learn what we do to deliver the best health and lifestyle insights to you, check out our content review principles.

You may not be familiar with the term, but most women have experienced a queef at least once in their lives. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about queefing and how you can prevent it.

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.

Embarrassing though it may be, it’s also very common. Most of the time, queefing happens because air has become trapped in the vaginal canal during physical movements such as yoga or sex. In some rare cases, a queef can be a sign of a more serious medical condition or issue that needs addressing.

Air can get trapped in the vagina when an object is inserted, such as a finger, tampon, sex toy, or penis. Moving around during activities such as exercise or stretching can also produce air in the vagina. Childbirth is another situation where queefing may occur, as pelvic floor muscles may have weakened during pregnancy.

What causes queefing?

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 (though keep in mind that queefs during sex should never be painful).

Exercises: yoga or stretching

Although any exercise can cause a queef, certain yoga poses are particularly susceptible to causing vaginal gas. Inversions are the most common poses that cause queefing. Headstands, shoulder stands, and downward-facing dog can all make you more prone to queefing. Anything that requires a deep level of strength in the abdominal and pelvic floor region can contribute to queefing.

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.

Can vaginal gas be a sign of anything serious?

In some situations, frequent queefing can be a sign of a medical condition or issue. The two main conditions are pelvic floor dysfunction and vaginal fistulas (e.g., rectovaginal, colovaginal, vesicovaginal, enterovaginal, ereterovaginal, or urethrovaginal fistulas).

Strong pelvic floor muscles help prevent incontinence, uncontrollable flatulence, and queefs. For many women, pregnancy causes their pelvic floor to weaken, which can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. This is when the pelvic floor inefficiently tightens and relaxes the muscles. Some women experience frequent incontinence when this happens, or they may feel the need to urinate more. Some will experience more queefing than normal.

In some situations, frequent queefing can be a sign of a medical condition or issue. The two main conditions are pelvic floor dysfunction and vaginal fistulas.

You can strengthen your pelvic floor and reduce these symptoms in a number of ways. The most common treatments are exercises such as Kegels and pelvic floor physical therapy.

Sometimes, as a result of injury, surgery, or infection, vaginal fistulas can develop that also cause queefs. A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening in the connection between the vagina and another organ such as the rectum, colon, or bladder. In order to resolve a vaginal fistula, a medical professional will need to assess and treat you.

If you have a vaginal fistula, you will have other symptoms besides frequent queefing. Other signs of vaginal fistulas include:

Frequent urinary tract infections or vaginitis (vaginal inflammation)
Diarrhea
Painful sex
Abdominal pain or pain around and in the vaginal/anal region
The appearance of loose stool in urine
An unpleasant, strong smell in urine or vaginal discharge
Urinary and/or fecal incontinence

The most common type of vaginal fistula, a vesicovaginal fistula, is when a hole forms between your vagina and your bladder. Here are some other common vaginal fistula types:

Rectovaginal fistulas develop between the vagina and the rectum. This hole can form during childbirth, but it is most common in developing countries where mothers may not have access to proper ob-gyn care. Frequent causes for these fistulas include radiation treatment to the pelvis in cancer treatment, pelvic surgery, or cases of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Ureterovaginal fistulas are located between the vagina and ureter(s) through which urine travels from the bladder to the kidneys.
Urethrovaginal fistulas occur between the vagina and urethra, through which urine exits your body.
Enterovaginal fistulas occur between the vagina and small intestine.
Colovaginal fistulas are the rarest type. This hole between the vagina and the colon is most often seen in those with diverticular disease.

How to prevent queefing

Most of the time, there’s not much you can do to prevent vaginal gas. Still, there are certain techniques that may help you figure out how to avoid queefing during sex or when exercising.

When you are engaged in sexual activity, try keeping the finger, sex toy, or penis inside your vagina with less in-and-out movement. This keeps air from getting into the vagina as easily. You can try keeping it inside while changing sexual positions as well, since this is an opportune time for air to enter the vaginal canal. Using the right amount of lube may also do the trick.

