What Causes Queefing: Unraveling Myths and Understanding the Facts
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Think of queefing as just a release of gas from the vagina. It’s common and normal. It is experienced by many women. There’s no reason to feel embarrassed or worried about it. It’s not always a sign that something’s wrong.
In this article, we’ll cover the topic thoroughly. We’ll talk about why queefing happens, clear up some myths, and explain how it may be managed. We’ll also delve into how your menstrual cycle, menopause, and even sex positions affect it. By the end, hopefully, you’re better informed and feel okay about discussing queefing with your doctor or partner. Lastly, we will answer some commonly asked questions regarding the same.
Did you know?
Queefing, or vaginal gas, is just trapped air leaving the vagina. It might make a noise like farting but without the smell.
Also known as queefing, vaginal flatulence occurs when air gets inside the vagina and then comes out again. You might even hear a sound that is similar to a fart. But unlike a fart, there’s no smell. It’s just air leaving the body.
One of the many ways the human body works is by releasing gases, including from the vagina. The walls of the vagina have folds called rugae. These allow air to get trapped and then get pushed out, causing queefing.
Queefing is common, but it can be caused by different things. This includes sex, problems with the muscles around the pelvis, and a condition called vaginal fistula.
During sexual intercourse, air may sometimes enter the vagina. This air can cause queefing.
When the penis goes into the vagina and moves in and out, it can push air in. This can happen with the fingers, or a sex toy as well. When these are taken out or after an orgasm, you might queef.
When you’re aroused, your vagina gets wet. This wetness, coupled with lubricants used during sexual intercourse, can trap air bubbles. These may then lead to queefing.
There’s a link between problems with the pelvic floor (the muscles around your pelvis) and queefing. However, more research is needed to fully understand this link.
Weak muscles in the pelvic floor can cause problems. If these muscles aren’t working as they should, queefing might occur more often. Childbirth, getting older, having surgery, or being overweight can all cause these muscles to weaken.
A vaginal fistula is an unusual opening between the vagina and an organ inside the pelvis or abdomen, like the bladder or the intestines.
Childbirth, cancer therapy, injuries, or certain surgeries can cause fistulas. They’re not common, but they are a possible cause for queefing.
Most of the time, queefing doesn’t hurt. If it happens, it might indicate an underlying medical issue such as a vaginal fistula. I recommend to get in touch with your healthcare professional so they can examine you if you have vaginal pain or exhibit signs of a vaginal fistula.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
A fistula can let air pass from another organ into the vagina. This air can then be pushed out, causing queefing. Keep in mind that if you’re also noticing a bad smell coming from your vagina or notice any stool coming out the vagina, you should check with a doctor to rule out a fistula.
You may notice queefing during or after sexual intercourse or exercise. However, it’s also important to know when it could signal a medical issue requiring attention.
It is typical to experience queefing, and there isn’t much you can do about it. Nonetheless, in my opinion, having intercourse, working out, or giving birth may increase the frequency of queefing. Refraining from engaging in activities or sexual positions that cause frequent queefing might potentially be beneficial.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
If you’re seeing any of the signs above with queefing, it might mean there’s a deeper issue. A doctor should check anything like odd-smelling vaginal discharge, frequent infections, or pain in or around the vagina.
Your doctor may perform a pelvic examination to find the cause of the excessive queefing. This can also help rule out any health concerns needing treatment, such as a fistula or something else.
To pinpoint the issue, your healthcare provider might carry out some tests. These could include a physical check-up, an ultrasound, or taking samples to look for infection.
Your doctor will check your general health and any medical issues you have. This helps them rule out other causes for the queefing.
For many, queefing is normal and can’t be fully avoided. However, ways exist to reduce how often it occurs and deal with any underlying health problems.
Queefing can’t be fully avoided, but measures exist that could potentially cut down its frequency.
If you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, you might queef less. Exercises like Kegels might help. To do this, squeeze the muscles you use to stop peeing. Hold this for up to 10 seconds, then release for 10 seconds. Repeat this 10 times, in three sets per day.
Breathing techniques might also help. If you learn to relax your pelvic floor muscles when having sex, less air may get pushed in. As a result, you may queef less.
The management of queefing depends a lot on the root cause. If a medical problem is causing the queefing, your healthcare provider will suggest the right options.
If you have problems with your pelvic floor causing too much queefing, your doctor may suggest certain exercises. These include Kegels or working with a pelvic floor specialist to make the muscles stronger and improve how they work.
If there’s a vaginal fistula causing queefing, you might need surgery to fix the fistula. It’s up to your healthcare provider to look at your specific situation. They can then suggest the best plan of action.
Queefing may happen more at some times in life compared to others.
Hormones change during your menstrual cycle. These changes can affect your pelvic floor muscles. You might queef more when you’re on your period due to this.
During menopause, your body makes less estrogen. This can lead to weaker pelvic floor muscles. This could increase the chances of queefing during and after menopause.
Different sex positions can result in more queefing. This is due to the different angles and pressures on the pelvic floor.
Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For Vaginal Dryness
Positions that involve deep penetration are likely to result in more queefing.
Positions that minimize the amount of air entering the vagina may result in fewer instances of queefing. The traditional missionary position is one example. However, remember that no position guarantees a queef-free sexual experience.
Queefing is normal during sex. It may seem awkward at first, but with open communication, it needn’t be treated like a problem.
Talk to your partner about queefing. Explain what it is and how you feel about it. Accept queefing as a natural thing that happens. This way, it won’t kill the enjoyment and intimacy.
Queefing, or releasing vaginal gas, is common, normal, and mainly seen during sex or working out. It may seem awkward, but it’s not harmful or a sign of any issues. If you find you’re queefing a lot, smell something bad, or suspect a deeper health problem, do see a doctor.
By learning about what causes queefing and how to manage it, you may avoid letting it affect your intimate life. Openness with your partner and a laid-back approach may also make a big difference.
Several factors could make you more likely to queef. These include your pelvic floor anatomy, certain sexual positions, and having health conditions affecting the pelvis.
Yes, body differences and having certain health conditions could make some people more likely to queef than others.
While you cannot get rid of queefing fully, doing pelvic floor exercises and adjusting how you have sexual intercourse might reduce how often it happens.
Queefing itself isn’t harmful, but forcing air into the vagina on purpose to queef might increase your risk of catching an infection or having other complications.
Yes. Queefing can occur during masturbation. This is especially so if you insert a sex toy into your vagina.
Queefing during pregnancy is normal and you usually don’t need to worry. If it’s happening with pain or discomfort, or you’re releasing strange-smelling fluids, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional.
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