Resources
- Finding Relief from Pain During Sex: Pelvic Floor Exercises That Work
- The Connection Between Exercise and Bloating: What Every Professional (and Their Clients) Need to Know
- How to Strengthen Pelvic Floor Safely
- Pelvic Floor Exercises for Constipation: Awareness, Movement, and Nervous System Relief
- High-Tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes & Relief Tips
- How Menopause Affects the Pelvic Floor: Symptoms, Support & Hormonal Impact
- Tailbone Wagging for Tailbone Pain Relief and Pelvic Floor Mobility
- The Power of Tremoring: How Tension Release Exercises Support Your Nervous System
- Pelvic Floor Postpartum Exercises for Faster Recovery
- Navigating Coccyx Pain in Pregnancy: A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide
- Understanding Coccyx Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Healing and Prevention
- Pilates and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Is It the Solution You’re Seeking?
- 5 Pilates Pelvic Floor Exercises You Don’t Want to Leave Out
- Pelvic Floor Massage: A Comprehensive Guide
- Does Pilates Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles? A Comprehensive Guide
- Hypermobility and Pelvic Floor Health: What You Need to Know
- The Foot to Pelvic Floor Connection: A Whole-Body Approach to Movement and Health
- Understanding Pelvic Floor Pain After Running: Causes and Solutions for Professionals
- Top 5 Exercises to Strengthen the Pelvic Floor
- Do Squats Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles? Insights for Movement Professionals
- How Pelvic Floor Health Is Related to the Process of Moving from Arousal to Orgasm
- 5 Things I Wish People Knew About Your Pelvic Floor & Orgasm
- Pelvic Floor Tension: Everything You Need to Know
- How Running and Pelvic Floor Health Are Interconnected: What Every Runner Should Know
- Does Running Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles? Myths vs. Facts
- Understanding Urine Leakage Causes: Why It Happens and How to Manage It
- How to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor: The Ultimate Guide
- Strengthening and Restorative Yoga Poses for Full Body Health
- How Do You Know if You Have a Weak Pelvic Floor
- What Does Pelvic Floor Pain Feel Like?
- How Can I Strengthen My Pelvic Floor Without Kegels?
- Pelvic Floor Stretches | 5 Quick Ways To Relax Your Pelvis
- Pelvic Floor Specialist | Finding Help To Heal Your Pelvis
- Is Pelvic Floor Repair Major Surgery? | Pelvic Health Guide
- Pelvic Floor Exercise
- How to Strengthen Pelvic Floor
- Pelvic Floor Therapy | Improving Your Pelvic Health
Resources
- Finding Relief from Pain During Sex: Pelvic Floor Exercises That Work
- The Connection Between Exercise and Bloating: What Every Professional (and Their Clients) Need to Know
- How to Strengthen Pelvic Floor Safely
- Pelvic Floor Exercises for Constipation: Awareness, Movement, and Nervous System Relief
- High-Tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes & Relief Tips
- How Menopause Affects the Pelvic Floor: Symptoms, Support & Hormonal Impact
- Tailbone Wagging for Tailbone Pain Relief and Pelvic Floor Mobility
- The Power of Tremoring: How Tension Release Exercises Support Your Nervous System
- Pelvic Floor Postpartum Exercises for Faster Recovery
- Navigating Coccyx Pain in Pregnancy: A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide
- Understanding Coccyx Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Healing and Prevention
- Pilates and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Is It the Solution You’re Seeking?
- 5 Pilates Pelvic Floor Exercises You Don’t Want to Leave Out
- Pelvic Floor Massage: A Comprehensive Guide
- Does Pilates Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles? A Comprehensive Guide
- Hypermobility and Pelvic Floor Health: What You Need to Know
- The Foot to Pelvic Floor Connection: A Whole-Body Approach to Movement and Health
- Understanding Pelvic Floor Pain After Running: Causes and Solutions for Professionals
- Top 5 Exercises to Strengthen the Pelvic Floor
- Do Squats Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles? Insights for Movement Professionals
- How Pelvic Floor Health Is Related to the Process of Moving from Arousal to Orgasm
- 5 Things I Wish People Knew About Your Pelvic Floor & Orgasm
- Pelvic Floor Tension: Everything You Need to Know
- How Running and Pelvic Floor Health Are Interconnected: What Every Runner Should Know
- Does Running Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles? Myths vs. Facts
- Understanding Urine Leakage Causes: Why It Happens and How to Manage It
- How to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor: The Ultimate Guide
- Strengthening and Restorative Yoga Poses for Full Body Health
- How Do You Know if You Have a Weak Pelvic Floor
- What Does Pelvic Floor Pain Feel Like?