When doing yoga, strengthening and holding what is called the mula bandha or root lock can help. This is done by squeezing your pelvic floor and drawing your muscles up and in. Doing this can help stop air from entering your vagina. You can also avoid the postures that most commonly cause queefing during yoga, such as downward-facing dog and inversions.

When you are engaged in sexual activity, try keeping the finger, sex toy, or penis inside your vagina with less in-and-out movement. This keeps air from getting into the vagina as easily.

One of the best ways to help prevent queefing is to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles with regular Kegel exercises. They involve tightening your vaginal muscles, holding them for a few seconds, and then releasing and repeating. There are also Kegel tools or weights available that can be inserted into the vagina. As the vagina muscles work to hold the object in place, they are strengthened in the process.

Some women also find using a tampon during exercise helps stop queefing.

When to see a doctor

If you are queefing during sex or certain yoga positions, it’s likely nothing to worry about. However, if you are queefing regularly and have had one or more pregnancies (or know you have a weak pelvic floor or pelvic floor dysfunction), talk to your doctor. In the case of pelvic floor dysfunction, many women have seen improvements with pelvic physical therapy and regular Kegel exercises. If you have symptoms of a vaginal fistula, it is important to talk to your doctor. Fistulas typically require surgery to repair, and leaving them untreated can cause other, more significant health concerns.

The takeaway

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. And what about during an exercise class? Remember that most people are not paying nearly as much attention to you as you think they might be and likely will not even notice.

Regardless of when a queef happens, the best thing you can do is move on and don’t let it ruin your experience or day. If queefs are related to an underlying medical condition, however, be sure to visit your doctor to get the help you need.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2967329/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3363981/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14677001

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3113190/#B1

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2706384/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rectovaginal-fistula/symptoms-causes/syc-20377108

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-fistulas/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20355765

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-fistulas/symptoms-causes/syc-20355762

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3361523

History of updates

Current version
(23 November 2022)

Reviewed by Tanya Tantry, MD, Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Medical Consultant at Flo

Published
(22 December 2019)

What Is Vaginal Flatulence? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Medically Reviewed

Vaginal flatulence, also known as vaginal flatus, or queef, is an emission of trapped air from the vagina. Vaginal flatulence is both common and completely normal. It most frequently occurs during sexual activity or exercise.

Overwhelmingly, it doesn’t pose any gynecological health risks.

Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Flatulence

Whether you call it a queef, a vaginal fart, vaginal gas, or even a “vart,” the passage of air through the vaginal canal produces a sound that’s similar to anal flatulence. But unlike a fart, a vaginal release of air doesn’t have a gassy odor.

Common Questions & Answers

What is a queef?

It’s the (very common) emission of trapped air from the vagina.

What causes vaginal farts?

Sexual intercourse, pelvic exams, exercise, pregnancy, and menopause can all cause vaginal farts. Sometimes the anatomical structure of your pelvic floor may make you more likely to expel trapped air from your vagina.

When should I worry about vaginal farts?

Vaginal flatulence is perfectly normal, but if it occurs with symptoms like bad-smelling vaginal discharge, frequent UTIs, irritation or pain in the area, or pain during sex, you should see a doctor.

How do you treat vaginal farts?

Since vaginal farts are common, there’s no need to treat them. On rare occasions, however, the flatulence is a sign of a medical issue, such as pelvic organ prolapse or rectovaginal fistulas. Surgery can treat both of those conditions.

Causes and Risk Factors of Vaginal Flatulence

Much of the information compiled on vaginal flatulence — especially on the internet — is anecdotal, and more research would likely offer us a better understanding of what might make some women more likely to queef. With that caveat in mind, there are a number of situations and factors associated with vaginal flatulence, including:

Sexual Intercourse or Inserting an Object in the Vagina When something is inserted into the vagina, it can displace the air inside.It’s possible to experience vaginal flatulence during a pelvic exam, when a doctor inserts or removes a speculum.
Exercise or Stretching Movements during exercise can cause air to become trapped inside the vagina. Women often report vaginal flatulence during certain physical activities, such as yoga.
Pregnancy or Menopause Some women report more episodes of vaginal flatulence during pregnancy or menopause.
Pelvic Floor Anatomy Everyone’s pelvic floor is slightly unique, and some may be more prone than others to expelling trapped air.

