If you’ve ever been surprised by a vaginal fart, don’t worry, because this is a common situation, called queefing or vaginal flatulence, in Portuguese.
This condition is still considered a taboo and often causes embarrassment during the act.
See below the causes and how to deal with it, according to experts’ advice.
How it happens
During penetration — with a penis or sex toys — any woman is subject to queefing. It happens because air enters the vagina and, sometimes, it can be expelled all at once suddenly. This does not mean that the area is loose or relaxed. Despite the “fart” sound, vaginal flatulence has no odor or discharge, but if any of these conditions are present, it is necessary to see a gynecologist.
“When you have sex with penetration, a bit of air can get trapped in your vagina and just stay there. But the next day, when you’re lifting something heavy, it can be pushed out as you flex your belly and pressure is applied to your vagina. Similarly, if you are doing exercises where you stretch the vaginal opening a bit, small amounts of air can be pushed in, so when you’re doing squats later, it is pushed out,” explains gynecologist Sarah Yamaguchi.
Don’t worry
Queefing has no health consequences and is a common condition, so, if it does not present abnormalities (odor and discharge), there are no reasons to worry.
Your partner also does not have the right to criticize you or despise you for this situation. “If he/she makes you feel embarrassed about it, remember that this is partially what he/she is doing too,” emphasizes the specialist.
How to avoid
There is no way to avoid it. But it is possible to try to alleviate it with the practice of kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic region, which can decrease the incidence of queefing, according to doctor Leah Millheiser.
Some positions can favor the entrance of air in the vagina and, consequently, the vaginal flatulence. “In positions with women’s legs open, this happens more often. Also, if what is penetrating you — penis or vibrator — is completely removed from the vagina and pushed back in, it will bring more air into the region,” Yamaguchi clarifies.
How to deal with it
As stated before, it is a common situation, so there’s no need to beashamed or abstain because of fear. Enjoy your moment and don’t dwell on it.
“Just laugh and go with the moment. Don’t try to fight it. If it bothers you a lot, you should just try different positions,” advises the gynecologist.
