Queefing a lot. Queefing Explained: Causes, Prevention, and When to Seek Medical Attention
What causes queefing and how can it be prevented. Is queefing ever a sign of a medical issue. How does queefing differ from flatulence. What exercises may increase the likelihood of queefing.
Understanding Queefing: What It Is and Why It Happens
Queefing, also known as vaginal flatulence or vaginal farts, is a common bodily function experienced by many women. But what exactly is queefing? It occurs when trapped air is released from the vagina, often producing a sound similar to flatulence. Unlike regular flatulence, however, queefs do not emit any odor.
How does air become trapped in the vagina? Air can enter the vaginal canal through various activities, including:
- Insertion of objects (e.g., fingers, tampons, sex toys, penis)
- Physical movements during exercise or stretching
- Sexual activity
- Childbirth (due to weakened pelvic floor muscles)
While the sound of queefing can be embarrassing, it’s important to remember that it’s a normal bodily function and typically not a cause for concern.
Common Causes of Queefing: From Exercise to Intimacy
Queefing can occur in various situations, but some activities are more likely to cause it than others. What are the most common causes of queefing?
Exercise and Yoga
Certain physical activities, particularly yoga poses, can increase the likelihood of queefing. Which poses are most prone to causing vaginal flatulence?
- Inversions (e.g., headstands, shoulder stands)
- Downward-facing dog
- Poses requiring deep abdominal and pelvic floor strength
These poses can create changes in pressure within the body, potentially trapping air in the vagina and leading to queefing when released.
Sexual Activity
Sexual activity is another common cause of queefing. How does sex contribute to vaginal flatulence?
- Movement of a penis or sex toy in and out of the vagina can introduce air
- Oral sex can also push air into the vaginal canal
- Changing positions during intercourse may trap air in the vagina
It’s important to note that queefing during sex is normal and should not be painful. If you experience pain during queefing, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Distinguishing Queefing from Flatulence: Key Differences
While queefing and flatulence may sound similar, they are distinct bodily functions. How do queefs differ from regular farts?
- Origin: Queefs come from the vagina, while flatulence originates in the rectum
- Odor: Queefs are odorless, unlike flatulence which often has a distinct smell
- Composition: Queefs are simply trapped air, while flatulence contains various gases produced by digestive processes
- Control: Queefing is usually involuntary, while flatulence can sometimes be controlled
Understanding these differences can help alleviate any confusion or embarrassment surrounding queefing.
Queefing and Pelvic Floor Health: Is There a Connection?
The pelvic floor plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including bladder and bowel control. But does it also affect queefing? Strong pelvic floor muscles can indeed help prevent excessive queefing, along with other issues like incontinence and uncontrollable flatulence.
How can pregnancy impact the pelvic floor and queefing?
- Pregnancy can weaken pelvic floor muscles
- Weakened muscles may lead to pelvic floor dysfunction
- This dysfunction can result in increased queefing, incontinence, and frequent urination
Fortunately, there are ways to strengthen the pelvic floor and reduce these symptoms. What are some effective methods?
- Kegel exercises
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Regular exercise focusing on core strength
By incorporating these techniques into your routine, you may be able to improve pelvic floor health and reduce the frequency of queefing.
When Queefing May Indicate a Medical Concern
While queefing is typically harmless, in some cases, frequent queefing can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. When should you be concerned about excessive queefing?
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
As mentioned earlier, weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to increased queefing. If you experience frequent queefing along with other symptoms like incontinence or pelvic pain, it may be indicative of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Vaginal Fistulas
In rare cases, frequent queefing can be a symptom of vaginal fistulas. What are vaginal fistulas?
Vaginal fistulas are abnormal openings that connect the vagina to another organ, such as the rectum, colon, or bladder. They can develop as a result of injury, surgery, or infection.
What are some other symptoms of vaginal fistulas?
- Frequent urinary tract infections or vaginal inflammation
- Diarrhea
- Painful intercourse
- Abdominal pain or discomfort in the vaginal/anal region
- Unusual vaginal discharge
If you experience these symptoms along with frequent queefing, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Preventing and Managing Queefing: Practical Tips
While queefing is a normal bodily function, some women may wish to reduce its occurrence. What are some strategies to prevent or manage queefing?
During Exercise
- Wear supportive, well-fitting workout clothes
- Modify yoga poses that tend to cause queefing
- Focus on exhaling during movements that compress the abdomen
During Sexual Activity
- Experiment with different positions that may reduce air entry
- Communicate openly with your partner about queefing to reduce embarrassment
- Remember that queefing is normal and not a reflection of you or your partner’s performance
General Tips
- Practice regular pelvic floor exercises
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the pelvic floor
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet for overall pelvic health
By implementing these strategies, you may be able to reduce the frequency of queefing and feel more comfortable during various activities.
Embracing Body Positivity: Normalizing Queefing
Despite being a common and natural bodily function, queefing often carries a stigma that can lead to embarrassment and discomfort. How can we work towards normalizing queefing and promoting body positivity?
