Queefing
Did I just fart from my vagina?
Queefing (yep - it really is called that!) happens when air is released from the vagina. The sound comes from the vibration of your labia as the air escapes! And, the stronger the force of the escaping air, the louder it is! The good news is that at least they don’t smell bad like an anal fart does!
Has this happened to you? It can be rather shocking when it does! Like WHOA! What was that sound? Did that just come from my vagina? Did anyone else just hear that? Yikes…
Yup! You may or may not be relieved to know that it’s not just happening to you. It’s downright common, but not normal. It can affect women of all ages and stages and believe me… You.Are.Not.Alone.
In fact, you have just joined the not-so-exclusive Queefing Club!
Why is this happening to me?
It’s a pressure system issue and a pelvic floor issue. We know that “Vaginal Flatulence” after giving birth is common and occurs more frequently after vaginal delivery. But if you had a cesarean birth it doesn’t exclude you from this fun. Also, if you had hysterectomy or pelvic floor repair or have a prolapse of some sort or struggle with constipation, you may experience this! A compromised pelvic floor will allow more air to flow in and then allow it to escape when the intra-abdominal pressure increases due to poor muscle control.
But guess what? If you think it’s only experienced by women with weak pelvic floors, you would be mistaken. A tight pelvic floor (remember that is different from a strong pelvic floor) can act like a suction to pull air into the vagina and then like a whistle for the trapped air when it comes out. Remember, a tight pelvic floor can be just as dysfunctional as a weak pelvic floor because it often will not be able to relax nor contract properly.
Who Needs a Whoopie Cushion?
So, when might you “let rip” with a good old vaginal fart? Maybe in a down dog at yoga. Maybe getting out of the swimming pool. Maybe when you are power lifting. Maybe when you are having sex. Maybe when you simply stand up. It can happen any time that air gets sucked in to the vagina and then escapes. And, thanks Mother Nature, hormonal changes during your cycle can also make you more likely to queef. We know that the pelvic floor responds to hormonal changes, so, women can be more likely to queef when ovulating or during their period because the pelvic floor tends to be looser during these times.
What can I do about this?
Start by learning more about your body. We would love for you to join one of our Pelvic Floor, Core & More™ clinics (PFCM). This is not a sales pitch. I just know that you will learn more than you can imagine in under 3 hours. It could just change your life. No, really. I mean that.
If you find that you still need help, our instructors are connected with the amazing Pelvic Floor PTs in your area and can help you get connected, too!
Right before you exert in a movement, engage pelvic floor and activate your transverse (ya - you learn all about that in PFCM). This helps support the pressure system of your core (and yup- your pelvic floor is a part of that system).
If this happens during sex, additional lubrication may be helpful. Just remember that not all lubricants are compatible with condoms. If you don’t want to be calling me for doula services in 9 months, make sure that your lubricant is condom compatable!
Stay hydrated and increase your fiber. What? Yep- if you are constipated, you are more likely to queef. The stool gets compacted in your rectum and impacts the pelvic floor’s ability to support the vagina.
If it happens to you, try to keep your humor. Sometimes, you just have to laugh about it!
“I wish that I had taken Postpartum Recovery Fitness after the birth of my baby but I am so grateful that I took PFCM. I learned that I have some strategies to put in to practice when I go to yoga class now. No More Vaginal Farting!!”