Vaginal Gas: Causes and Treatment

What is vaginal gas?

Vaginal gas occurs when air and gases get trapped inside the vagina. When these trapped gases exit the vagina, they produce an embarrassing sound similar to the sound of farting. Although it is annoying and uncomfortable, vaginal gas is normal. In most cases, it is not considered a source of concern or an indication of a severe health problem. However, if the condition is repetitive and accompanied by other symptoms, seeing a gynecologist for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment is best if necessary.

Causes 

1| Pelvic floor problems

Pelvic floor inflammation, loosening of the pelvic muscles resulting from multiple births, and repeated episiotomies are among the leading causes of vaginal gas, especially after childbirth. Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles can be solved by practicing Kegel exercises. Suppose the cause is an infection in the pelvic area or any other vaginal infection; in that case, these infections must be treated using the prescribed medications.

2| Sexual activity

It is one of the most common causes of vaginal gases. Gases coming out of the vagina during intercourse occur due to the in and out movement of the penis and the vagina during intercourse, as this sometimes leads to air entering and being trapped in the vagina. When the vaginal muscles contract during orgasm or after the penis is out, gases come out of the vagina, causing a somewhat unpleasant sound and feeling.

3| Fistulas

A vaginal fistula is a tract between the vagina and other organs in the pelvic area. It is one of the main causes of vaginal gas. The types of vaginal fistulas vary depending on their location, the size of the tear in the vagina, and to which organ it reaches. It is essential to treat fistulas to avoid any serious complications. Many types of fistulas affect women, the most prominent of which are:

• Vesicovaginal fistula, which is between the vagina and the bladder.
• A urethovaginal fistula is formed when there is an incision connecting the vagina to the urethra, which is the tube that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder.
• Rectovaginal fistula, which is an incision that connects the vagina to the rectum, is the most common type in women after childbirth, especially in countries where there is insufficient care for women's health. It may also occur due to complications affecting the digestive system or some types of cancer.
• Enterovaginal fistula is a fistula between the small intestine and the vagina.

4| Menstrual products

Some menstrual products, such as tampons and menstrual cups, cause vaginal gas.

5| Gynecological exam

Internal gynecological examination and insertion of medical instruments into the vagina may cause air to enter and become trapped in the vagina, causing vaginal gas.

Prevention

In many cases, there is no single effective way to prevent vaginal gas. There is no need to make a lot of effort to avoid this natural condition, the symptoms of which do not go beyond a sound and the exit of air from the vagina.

Squats, other pelvic floor exercises, and Kegel exercises may help prevent and treat vaginal gas.

Avoiding the use of menstrual products such as tampons or menstrual cups may help reduce the occurrence of vaginal gas, as sanitary pads can be used instead.

When should you see a doctor?

In some rare cases, vaginal gas indicates a more severe health problem, which may require medical intervention. Cases associated with vaginal gas require a visit and intervention by a doctor:

• Vaginal fistula of all types.
• Complications during childbirth.
• Pelvic area exposure to radiation therapy due to cancer.
• Gynecological surgery, or any surgery in the pelvic and abdominal area.
• Vaginal pain.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Increase in vaginal discharge.
• Swelling and inflammation of the vagina.
• Unpleasant odor in the vagina.
• Vaginal bleeding.

Conclusion

Women's health is a very complex matter that requires a lot of follow-up and attention. Make sure to visit your gynecologist for regular checkups, do not neglect any symptom, no matter how embarrassing, and talk to your doctor to get the advice you need.