Vaginal Wind: An Embarrassing Event
Some women have experienced passage of air or wind from the vagina that can create an audible noise, 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.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, 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.
Add a Comment8 Comments
Could this be related to a vaginal prolapse? As I have been diagnosed with this and I often suffer from passing of air from the vagina.
September 7, 2009 - 5:31amThis Comment
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 - 7:50pmActually, the wonderful thing about vaginas are they are self-cleaning! It is a myth that women need to clean their vaginas with douches or such products; normal cleaning and as you said "proper hygiene" can occur in the bath or shower, same with any part of the body, with water and regular or mild soap.
Cleaning the vagina beyond what is necessary in the bath or shower can actually cause more damage. In fact the "American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggest that women steer clear of douching. All healthy vaginas contain some bacteria and other organisms called the vaginal flora. The normal acidity of the vagina keeps the amount of bacteria down. But douching can change this delicate balance. This may make a woman more prone to vaginal infections. Plus, douching can spread existing vaginal infections up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries."
All healthy vaginas have a mild odor, and if you are experiencing an odor that is described as "pungent", it may indicate an infection, and it would be recommended that you talk with your GYN.
As noted by the original author of the post, "vaginal wind" or a "queef" may be caused by any number of activities, and is not a sign of poor hygiene (cleaning or not cleaning does not "cause" the wind to be noisy).
September 20, 2009 - 8:02pmAlison - Perfectly said!!
September 22, 2009 - 8:06amHi, 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 - 3:40pmI 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 - 6:38pmThank 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 - 11:54amVaginal 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