- How Can I Strengthen My Pelvic Floor Without Kegels?
- Pelvic Floor Stretches | 5 Quick Ways To Relax Your Pelvis
- Pelvic Floor Specialist | Finding Help To Heal Your Pelvis
- Is Pelvic Floor Repair Major Surgery? | Pelvic Health Guide
- Pelvic Floor Exercise
- How to Strengthen Pelvic Floor
- Pelvic Floor Therapy | Improving Your Pelvic Health
Understanding Queefing: Causes, Symptoms, and Simple Prevention Tips
6 Min Read
Have you ever been in the middle of a yoga class, transitioning into downward dog, when suddenly there’s an unexpected sound from your vagina? Or perhaps you were having an intimate moment with a partner when your body decided to add its own soundtrack? If so, you’re not alone. Queefing is a topic that many find uncomfortable to discuss, but it’s a natural bodily function that affects many people.
As a movement professional with over two decades of experience, I’m here to provide clarity on this often misunderstood phenomenon. In this article, we’ll explore what causes queefing, how to manage it, and why it’s more common than you might think.
Table of Contents
What Is a Queef? (a.k.a. Vaginal Gas or Flatulence)
Queefing, also known as vaginal flatulence or vaginal gas, is the release of air from the vagina. It often produces a sound similar to intestinal gas, which can be a source of embarrassment for many. However, it’s important to understand that this is a normal bodily function and not a sign of poor health or hygiene.
Unlike digestive flatulence, queefing has no odor as it’s simply trapped air being released. If you do notice an unusual smell, that could indicate an infection requiring medical attention.
What Causes Queefing and When Does It Happen Most?
The primary cause of queefing is the introduction and subsequent expulsion of air from the vaginal canal, driven by what I call the “vacuum effect.”
This occurs when the ribcage expands during certain movements or position changes, creating more space in the body cavity and leading to a slight suction. This suction draws air into the vaginal canal, which is then expelled when the pressure equalizes, resulting in the characteristic sound.
Sex, Stretching, and Standing Up — Common Triggers
One of the most common situations where queefing occurs is during sexual activity. Certain sexual positions can create the perfect conditions for the vacuum effect to take place. A study published in the International Urogynecology Journal found that up to 20% of women report experiencing queefing during sexual activity [1].
Other common triggers for queefing include:
- Yoga and Pilates, particularly inverted poses
- Getting up quickly from a seated or lying position
- Certain types of exercise that involve hip movements
- Inserting or removing tampons or menstrual cups
It’s important to note that the vacuum effect can occur regardless of pelvic floor tone. Whether you have a hypertonic (overly tight) or hypotonic (overly relaxed) pelvic floor, you can still experience vaginal air release. This is because the vacuum is created by changes in body positioning and breathing patterns, not necessarily by the strength or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles.
Is Queefing a Sign of a Weak Pelvic Floor?
No, queefing is not necessarily a sign of a weak pelvic floor. Both strong and weak pelvic floor muscles can experience queefing. It’s the positioning and movement of your body that creates the conditions for air to enter and exit, not the strength or weakness of your pelvic floor muscles.
When to Consider Pelvic Floor Therapy or Exercises
While queefing itself isn’t a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction, if you’re experiencing other symptoms along with frequent queefing, you might benefit from pelvic floor therapy or exercises. These symptoms might include:
- Urinary incontinence (leaking urine)
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Pain during intercourse
- Feeling of heaviness in the pelvic region
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, the Restore Your Core® 12-Week Program offers a whole-body approach to strengthen your core and pelvic floor.
Kegel exercises are often recommended for strengthening the pelvic floor, but they’re not always the solution. In fact, if your pelvic floor muscles are too tight (hypertonic), Kegels might actually exacerbate the issue. “Pelvic floor awareness” techniques that focus on both contracting and relaxing these muscles may be more beneficial for overall pelvic health.
