Vaginal Issues and Causes

The vagina is an important reproductive organ for women, and any abnormalities can have significant impacts. The following discussion mainly focuses on the phenomenon of vaginal air expulsion, often described as resembling the sound of farting. This is primarily attributed to the protrusion of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, which can be caused by multiple childbirths, physical weakness, vaginal infections, and other factors.

Why Does It Feel Like Air Is Being Expelled from the Vagina?

When experiencing the sensation of air being expelled from the vagina, especially after childbirth, it is often due to the protrusion of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls. If this occurs infrequently, pelvic floor muscle exercises such as Kegel exercises can be helpful to strengthen the muscles and improve vaginal tone. Oral supplementation with Zhongqi Buzhong Pill may also be considered for supportive care. However, if the vaginal air expulsion is particularly pronounced and accompanied by symptoms such as stress incontinence, pelvic floor rehabilitation therapy may be necessary.

Causes of Vaginal Air Expulsion

Cause 1: Postpartum Physical Weakness

Vaginal air expulsion is most common among postpartum women, especially those who have had multiple childbirths or are physically weak. In traditional Chinese medicine, this is attributed to "severe deficiency of qi and blood, and downward collapse of the middle qi." In women who have not yet given birth, the pelvic floor muscles and fascia outside the vagina maintain a certain degree of tension, supporting the vaginal walls and keeping them closely apposed. This creates a closed cavity and prevents air from entering the vagina. However, during childbirth, the vagina expands significantly to accommodate the passage of the fetus, leading to relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles and fascia. This can result in the formation of an air cavity due to the inability of the vaginal walls to remain closely apposed. Additionally, tears or lacerations in the perineum can cause the vaginal opening to remain open, allowing air to enter the vagina. While some degree of recovery is expected during the postpartum period, some women may not fully recover, especially if the childbirth process was prolonged, the fetus was large, or the pelvis was narrow, making delivery difficult. Surgical interventions such as forceps delivery or vacuum extraction can also contribute to severe damage and slow recovery of the pelvic floor tissues.

Cause 2: Vaginal Infections

Some women with vaginal infections may also experience vaginal air expulsion. However, in these cases, the expelled air is usually weaker, and the primary symptoms are typically increased vaginal discharge, itching, or discomfort. This is due to the production of gas by microorganisms proliferating within the vagina. When the body position changes or abdominal pressure increases, these gases are expelled from the vagina. The most common microorganisms responsible for this condition are anaerobic bacteria and vaginal trichomoniasis. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist for proper diagnosis and treatment under medical guidance.