A rare cause of vaginal flatulence is a vaginal fistula. A fistula is an abnormal opening that connects the vagina to another organ, such as your bladder, colon, or rectum. If the fistula is connected to the colon or rectum, it can cause the passage of stool from the vagina. Childbirth, cancer treatments, injury, and certain surgical procedures can lead to the formation of a fistula, but again, it’s highly uncommon. See your doctor if your queefs smell bad, or if you notice an unusual discharge.

Diagnosis of Vaginal Flatulence

While there aren’t specific tests or procedures to determine if these air emissions are simply the occasional result of air escaping from the vagina, your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to rule out a more serious problem.

Duration of Vaginal Flatulence

A queef typically lasts a few seconds during or after sex or during exercise.

Treatment of Vaginal Flatulence

Because vaginal flatulence is a normal occurrence, there’s no need to treat it or seek a remedy for it.

But there may be times when queefing is associated with a medical issue that requires treatment.

Some research has found an association between pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal flatulence, but the evidence is lacking and inconsistent. Prolapse occurs when any of the pelvic organs drop down due to weakness in the supporting structures.

Childbirth and other conditions that put pressure on pelvic tissues can cause this.

If your vaginal flatulence happens to be associated with prolapse, treatment might involve using a pessary — a plastic or rubber circular device that fits into the vagina and supports tissues that were displaced by prolapse — and trying to strengthen your pelvic muscles by performing Kegel exercises.

To perform Kegels, squeeze the muscles you use to stop urinating. Hold this contraction for up to 10 seconds and then relax for 10 seconds, making sure to concentrate on contracting just your pelvic floor muscles, as opposed to your abdominal muscles as well. Try to work up to at least three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions each day. As a side note, do not do Kegels while urinating. This can cause insufficient emptying of the bladder, which can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Depending on the severity of the prolapse, surgery may be necessary.

You should see your doctor if you have vaginal flatulence paired with more worrying symptoms including:

Stool or pus coming from your vagina
Vaginal discharge that smells bad or off
Frequent vaginal or urinary tract infections
Irritation or pain in vulva, vagina, or area between vagina and anus
Pain during sex

If you have these symptoms, queefing could be a sign of a rectovaginal fistula — which is rare.

Prevention of Vaginal Flatulence

Queefs happen naturally during sex and exercise, and there may not be much you can do to prevent them. As far as sex goes, pay attention to whether or not certain positions make you queef more. But if you’re comfortable with your partner or partners, you’ll likely be able to laugh it off.

As mentioned above, if you’ve suffered a prolapse and it’s possibly causing you to queef, your doctor may recommend using a pessary.

Research and Statistics: Who Gets Vaginal Flatulence?

Any woman can experience vaginal flatulence. There is some research, however, that suggests certain women may be more prone to it. For instance, a meta-analysis of 15 studies on vaginal flatulence found that women who had delivered babies vaginally often reported occurrences of vaginal flatulence after the fact, but this certainly is not the only factor that can lead to vaginal flatulence.

Plenty of women who have never been pregnant experience vaginal flatulence, too. One study of nearly 1,000 women ages 18 to 80 found that women with low BMI and who are younger have more instances of vaginal flatulence.

Another study found that more than a third of women with pelvic floor disorders reported vaginal flatus (the involuntary passing of gas from the vagina).

Complications of Vaginal Flatulence

Vaginal flatulence itself doesn’t cause complications (aside from some possible embarrassment).

