A queef, a vart, or fanny fart is the sound of air released from the vagina. It often sounds like a fart, where it gets its funny name.
Queefs happen when air gets trapped inside the vagina and is pushed out, causing vibrations as it passes through the labia. The sound is created by the flapping of the labia as the air escapes.
Why Do Queefs Happen?
There are a few common causes of queefing:
Sexual Activity
During sex, especially in certain positions, air can get pushed into the vagina. Thrusting while intimate can trap air inside, which gets forced out later, causing a queef. Positions like doggy style tend to cause more queefing due to the angle of penetration.
Exercise
Physical activities like yoga, Pilates, and other workouts that involve spreading the legs can lead to more queefs. The muscles relax during exercise, allowing more air to enter. Forceful movements can then push that trapped air out through the vagina.
Laughing/Coughing
When you laugh or cough forcefully, it temporarily increases pressure on the abdomen. It can cause air to get squeezed into the vagina, resulting in queefs when the pressure is released.
Are Queefs Normal?
Queefing is very common and 100% normal! Vaginas are not airtight, so it is easy for air to get trapped unexpectedly inside the canal.
If it seems to happen frequently, there are steps you can take to minimize queefing. But an occasional queef now and then is no cause for concern. It simply means some air in the vagina needed to escape.
Queefing and Relationships
Queefing can cause embarrassment, especially during sex with a partner. Here's how to handle it:
Communication is Key
If you feel comfortable, let your partner know that queefs are normal vaginal occurrences that neither person should feel ashamed about. Reassure them it's not an offensive sound or sign you aren't enjoying yourself.
Don't Make a Big Deal About It
Try to move past it seamlessly without cracking jokes or dwelling on it. The more awkward you act about a queef, the more self-conscious you'll feel the next time.
Be Understanding
Put yourself in their shoes. You wouldn't want to be shamed or have attention drawn to an involuntary queef, so treat your partner how you'd hope to be treated.
How to Prevent Queefing
While you can't always prevent queefing 100%, some tips can help minimize it:
Change Positions Slowly
Go from one sex position to another carefully and gradually to let air escape rather than getting trapped inside.
Try Different Sex Positions
Some positions are less likely to cause queefs, like missionary or lying side-by-side. Avoid positions where you are more "folded up."
Take Breaks
Pull out for a few seconds every so often so air can escape before continuing.
When to See a Doctor
Occasional queefs are not a health concern. But if you experience painful, frequent, or foul-smelling queefing, consult your gynecologist to rule out potential underlying issues involving the pelvic floor, infections, or gas.
Coping With Queefing
Queefs are nothing to feel embarrassed about, but that doesn't make them any less awkward now! Here are tips for handling it gracefully:
Let it Out!
The worst thing you can do is hold in a queef, which will only draw extra attention. Just let it happen and move on without hesitation.
Make Light of It
A little humor and laughter can take the edge off an awkward queef situation. Don't make fun of your partner, but if you both crack a smile, it'll help diffuse any tension.
Queef with Confidence
Queefs are an everyday fact of life. Be confident in your beautiful body, queefs, and all. The more comfortable you are, the less embarrassing queefs will feel.
Conclusion
While queefing can cause temporary embarrassment, it is a common and natural occurrence. Try not to make a big deal out of it. Open communication, prevention tips, and self-confidence can help you handle queefs seamlessly so you can get back to enjoying intimacy with your partner. Always remember your worth is not defined by queefs!
FAQs
Q: Is queefing unhealthy?
No, occasional queefing is not unhealthy, and it happens to most women at some point. It's simply a release of air from the vagina, not cause for concern.
Q: Why does queefing smell bad sometimes?
While queefs are usually odorless, occasionally, they may have an unpleasant smell if there is an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the vagina. See your doctor if foul queef odors persist.
Q: Do men queef too?
While women queef from the vagina, men can also push air out through the penis, which makes a similar sound. Queefing in men is equally harmless.
Q: Can you prevent yourself from queefing?
There's no foolproof way to guarantee you'll never queef, but going slow, changing positions carefully, and taking breaks can help minimize it.
Q: Is it rude or immature to laugh about queefs?
As long as you aren't making fun of or shaming your partner, laughter can ease embarrassment and show that queefs aren't a big deal.