Vaginal gas, or vaginal flatus, can be caused by simple situations, such as sexual intercourse or physical exercise, or by more important conditions such as weakening of the pelvic floor and vaginal fistulas.
Depending on the cause of this condition, vaginal gas can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as discharge and foul-smelling pee, pain in the stomach or during sexual intercourse, urinary and fecal incontinence.
Therefore, if vaginal gas is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to carry out a complete assessment and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include the use of medication, kegel exercises, laser therapy or, in some cases, surgery.
Main causes
The main causes of vaginal gas are:
1. Vaginal sagging
Vaginal gases can be present in vaginal flaccidity, which is a condition where the vaginal muscles lose muscle tone and strength, in addition to losing collagen and elastin fibers in the vaginal mucosa.
Vaginal flaccidity can be caused by multiple pregnancies, births with very large babies or very long births or aging, for example, and can be accompanied by loss of sensitivity during sexual intercourse, decreased libido, loss of self-esteem and difficulty reaching orgasm .
2. Sexual intercourse
Sexual intercourse is one of the possible causes of vaginal gas, because the entry and exit of the penis or sex toy, for example, can push air in, which when removed, releases air from the vagina.
During sexual intercourse, vaginal gas usually occurs in certain positions, such as when the woman is on all fours, or when the knees are bent over the abdomen, for example. In these positions, the muscles of the vagina relax a little, reducing contact with the penis and thus allowing air to enter or exit.
3. Vaginal fistula
A vaginal fistula is an opening between the vaginal canal and organs such as the bladder or intestine, which can cause the formation of vaginal gas and other symptoms such as foul-smelling discharge and pee, abdominal pain, pain during sexual intercourse, urinary and fecal incontinence.
Vaginal fistula is usually caused by trauma, such as prolonged labor, vaginal tears during childbirth or episiotomy, cesarean sections, hysterectomies, cancer in the pelvic region, inflammatory bowel diseases, diverticulitis, or radiation therapy in the pelvic region.
4. Physical exercises
Some physical exercises, such as yoga, sit-ups or running, can cause vaginal gas, because the vagina is slightly open during these activities, allowing air to enter.
5. Weakening of the pelvic floor
The weakening of the pelvic floor can be caused by situations, such as menopause, aging, cesarean sections, chronic cough, for example, which favor the entry of air, causing vaginal gas.
Other symptoms and signs that may also arise with weakening of the pelvic floor are urinary and fecal incontinence,
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of vaginal gas varies depending on the cause of this condition, and may include:
- Medicines, as oral antibiotics, to combat infections in cases of vaginal fistulas;
- urinary catheter, which is a device indicated for treating small fistulas between the vagina and the bladder;
- Surgery, to close the fistula, being recommended for the treatment of vaginal gas caused by fistula;
- kegel exercises, which help to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic region, being indicated to treat the weakening of this muscle;
- Vaginoplastia, an intimate surgery that helps to recover muscle tone, improving vaginal sagging;
- Laser or radio frequency, which are treatments recommended for sagging vagina, as they heat the tissues, stimulating the formation of collagen.
Vaginal gas caused by sexual activity or physical exercise does not require treatment.
How to avoid vaginal gas
Some tips that can help prevent vaginal gas are avoiding some sexual positions, such as on all fours or with your knees bent over your abdomen, and doing pompoarism and kegel, exercises that help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Read too: How to do Kegel exercises correctly
Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with exclusive news
that can transform your routine!
