You know those embarrassing toot-like sounds that escape from you-know-where during yoga, sex, or even those quiet moments when you’re just stretching in bed?
Yep, today we’re talking about the one and only vaginal fart — as known as the vart.
It happens to almost all of us, and if you haven’t noticed it yet then you would at some point.
So today we’ll talk about what a vart is, what causes it, and how to not be embarrassed if you accidentally vart during intimacy.
What is a Vart?
A vart, or vaginal fart, is medically known as a ‘queef.’ And it is the expulsion of trapped air from the vagina.
Most ladies are mortified the first time they vart. But it’s important to know that you’re not morphing into a whoopee cushion.
Vaginal farts are totally natural and happen to almost every woman.
How Does a Vart Feel?
Well, it feels just like it sounds. There’s no sugarcoating it.
But unlike a traditional fart, a vart is generally odorless. Remember, it’s just trapped air escaping from in there.
But we also have to admit this. No matter how many times we remind ourselves that varts are natural, they always prefer to pop up (or should I say, pop out?) at the most awkward of times.
Whether it’s during a hot steamy intimacy session… or during that super intense Pilates class… varts surely know how to show up at the wrong time.
But there’s no need to be embarrassed. Nothing is wrong with you, and varting is completely normal, as you’ll see.
The Anatomy of a Vart — The Causes
The vagina is amazing, as you know. And one of its fascinating parts is the vaginal wall.
This wall is so flexible that it can accommodate everything from a tiny tampon to a full-sized baby. And that also means that it can easily trap some air in there.
A vart is simply a result of this flexibility. When the walls of the vagina relax, any air that sneaks in there gets trapped.
And that air gets expelled later, often noisily, causing a vart.
The leading cause of vaginal farts is the introduction of air into the vagina during physical activities. This is also known as insufflation.
The most common activities that allow air to get trapped inside the vagina includes:
- Intense sexual intimacy
- Inserting tampons/menstrual cups,
- During a medical exam, and
- During yoga or other physical exercises that stretch and release the pelvic floor muscles.
And since our vaginas only have one opening, the air will have to find its way out the same way it got in.
How the Vart Happens
When the air gets trapped in there, it can’t force its way out. The vagina has to let it out.
And that happens when your pelvic floor muscles contract and relax.
So remember: the air finds its way in when these muscles are stretched or relaxed. And when the muscles contract, the air is pushed back out.
Is Varting Healthy?
Absolutely! While it can make us blush or cringe (during sex), varting is completely healthy and normal.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a renowned gynecologist, confirming that varts are completely normal:
“Varts are a completely normal part of female physiology. They're usually harmless and not a cause for concern. But if you're worried, never hesitate to seek medical advice.” — Dr. Sarah Mitchell
However, if you notice an excessive amount of vaginal farting accompanied by other symptoms like discomfort, pain, or abnormal discharge, it might be a good idea to consult your doctor.
It could indicate a pelvic floor dysfunction or other medical conditions.
How to Manage Varts during Intimacy
Here’s what to do if you’re worried about the possibility of varting during your intimate moments.
Here are a few strategies you can use:
- Take it Slowww: Rapid or vigorous sex is more likely to push air into the vagina. Slowing things down during can help reduce the chance of a vart happening. And as a bonus, women generally reach orgasm more often when they take their time to build things up.
- Try Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles through exercises like Kegels can help you gain better control over your vaginal muscles. This will reduce the likelihood of air getting trapped in there.
- Try Different Positions: Some sexual positions are more likely to lead to varts than others, due to the angle of penetration. To reduce your chances, try sexual positions like missionary. Experiment with different positions to see what works best for you and your partner.
- Develop an intimate connection with your partner: Having an open and frank conversation with your partner can go a long way. Let them know what varting is. This bit of honesty will make your partner pleasantly surprised, and save you any feelings of anxiety or embarrassment. You can even laugh about it when it happens. Chances are, they might have their own body quirks to share with you, too.
- Don’t Stress: Try not to let the fear of varts dictate how much you enjoy your intimate moments. Remember, sex is supposed to be fun and pleasurable. And it’s easier to orgasm when you’re relaxed and in the mood.
Varts and Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases the pressure on the pelvic region. And this increased pressure will often make you experience varts more often.
So, if you’re pregnant and experiencing more varts than usual, don't stress — it’s perfectly normal.
Varts and Age
Our bodies change as we grow older.
Menopause, childbirth, or other health conditions affect our pelvic floor muscles. And this can also lead to an increase in varts.
But remember, this is nothing to be ashamed of. If you feel you’re varting way more than normal, you should see your primary healthcare physician.
Medical Conditions and Varts
While varts are usually harmless, there are some health conditions that could increase their frequency.
And a well known example is pelvic organ prolapse.
If you notice that your varts are becoming excessive, it’s time to bring in the experts. This is usually important when the vart is unusually smelly, or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Wrapping Up
Varts are a part of life. They’re natural, normal, and nothing to be embarrassed about. It can even be fun.
Next time it happens, whether you’re in the bedroom or the yoga studio, remember: every woman in that room has probably experienced the same thing. So let’s normalize varts!
Further Reading and Resources
For more information on varts and vaginal health, check out these resources:
Embrace your body in all its glory, my dear. After all, we’re all wonderfully unique, and our bodies are beautifully imperfect. Here’s to laughing off the varts and loving our bodies as they are!
References
- "Vaginal wind, queefing and fanny farts" - NHS
- "The physiology of sexual arousal in the human female: a recreational and procreational synthesis" - Archives of Sexual Behavior
- "Female sexual response" - Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology
- "Vaginal ’farts’: An embarrassing event to discuss with health professionals?" - Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada