I want to start the first conversation of the year on a very light note. With something that a lot of us, women, experience – vaginal farts, medically known as vaginal flatulence. 

What is that? You may ask? Have you ever felt yourself ‘farting’ from your vagina? It often happens during sexual intercourse or when you exercise for a long time. It is because these farts are sometimes completely random or they can happen during activities like stretching and exercise. 

But they are especially common during sex because fingers, penises or sex toys can easily push air up there. 

Your vagina also expands when you are turned on, which makes more room for air. And vaginal wetness, which increases during sex, helps make that ‘poot poot poot’ sound. However, the best part is that this gas that is released is odourless. 

Vaginal flatulence is common and completely normal. The good thing about these farts is that they do not pose any health risks to your vagina or body in general. 

I know it can be quite frightening or rather embarrassing when it happens for the first time. However, I want to assure you that there is nothing wrong with you or your vagina. It is simply a natural thing that happens because of a number of reasons. Now, what are some of the causes?  

We already mentioned sexual intercourse being one of the leading causes. However, it is not the only cause. 

If this happens during sexual intercourse, there are instances when air bubbles can become trapped under the diaphragm, which can cause upper abdominal pain and chest pain. 

If this happens, please visit your doctor, as it might cause more pain – and it can become rather uncomfortable. 

In addition to this would be feminine hygiene products or sex toys. When objects like tampons and or menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina, they may create room for air bubbles to be trapped in the body. The same can be said for sex toys, such as vibrators and/or dildos. 

In most cases, when one is doing exercises, air can also be trapped. 

The same can be said for gynaecology examinations, such as pap smears. Often, this happens because of the pelvic muscles tensing up, which causes pockets or bubbles of air to be trapped in the vagina.

Now, I know that, as women, we often want solutions for things that cause us embarrassment, especially things that may have a relation to our vaginas. 

My darling, there is no cure or a proven solution to prevent vaginal flatulence or farts. It is a natural thing. However, if you realise that you do have air trapped in your vagina, there are a few things you can do to release it. 

If you are frequent with exercises, squatting down, especially while urinating, can help trapped air escape. If vaginal gas is the result of tension, trying to relax and practising deep breathing may help. 

Lastly, if there are certain sexual positions that cause air to be trapped in your vagina, you can avoid those for a while to see if it will get better.

 Remember, there is nothing wrong with this happening to you. You are not the only one. It can happen to anyone – if not all of us.  

* Frieda Mukufa’s lifestyle section in the New Era newspaper concentrates on women-related issues and parenting. She also specialises in editing research proposals, proofreading as well as content creation.

- etuholefrieda@gmail.com