Abstract
Objective
In the medical literature, there is little known about vaginal wind, though from clinical
expertise, it turns out to be a consistent and underreported problem. The aim of this
review was to collect the available literature about the different aspects of vaginal
wind.
Study design
A systematic literature search was conducted using three databases until December
2015. The search strategy was built using relevant synonyms of vaginal wind. Study
characteristics were extracted. Risk of bias, the quality of the relevant studies
and the level of evidence was judged.
Results
Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Vaginal wind occurs on random movements
and during or after coitus. The prevalence ranges from one to 69%. The pathophysiology
is unclear and the incidence unknown. Known risk factors are vaginal delivery and
urinary incontinence. Provoking factors are coitus, digital stimulation, cunnilingus
and exercising. Female sexual function is decreased. The sexual function of male partners
with vaginal wind is not influenced. Overall vaginal wind leads to a decrease in the
quality of live and can have cause social isolation. The treatment is related to the
cause and mainly not successful. Tampons can be used for treatment as well as prevention.
Conclusion
Vaginal wind is an underestimated health issue with a severe impact on sexual functioning.
Adequate research is needed regarding the influence of sexual activity, weight, age,
parity, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, prevention and treatment.
Keywords
To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
Purchase one-time access:
Academic & Personal: 24 hour online accessCorporate R&D Professionals: 24 hour online accessOne-time access price info
- For academic or personal research use, select 'Academic and Personal'
- For corporate R&D use, select 'Corporate R&D Professionals'
Subscribe:
Subscribe to European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive BiologyAlready a print subscriber? Claim online access
Already an online subscriber? Sign in
Register: Create an account
Institutional Access: Sign in to ScienceDirect
References
- Pelvic floor dysfunction, and effects of pregnancy and mode of delivery on pelvic floor.Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2014; 53: 452-458
- Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement.J Clin Epidemiol. 2009; 62: 1006-1012
- Air in vagina: indicator of intrapelvic pathology on CT.Acta Radiol. 1991; 32: 170-173
- Prevalence and resolution of auditory passage of vaginal air in women with pelvic floor disorders.Obstet Gynecol. 2015; 126: 136-143
- Vaginal flatus and the associated risk factors in Iranian women: a main research article.ISRN Obstet Gynecol. 2012; 2012: 802648
- Vaginal noise: prevalence, bother and risk factors in a general female population aged 45–85 years.Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2009; 20: 905-911
- Male sexual function and pelvic floor surgery of their female partner: a one-year follow-up study.Post Reprod Health. 2014; 20: 55-61
- Flatus vaginalis a distressing symptom.Int J Colorectal Dis. 2011; 26: 1493
- Garrulitas vulvae: a report of six cases.J Reprod Med. 1995; 40: 235-236
- Vaginal wind – a treatment option.Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2007; 18: 703
- Vaginal wind – the cube pessary as a solution?.Int Urogynecol J. 2008; 19: 1457
- Vaginal wind – a new pelvic symptom.Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2003; 14: 399-402
- Garrulitas vulvae: a case refractory to repeated attempts at surgical correction, solved by a novel treatment.Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2012; 165: 129-130
- Autologous stem cell transplantation for treatment of rectovaginal fistula in perianal Crohn's disease: a new cell-based therapy.Int J Colorectal Dis. 2003; 18: 451-454
- Significance of vaginal air on computed tomography.J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1986; 10: 997-999
- Sigmoidovaginal fistula secondary to diverticular disease: a report of three cases.J Reprod Med. 1988; 33: 313-316
- Knowledge of the pelvic floor in nulliparous women.J Phys Ther Sci. 2016; 28: 1524-1533
Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 19, 2017
Accepted:
April 15,
2017
Received in revised form:
April 5,
2017
Received:
September 20,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
