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Vaginal Wind: An Embarrassing Event

 
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Air in my vagina: What causes queefing?

Some women have experienced passage of air or wind from the vagina that can create an audible noise, commonly known as queefing, and may be embarrassing. It can happening during sporting activities, sexual intercourse or sometimes just from squatting.

Pelvic floor weakness, usually from childbirth, is the main culprit here. Air can get drawn or sucked into the vagina during any of the above mentioned activities, especially if the vaginal opening is wider or looser than what it had been previously. After the air is drawn in it becomes trapped in the upper vagina behind one of the vaginal walls that may be loose, such as from a mildly dropped bladder. Then during repositioning of the body, the air is pushed out the vagina creating a noise and sensation.

Pelvic floor muscle weakness is common. Many women already perform Kegel muscle exercises to help decrease the severity and incidence of urinary incontinence/leakage they experience. Similar pelvic floor muscle retraining can re-strengthen this part of the body. In addition, squeezing the thighs closed against a beach ball, or pushing the thighs out against resistance at the gym, also helps the pelvic floor.

Weighted vaginal cones are different sized smooth cones that are placed in the vagina around which the woman squeezes in order to retain the cone. You begin with larger sizes and work your way down.

Sometimes placing a large tampon in the vagina while working out can block movement of air. It may also support the urethra just enough to prevent urinary incontinence as well during a workout, and trap urine within it to prevent wetting of underwear or workout clothes.

Significant pelvic floor weakness can be surgically corrected if significant. When the bladder, top of the vagina or rectum push into the vagina, causing pressure, or even push out the vagina, then it’s time to have a formal examination.

Add a Comment13 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

At times "queefing" can be due to the muscles of the pelvic floor being too loose and weak. Other times it can be because the muscles are too tight and weak. Think of it like when you pull the sides of the balloon opening, or a whoopie cushion, the noise happens because the opening is too tight and creates friction as the air passes through. In this case it is better to learn how to relax the pelvic floor muscles, with something like a child's pose or happy baby posture, than to tighten or add weighted exercise to it. I am a pelvic floor physical therapist and have found this to be true more often than not. If your not sure which way your pelvic floor is, find you local pelvic floor physical therapist and go in for an assessment.

March 15, 2017 - 7:57am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I had a rectociel repair & that was ten years ago. They never did this right & I can still feel it partly out when I. Cough ect. Now I have started to pass vaginal wind. It's awful . I know how you all feel

August 9, 2014 - 9:47am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Vaginal wind is indeed a common occurrence but if it happens a lot then please see your doctor. It can be a symptom of a fistula between the rectum and vagina, something that can be corrected with surgery. I'm not saying this is likely to be most people's problem if they have vaginal wind - it isn't - but if the wind is excessive and especially if it occurs in connection with other vaginal or rectal problems, then it's worth asking your doctor to check.

July 19, 2011 - 12:37pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Thank goodness I'm not the only person suffering from this problem. I also work in an office, and sometimes when I stand up from my chair, I let out wind from my vagina. I have zero control over this, and don't even get warning that it's going to happen. It is incredibly embarrasing :(

February 14, 2010 - 11:54am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I am so relieved that I am not the only one that this happens to. Absolutely no control!

July 27, 2016 - 10:57am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I hear you! This happens to me too, whenever I've been sitting and have normal gas, then when I stand up, gas comes out of my vagina making loud bubbly gross noises. It happened at work once while I was talking with two male colleagues. So embarrassing!!!!!!!!

April 8, 2015 - 7:59pm

I can relate to this! I used to enjoy yoga classes before I had children, but now I avoid them. Some yoga positions can cause vaginal wind noises and I find it so embarassing! So, no more yoga for me. :(

September 24, 2009 - 6:38pm

Hi, I am glad that this seems to be a fairly "normal" problem. I work in an office and sit at my desk all day.I get vaginial wind when I stand up to go to the photocopier etc. It is getting to the point when I refuse to get up from my desk. I clean regularly, please help, I am so embarrassed!!!!

September 24, 2009 - 3:40pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Daisylady)

This is exactly what happens with me!!! I am becoming so embarassed. Is there a cure?

April 25, 2012 - 10:19am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

This is also referred to as a queef or PHF. Another reason to emphasize the importance of of hygiene here. If a womans vagina is not cleaned regularly, not only can the vaginal wind be noisy and embarrassing it can emit a pungent "funky" smell that is even harder to explain if done in the presence of others.

September 20, 2009 - 7:50pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.