How to Reduce or Prevent Queefing (With Tips You Can Try Today)
While queefing is a natural bodily function and not inherently harmful, some people may want to reduce its occurrence. Here are some strategies that may help:
- Body Awareness: Pay attention to your body positioning and breathing patterns during activities that typically lead to queefing. Being mindful of when you might be creating a vacuum effect can help you adjust your movements.
- Breathing Techniques: Practice coordinated breathing with your movements. This can help prevent unintentional rib flaring that may contribute to the vacuum effect.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: While pelvic floor tone isn’t directly related to queefing, having better control over these muscles can help you manage air expulsion more effectively. Our guide on how to strengthen your pelvic floor gives more detailed information.
- Position Modifications: During sexual activity or exercise, try modifying positions that frequently lead to queefing. Small adjustments can often make a big difference.
- Kegel Exercises: Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises can give you more control over your vaginal muscles, potentially reducing involuntary air entry and expulsion [3]. However, it’s important to note that Kegels aren’t the only solution. Our article on strengthening your pelvic floor without Kegels offers alternative approaches.
Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate queefing entirely, as it’s a natural function. Instead, focus on understanding your body and finding ways to feel more comfortable and confident.
When Should You Talk to a Doctor About Queefing?
While queefing itself is normal and not a cause for concern, there are situations where it might be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Pain or discomfort associated with queefing
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Unusual odor accompanying queefing
- Swelling or bleeding in the vaginal area
- Queefing that seems excessive or is causing significant distress
These symptoms could indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention.
Embracing Body Positivity
It’s essential to approach the topic of queefing with a body-positive mindset. Many people feel embarrassed or self-conscious about queefing, especially during intimate moments. However, it’s important to remember that our bodies are complex and wonderful, and occasional noises are just part of being human.
Open communication with partners about bodily functions like queefing can lead to greater intimacy and understanding. By normalizing these conversations, we can reduce stigma and promote a healthier attitude towards our bodies.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what causes these natural processes, how they work, and how to manage them helps alleviate concerns and embarrassment. Every body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you’re experiencing significant distress or are concerned about other pelvic health issues, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare provider or pelvic health specialist.
For those who have recently given birth and are experiencing pelvic floor issues, our article on postpartum pelvic floor exercises offers targeted advice for recovery.
By embracing our bodies and their functions, we can cultivate a more positive relationship with ourselves and enjoy a healthier, more confident life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes air to get trapped in the vagina?
Air can get trapped in the vagina during activities that create changes in pressure within the body cavity, such as sex, exercise, or rapid position changes. The “vacuum effect” occurs when the ribcage expands, creating a suction that can draw air into the vaginal canal.
2. Can Kegels reduce queefing?
Kegels may help some people manage queefing by improving pelvic floor muscle control, but they’re not a universal solution. For those with hypertonic (too tight) pelvic floors, Kegels might actually worsen issues.
3. What’s the difference between a queef and a fart?
The main difference is the source and composition. Queefs are simply trapped air being released from the vaginal canal and don’t have an odor. Farts come from the digestive system and contain gases produced during digestion, which can have an odor.
4 . When should I worry about queefing?
Queefing itself is normal and not a cause for concern. However, if you experience pain, unusual discharge, odor, swelling, or bleeding along with queefing, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
5. Is queefing a sign of a health problem?
No, queefing is generally not a sign of any health issues. It’s a normal bodily function caused by air entering and exiting the vaginal canal.
References
1. Millheiser, L., Kingsberg, S., & Pauls, R. (2016). A cross-sectional survey to assess prevalence and symptoms associated with laxity of the vaginal introitus. International Urogynecology Journal, 27(4), 607-613.
2. Rosenbaum, T. Y. (2013). An integrated mindfulness-based approach to the treatment of women with sexual pain and anxiety: promoting autonomy and mind/body connection. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 28(1-2), 20-28.
3. Bo, K., Frawley, H. C., Haylen, B. T., Abramov, Y., Almeida, F. G., Berghmans, B., … & Wells, A. (2017). An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for the conservative and nonpharmacological management of female pelvic floor dysfunction. International Urogynecology Journal, 28(2), 191-213.
