One of my primary focuses in my practice is education. I want women to be the experts in their bodies – to understand how their bodies function, and to know what is normal and what is not.
So in the name of education, let’s talk queefing.
What is a queef?
This question came from a patient, and I believe if one woman has a question, others have it to. So let’s put the embarrassment aside, and answer this nagging question.
A queef is simply the sound of air being released from the vagina. But how did that air get in there?
The answer is simple. The vagina is a tube (a fibromuscular tube if you want to get sciency), and the walls naturally produce lubricants. When the walls of the vagina are in contact with each other, and lubricated, a natural suctioning process occurs that can pull air into the vagina. The air often will just slip out the way it came in, but it can also be forced out by laughing, farting, coughing, or during sex.
Especially common during sex, queefing can occur when something (like a penis or vibrator) forces a bunch of air in, and then during changes of position or while waiting for your partner to re-enter all the air rushes out.
Fun Fact: The scientific name for queefing is “vaginal flatus”
How to prevent queefing
Ok. Seriously, queefing is totally normal. Try laughing it off, but if you still hate it there are a few tips that might be helpful.
Lube is your friend. Especially a thicker lube, like a natural oil-based lubricant, which may help to hold the walls of your vagina together during changes in sex position. But remember – oil based lubricants aren’t compatible with condoms.
You can also try keeping your partner’s penis, fingers, or a sex toy inside you when changing positions to prevent queefing. This will keep the air from getting into, or out, of the vagina.
But the best strategy is just to give fewer f*cks. Because really, queefing is totally natural. Just go back to enjoying what you’re doing – sex!
