The truth about those embarrassing sex sounds – from why they happen to alarming smells and exercises to stop them
A 'QUEEF', or what’s more commonly known as a fanny fart, can catch us out at the most awkward of times.
This burst of air from the vagina, which often comes with a fart-like sound, isn’t just embarrassing, it’s near-on impossible to hold in.
Yup, when you need to queef, you need to queef, and there’s not much you can do about it.
However, making some simple lifestyle changes could stop them from arising in the first place.
Dr Jo Bailey, an NHS and private consultant gynaecologist, explains: “Fanny farts are simply a rapid release of air from the vagina.
"Air can get trapped in the vagina for a number of reasons, and the sound is caused by air being pushed out of your vagina."
Read more on queefs
Unlike when you pass wind, however, queefing has nothing to do with your diet as it’s not connected to bowel function.
So what could be causing your case of the queefs?
And how can you lessen the chances of being caught in such an embarrassing situation?
Doggy style
Ever had an involuntary bout of vaginal wind during or immediately after sex? Well, it’s normal and nothing to be ashamed of.
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“Sex is one of the biggest causes of vaginal gas,” says Dr Bailey.
“When a penis, sex toy or finger moves in and out of your vagina, air can get pushed inside.
"When it’s removed from your vagina, the air is released.”
She adds that this can happen more in certain positions or when you change positions regularly during sex.
Doggy-style sex could increase the chances of queefing as more air is pushed into the vagina.
Thrusting excessively can also increase the queef risk.
Swap to missionary to see if this makes a difference.
However, if fanny farting does continue, laugh it off. They are totally natural, after all.
Using tampons
If you’re someone who tends to stick to tampons during period week, then this could be causing you to fanny fart more than you’d like.
“Like sex, pushing a tampon or menstrual cup into your vagina during your period may force air into your vagina,” explains Dr Bailey.
“The air escapes when you remove the tampon or cup, producing the sound.”
If you fancy it, try swapping to period pads to see if this makes a difference.
However, for the sake of some vaginal wind, you might want to stick to what you’re used to, so that your period is more comfortable.
Weak pelvic floor muscles
Your pelvic floor is essentially the muscles and connective tissues which support the pelvic organs such as the uterus, bowel and bladder.
However, weakened pelvic floor muscles can be caused by an injury to the pelvic floor area, constipation and obesity.
Pregnancy and childbirth can also cause weakened pelvic floor muscles, which Dr Bailey says increases your chances of vaginal flatulence.
But, strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help to stop the fanny farts.
Dr Bailey recommends tailored exercises. These are easy to do at home whether you’re standing or sitting.
- Get comfortable.
- Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles and hold for 10 seconds, then release.
- Do this up to 10 times every day.
When squeezing your pelvic floor muscles, it should feel like you’re holding in wind and stopping yourself from peeing at the same time.
Vaginal examination
Booked in for a smear? Or having another check down there?
It’s common to pass gas out of your vagina during a pelvic exam.
“When a speculum is inserted into your vagina, for example, during a cervical screening test, this allows air to enter,” says Dr Bailey.
Don’t be alarmed. Your GP or nurse will have seen (and heard!) it all before.
Vaginal fistula
Although these aren’t common, Dr Bailey explains that a vaginal fistula is an ‘abnormal connection between your vagina and your urinary or digestive organs’.
These organs include your bladder or intestines.
“Typically, vaginal fistulas are the result of trauma, surgery or other disease”, says Dr Bailey. But, do be aware that these are rare.
“As well as vaginal gas, symptoms of a vaginal fistula include leaking pee or poo and/or foul-smelling pee,” the doc added.
Worried? Visit your GP, who can discuss the next steps.
Downward dog
Your chosen method of exercise could be to blame for a case of the fanny farts, and yoga is a prime example.
Any posture where your leg ends up in the air creates more space in the vagina, allowing more air in.
“Yoga, exercise and other movements like running can cause air to get trapped inside your vagina because your vagina is slightly opened or stretched during these activities,” says Dr Bailey.
Should you get your fanny farts checked?
Fanny farting is normal and common, according to Dr Bailey.
However, if your fanny farts are smelly, then it’s best to get them checked out.
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Dr Bailey adds: “Fanny farts also have nothing to do with any kind of vaginal infection.
“The best thing to do is just laugh about it!”