Vaginal air expulsion, commonly known as “queefing,” is the release of trapped air from the vagina. This widespread and natural bodily function is experienced by many people with vaginas. It typically produces a sound similar to flatulence, which can sometimes cause embarrassment. However, it is a normal physiological occurrence.
The Science of Vaginal Air Expulsion
The vagina is a muscular canal with walls that typically rest against each other, forming a potential space. Air enters this space when movements or changes in pressure momentarily separate the vaginal walls. Unlike intestinal gas, the air involved in vaginal air expulsion is external atmospheric air, not a byproduct of digestion. It is odorless because it does not contain digestive gases.
When the vaginal walls or surrounding pelvic floor muscles contract or change position, this trapped air is compressed and forced out. The sound produced is due to the vibration of the vaginal opening as the air escapes. The elasticity of the vaginal walls and the tone of the pelvic floor muscles influence how easily air can enter and exit.
Common Situations and Triggers
Vaginal air expulsion frequently occurs during activities that alter the shape or pressure within the vaginal canal. Sexual activity is a common trigger, particularly positions that allow air to enter the vagina or involve deep penetration and rapid movement. The movement of a penis, sex toy, or fingers in and out of the vagina can push air inside, which is then expelled as movement continues or when the object is removed.
Certain exercises, such as yoga or Pilates, involving inversions, stretching, or significant hip movements, can also draw air into the vagina. Everyday movements like bending, stretching, or even sitting in specific ways may create conditions for air to enter and later be released. The insertion or removal of menstrual products, like tampons or menstrual cups, can also introduce and release trapped air.
Is Queefing Normal?
Vaginal air expulsion is a common and typically harmless physiological event. It is not a sign of a health problem or an abnormality in most cases. Many individuals with vaginas experience this phenomenon, and it is considered a normal aspect of vaginal function. Its occurrence is a natural outcome of the vagina’s anatomy and the various physical activities a person engages in.
This experience is widespread, with some studies indicating it occurs in a notable percentage of individuals. While it can sometimes cause embarrassment due to its sound, it is important to recognize that it is a natural, involuntary bodily function.
Management and When to Seek Advice
For individuals who find vaginal air expulsion bothersome, certain adjustments can help reduce its occurrence. During sexual activity, experimenting with different positions that minimize the creation of air pockets or reduce rapid changes in position may lessen the likelihood of air expulsion. Engaging in pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can help strengthen the muscles that support the vagina. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles used to stop the flow of urine, potentially offering more control over the vaginal opening.
While typically benign, persistent vaginal air expulsion accompanied by other symptoms could indicate an underlying medical condition. If the air expulsion is frequent, unrelated to common triggers like sex or exercise, and is accompanied by symptoms such as a foul-smelling vaginal odor, unusual discharge, pain during sex, or recurrent urinary tract infections, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.