Vaginal flatulence or vaginal wind[1] is an emission or expulsion of air from the vagina. It may occur during or after sexual intercourse, or during other sexual acts, stretching or exercise.[1] The sound is comparable to anal flatulence, but vaginal flatulence does not involve waste gases, and thus does not have a specific odor associated with it. Slang terms for vaginal flatulence include queef,[2][3] vart, and fanny fart (mostly British).[4][5] Tampons can treat or prevent vaginal wind.[1]

Serious conditions

Vaginal gas with a strong odor of fecal matter may be a result of rectovaginal fistula, a serious condition involving a tear between the vagina and colon, which can result from surgery, childbirth, diseases (such as Crohn's disease), or other causes.[6] This condition can lead to urinary tract infection and other complications. Vaginal gas can also be a symptom of an internal pelvic organ prolapse,[7] a condition most often caused by childbirth.[8]

Puffs or small amounts of air passed into the vaginal canal during cunnilingus are not known to cause any issues. However, "forcing" or purposely blowing air at force into the vaginal canal can cause an air embolism, which in very rare cases can be dangerous for the woman, and if pregnant, for the fetus.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c Neels, Hedwig; Mortiers, Xavier; de Graaf, Sybrich; Tjalma, Wiebren A. A.; De Wachter, Stefan; Vermandel, Alexandra (July 2017). "Vaginal wind: A literature review". European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 214: 97–103. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.04.033. PMID 28494270.
  2. ^ DeGuzman, Kristine (21 October 2008). "Well, That Was Awkward". Sex on Tuesday. The Daily Californian. Archived from the original on 24 October 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Lexicon of Lust". Playgirl. December 2004.[page needed]
  4. ^ "fanny fart". Macquarie Dictionary. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  5. ^ Bletchly, Rachael (28 August 2005). "Our wild sex but no hugs". Dear Rachael. The People. Archived from the original on 9 April 2006. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  6. ^ Martinez, Michael; Dogra, Vikram (26 July 2001). "Body Imaging Teaching Files | Case Two-hundred Twenty Eight - Colovaginal Fistula". UHrad.com. Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University. Archived from the original on 14 June 2002. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Correct assessment of prolapse essential". Medical Tribune. MediMedia Asia. 15 April 2003. Archived from the original on 29 March 2004. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Vaginal problems and female genital prolapse". Health Guide A-Z. Healthwise. 22 November 2004. Archived from the original on 24 November 2005. Retrieved 21 January 2024 – via WebMD.
  9. ^ Wright, Janis (15 September 2003). "Information from Your Family Doctor | Pregnancy: Prenatal Care". American Family Physician. 68 (6): 1165–1167. PMID 14524404. Retrieved 21 January 2024.