Related Conditions of Vaginal Flatulence

When you release gas through your digestive system — also known as farting — it sounds a lot like a queef. But the causes of intestinal gas and vaginal flatulence are different. Swallowing excessive air can cause farting; bacteria in the intestine produce gas when processing foods that pass into the colon before being digested higher up in the digestive tract; and rectal gas can be a side effect of some medications.

Resources We Love

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood offers a wealth of reliable information about women’s health — from sexual and reproductive issues and concerns to questions about queefing.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

For trusted, evidence-based information from expert physicians, visit ACOG’s website, where you’ll find this FAQ on women’s sexual health, as well as sections geared toward teens, pregnancy, and healthy aging.

Additional reporting by Kaitlin Sullivan.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Amarenco G, Turmel N, Chesnel C, et al. Vaginal Gas: Review. Progés en Urologie. December 2019.
How Can I Prevent Queefing During Sex? It’s So Embarrassing! Planned Parenthood. April 24, 2020.
Veisi F, Rezavand N, Zangeneh M, et al. Vaginal Flatus and the Associated Risk Factors in Iranian Women: A Main Research Article. ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology. May 20, 2012.
Neels H, Pacquée S, Shek K, et al. Is Vaginal Flatus Related to Pelvic Floor Functional Anatomy? International Urogynecology Journal. December 2020.
Pelvic Support Problems. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. November 2021.
Posterior Vaginal Prolapse (Rectocele): Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. August 10, 2022.
Posterior Vaginal Prolapse (Rectocele): Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. August 10, 2022.
Knuttinen M, Yi J, Magtibay J, et al. Colorectal-Vaginal Fistulas: Imaging and Novel Interventional Treatment Modalities. Journal of Clinical Medicine. April 22, 2018.
Kegel Exercises: A How-To Guide for Women. Mayo Clinic. December 6, 2022.
Rectovaginal Fistula. Mayo Clinic. January 13, 2023.
Toxic Shock Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. March 23, 2022.
Lau H, Su T, Chen Y, Huang W. The Prevalence of Vaginal Flatus in Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders and Its Impact on Sexual Function. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. March 2021.
Gas (Flatulence). Harvard Health Publishing. July 1, 2019.

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How to stop winding yourself up: 10 recommendations from Dale Carnegie’s book

Contents of the article

Excitement and anxiety accompany us everywhere: at home and at work, on the bus and in the store, in line and in traffic jams. There is practically no person who does not face excitement. But some people can pull themselves together and survive an unpleasant moment, while others begin to wind themselves up even more, turning simple anxiety into chronic stress. We’ve summarized the tips from psychologist Dale Carnegie in How to Stop Worrying and Start Living? to change your perspective and reduce stress.

Advice 1. Distinguish between the past and the present

To stop winding yourself up and worrying about problems that may happen in the future, you need to live in the present. Dale Carnegie proposes to mentally install an “iron curtain” that will delimit the past and the future, preventing a person from regretting old mistakes once again or thinking about tomorrow’s difficulties.

Tip 2: Answer the Questions

At the height of your panic attack, ask yourself three questions from Willis Carrier’s magical formula from Dale Carnegie’s book.

What is the worst thing that can happen in this situation?
How can this problem be solved?
Will I be able to cope with these difficulties?

If you honestly answer these questions to yourself, you will understand that even in the worst case scenario, you will be able to cope with trouble.

Tip 3. Think about the harmful effects of stress

In times of stress, you must constantly remember the harm that anxiety can do to your body. The author of the book cites the sad fact that business people who live in chronic stress die early. Therefore, it is important to take care of yourself and stay calm.

Tip 4. Think positively

Cheerful thoughts can reduce anxiety and calm down quickly. To do this, you need to develop positive thinking in yourself, try to maintain a good mood and look at life with a smile.

Tip 5. Start acting

When a person is inactive, bad thoughts begin to creep into his head. The best way to get rid of them is to keep yourself busy. So the brain will switch to action, and psychological stress will decrease.

Tip 6. Get rid of the habit of being nervous

Surely you have met people who, for any reason, begin to worry. For them, anxiety for no reason has already become a habit, which is still better to get rid of.