Varts: What Every Woman Should Know
You've probably never heard the term "varts" before. But if you're experiencing unexpected vaginal gas or air trapped in your vagina, you might have wondered if there was a name for it.
The truth is, varts — vaginal farts or queefing — are completely normal. They're not the same as regular flatulence, and they happen to most women at some point.
But let's be real. Normal doesn't make them any less awkward when they happen during intimate moments.
What Are Varts, Really?
Varts happen when air gets trapped in your vagina and then releases. Unlike intestinal gas, there's no odor. It's simply air making its way out.
Your vagina is a potential space — meaning it can expand and contract. During physical activity, sex, or even certain exercises, air can get pushed in.
When that air finds its way out, it makes a sound. Sometimes loud. Sometimes quiet. Always perfectly natural.
The medical term is "vaginal flatulence" or "vaginal gas." But honestly, "varts" captures the experience pretty well.
Why This Matters More After Menopause
Here's what your doctor might not have told you. Hormonal changes can make varts more common.
As estrogen drops, your vaginal tissues become less elastic. The muscles that support your pelvic floor may weaken slightly.
This doesn't mean anything is "wrong" with you. But it can mean air gets trapped more easily. And releases more noticeably.
Some women find they experience varts during yoga poses they've done for years. Others notice them more during intimacy.
It's one of those menopause changes nobody really talks about. But it's happening to more of us than you might think.
How Air Gets Trapped (And Released)
Think of your vagina like a balloon that's not fully inflated. When pressure changes around it, air can move in and out.
Physical activities that involve bending, stretching, or changing positions can create these pressure changes. So can penetration during intimacy.
Your pelvic floor muscles normally help regulate this. But when they're not as strong or coordinated, air movement becomes more noticeable.
The release happens when your body naturally expels the trapped air. It's actually your body doing exactly what it should.
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What to Look For (And When to Pay Attention)
Most varts are completely harmless. But there are a few things worth noting.
Normal varts have no odor. They're just air releasing. If there's a foul smell, that could indicate something else is going on.
Timing matters too. If you're experiencing them constantly throughout the day without any physical activity, that's worth mentioning to your doctor.
Pain isn't typical with regular varts. If the air release is painful, or if you're having other symptoms like burning or unusual discharge, those are different issues.
Some women notice varts more during certain times of their cycle (if they still have one). This is usually related to normal hormonal fluctuations affecting tissue elasticity.
Common Mistakes Women Make
The biggest mistake? Feeling embarrassed or ashamed about something completely natural.
Some women try to "hold it in" when they feel air trapped. This usually makes the eventual release more noticeable, not less.
Others avoid activities they enjoy — like yoga or intimate moments — because they're worried about varts happening. That's giving up too much for something so normal.
Douching or using harsh products to "prevent" varts can actually make things worse. These disrupt your natural balance without addressing the real cause.
The truth is, you can't really prevent varts entirely. And you shouldn't have to change your life around them.
When to See Your Doctor
While varts themselves are normal, certain symptoms warrant a conversation with your healthcare provider.
See your doctor if you're experiencing pain with the air release, unusual odors, or any discharge that seems different from normal.
If varts are accompanied by pelvic pressure, difficulty with bowel movements, or a feeling like something is "falling out," these could be signs of pelvic organ prolapse.
Sudden changes in your body are always worth discussing. If varts are new for you and happening frequently, your doctor can help determine if there's an underlying cause.
Remember, your gynecologist has heard it all. They won't be shocked or judgmental about this topic.
FAQ
Are varts the same as regular gas?
No, varts are just trapped air releasing from the vagina. Regular flatulence is gas from your digestive system. Varts typically have no odor, while intestinal gas often does.
Can varts indicate a health problem?
Usually not. Varts are normal for most women. However, if they're accompanied by pain, unusual odor, or other symptoms, it's worth checking with your doctor.
Do varts happen more during menopause?
Many women notice them more after menopause due to changes in tissue elasticity and pelvic floor strength. This is a normal part of hormonal changes.
Can I prevent varts from happening?
Not entirely, and you shouldn't need to. They're a normal body function. Focusing on overall pelvic floor health through gentle exercises may help with muscle coordination.
Should I be embarrassed about varts during intimacy?
Not at all. Most partners understand that bodies make sounds during physical activity. Open communication can help reduce any awkwardness you might feel.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Your body is doing exactly what it's designed to do. Varts are just another reminder that female bodies are complex, normal, and nothing to be ashamed of.
If they're bothering you, gentle pelvic floor exercises might help with overall muscle coordination. But honestly? Most of the time, the best approach is simply accepting them as part of being human.
You've handled much bigger challenges than this. A little trapped air isn't going to define your experience or limit your joy.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Pelvic Floor Disorders." ACOG Practice Bulletin, 2019.
- Mayo Clinic. "Vaginal gas: What causes it and when to see a doctor." Mayo Clinic Health Information, 2023.
- International Urogynecological Association. "Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women." Clinical Guidelines, 2022.
- Harvard Health Publishing. "Pelvic floor dysfunction." Harvard Medical School, 2023.