Queefing Explained: Why It Happens & How To Stop It

Queefing. It's a funny word, sometimes even funny in the moment, but it can also feel awkward. Plenty of people aren't sure how to react to a queef, or even fully understand what triggers it. Rest easy knowing queefing is entirely normal and nothing to stress over. That said, if it's genuinely bothering you, a few things can help.

What Is a Queef, Anyway?

Put simply, a queef happens when trapped air inside the vagina finds its way back out [1, 2]. Arousal causes the vagina to expand through a process called vaginal tenting [3], which lifts the uterus [4] and shifts its position [5]. That creates extra room, not just for a penis or toy, but for air to sneak in too.

Thrusting repeatedly pushes air inward during sex, which explains why queefing shows up then (and occasionally at other times too). The vagina isn't infinite in depth — for most bodies, it ends at the cervix, the opening to the uterus.

Psst, curious to learn more? Check out this guide to vaginal anatomy.

That trapped air needs somewhere to go — pure physics at work! It's also why queefing sometimes happens while submerged, in a pool or bathtub, say. Speaking of which, sex in water can be genuinely fun!

The air's exit can trigger some interesting sensations, along with a distinctly fart-like sound — which is really the whole reason some people nickname it a "vaginal fart." Catching that sound unexpectedly for the first time can genuinely startle you.

Queefing causes zero physical harm, though it can definitely surprise, embarrass, or amuse.

Chances are you've noticed it outside of sex too. Exercise is another common trigger — plenty of women report extra queefing while settling into certain yoga poses, for instance.

You might even notice more queefing during sex after certain workouts.

Maybe it's come up as a joke among yoga friends, or something you've discussed with a sister or best friend. Talk about it, and you'll quickly realize you're far from alone — and that plenty of people want it to stop, both during and after sex.

How to Prevent Queefing

Most tactics for reducing queefing during sex come down to managing thrust angle or force. Try these next time:

• Slow the thrusting pace down.
• Reduce penetration depth — wrapping fingers around the base of his shaft can help limit how deep he goes.
• Switch positions if one seems to trigger it more — try something rocking or on-top rather than heavy thrusting.
• Experiment with more (or less) lube to see if that shifts things.
• Prop your hips (or his) with a pillow to adjust the entry angle.

Pay attention to which positions seem to trigger queefing most. Need alternatives? Browse this master list of sex positions for other options. That said, switching positions too frequently can actually increase queefing, so limiting how many you cycle through per session might help cut down on it.

Position isn't the only variable at play here, either. Some women report more queefing during certain phases of their menstrual cycle. No formal research confirms this yet, though plenty of anecdotal reports back it up — and we do know uterine muscles contract during menstruation [6], which could explain any monthly pattern. Checking your calendar might offer some genuine insight here.

Some also believe Kegels can reduce vaginal air release. Named for the doctor who developed them to address urinary incontinence [7], Kegels supposedly carry plenty of sexual perks too — stronger orgasms and an ability to control squirting among them. For queefing specifically, stronger muscles might make it harder for air to escape so freely.

Learn more about the benefits of Kegel exercises and how to perform them.

Still, eliminating queefing entirely isn't always realistic, and that's genuinely fine! Here's the thing — anyone close enough to share intimacy with deserves a partner ready to laugh off a little embarrassment. Sex involves real bodies, imperfections included, along with every bodily function that comes with them. Queefing is simply one of those, specifically triggered or worsened by sex itself.

And with someone you're not deeply familiar with yet, either you won't see them again, or you'll grow closer — either way, a little queefing shouldn't scare anyone off. Still, minimizing how noticeable it is during sex is possible. A white noise machine, or even a simple fan, keeps the room from being dead silent. Loud moaner? Say his name — something he'll remember far more vividly than any queef.

Background music or porn can help mask the sound too, though it's genuinely unnecessary for something this normal. Plenty of people just ignore a queef entirely when it happens, others laugh it off — and really, isn't laughter the best response anyway? Want to actually discuss it with your partner? This guide to sexual communication can help. Remember, every person with a vagina has queefed at some point, meaning most partners have almost certainly encountered it before too.

Sex carries its share of awkward moments, and that's honestly part of the experience, especially when humor and laughter come along for the ride. Getting past awkward hurdles — queefing, farting, fumbling a position, slippery lube-covered hands, a bumped head against the headboard — is just part of being sexually active. Nobody wants to stop having fun over something as small as a fart, right?

This post can also help you get over sexual anxiety tied to queefing or similar concerns.

Plenty of women also find it stops feeling like a big deal after the first time it happens. A queef lasts mere seconds — nothing compared to the time spent having sex, or the countless memories built with a partner in the bedroom.

When to See a Doctor

While queefing during sex is entirely normal, something more serious could be at play if it comes with a particularly strong odor. That occasionally signals a tear called a rectovaginal fistula, forming between the anus and vagina and allowing fecal matter into the vaginal canal [8]. That kind of leakage brings an unpleasant smell distinct from ordinary queefing. A rectovaginal fistula can also lead to urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis. Reach out to a doctor promptly if these symptoms show up.

Pelvic floor issues like prolapse may contribute to queefing too [9].

That said, this simply isn't the reality for most women experiencing everyday queefing. Staying attentive to bodily changes is always smart, but queefing doesn't carry the same concern level as, say, a sexually transmitted infection. Taking real control of your sex life means using condoms, getting tested with each new partner, and staying informed about a partner's status. Pay attention to and respect genuine changes, like burning after sex, rather than fixating on whether or not you queef.

Queefing is just one of many natural things your body does. Those abilities span everything from G-spot and nipple orgasms to pregnancy and childbirth, healing from injury, running a marathon, and so much more. So the real takeaway is learning to appreciate your body, occasional queef included.

December 29, 2020