Education and Awareness
One of the most effective ways to reduce stigma is through education. By understanding that queefing is a normal physiological process, we can help dispel myths and misconceptions. What are some key points to remember about queefing?
- It’s involuntary and not a sign of poor hygiene or health
- Most women experience queefing at some point in their lives
- It’s not related to sexual experience or body size
- Queefing doesn’t indicate anything about sexual pleasure or performance
Open Communication
Encouraging open dialogue about queefing can help reduce embarrassment and promote understanding. How can we foster better communication about this topic?
- Discuss queefing with partners, friends, or healthcare providers without shame
- Use correct terminology rather than euphemisms
- Share experiences to help others feel less alone
- Challenge jokes or comments that stigmatize queefing
Self-Acceptance
Ultimately, embracing our bodies and their natural functions is crucial for overall well-being. How can we cultivate self-acceptance when it comes to queefing?
- Remind yourself that queefing is normal and beyond your control
- Practice positive self-talk if queefing occurs in potentially embarrassing situations
- Focus on the amazing things your body can do rather than perceived “flaws”
- Surround yourself with supportive people who understand and accept bodily functions
By promoting education, open communication, and self-acceptance, we can work towards a more body-positive society where natural functions like queefing are understood and accepted rather than stigmatized.
Queefing and Sexual Health: Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
Queefing during sexual activity is a common occurrence that can sometimes lead to discomfort or embarrassment. How does queefing relate to sexual health, and what misconceptions exist about this natural phenomenon?
Queefing and Sexual Pleasure
One common misconception is that queefing is related to sexual pleasure or satisfaction. Is there any truth to this belief?
- Queefing is not an indicator of sexual pleasure or orgasm
- It’s simply a result of air being trapped and released from the vagina
- The presence or absence of queefing doesn’t reflect on sexual performance
Queefing and STIs
Another concern some people have is whether queefing can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). What’s the relationship between queefing and STIs?
- Queefing itself does not increase the risk of STIs
- It’s not a sign of an STI or other infection
- Safe sex practices should always be followed, regardless of queefing
Addressing Queefing with Sexual Partners
Open communication about queefing can help alleviate anxiety and promote a more comfortable sexual experience. How can you address queefing with a sexual partner?
- Discuss queefing before or after sexual activity in a relaxed setting
- Explain that it’s a normal bodily function and not something to be embarrassed about
- If queefing occurs during sex, acknowledge it lightly and continue without making it a big deal
- Consider using humor to diffuse any tension or embarrassment
By addressing these concerns and misconceptions, we can promote a healthier, more informed approach to sexual health and queefing.
Queefing Across the Lifespan: From Puberty to Menopause
Queefing can occur at any stage of a woman’s life, but its frequency and impact may vary. How does queefing change across different life stages?
Puberty and Adolescence
As young women begin to explore their bodies and become sexually active, they may experience queefing for the first time. What should adolescents know about queefing?
- It’s a normal part of sexual development and exploration
- It’s not a sign of “losing virginity” or sexual experience
- Education about queefing can help reduce anxiety and embarrassment
Reproductive Years
During a woman’s reproductive years, various factors can influence queefing. What are some key considerations during this life stage?
- Pregnancy and childbirth can temporarily increase queefing due to pelvic floor changes
- Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may affect vaginal elasticity and potentially queefing
- Regular pelvic floor exercises can help maintain muscle tone and potentially reduce queefing
Perimenopause and Menopause
As women approach and enter menopause, hormonal changes can affect various aspects of sexual health, including queefing. How does menopause impact queefing?
- Decreased estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness and reduced elasticity, potentially affecting queefing
- Some women may experience more frequent queefing due to these changes
- Hormone replacement therapy or vaginal moisturizers may help address these issues
Understanding how queefing can change throughout a woman’s life can help normalize this experience and promote better overall sexual health awareness.
The Cultural and Social Aspects of Queefing
Queefing is a universal physiological phenomenon, but its perception and discussion vary widely across cultures and societies. How do different cultures view and address queefing?
Cultural Variations in Queefing Perception
The attitudes towards queefing can differ significantly between cultures. What are some examples of these variations?
- Some cultures view queefing as taboo and rarely discuss it openly
- Others may have more relaxed attitudes and even incorporate queefing into humor or folklore
- In some traditional medicines, queefing may be seen as a sign of health or imbalance
Media Representation of Queefing
How queefing is portrayed in media can significantly influence public perception. What role does media play in shaping attitudes towards queefing?
- Comedy shows and movies often use queefing for humor, which can either normalize or stigmatize it
- Social media platforms have opened up more spaces for frank discussions about queefing
- Health and wellness media are increasingly addressing queefing as part of comprehensive sexual education
Queefing in Sex Education
Comprehensive sex education plays a crucial role in normalizing bodily functions like queefing. How is queefing addressed in sex education programs?
- Many programs now include information about queefing as part of normal sexual function
- Some countries have more comprehensive approaches, while others may still omit this topic
- Online resources and sex education apps are helping to fill gaps in formal education about queefing
By examining the cultural and social aspects of queefing, we can better understand how to address misconceptions and promote more open, informed discussions about this natural bodily function.
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.