Vaginal Flatus and the Associated Risk Factors in Iranian Women: A Main Research Article

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of vaginal flatus and some related risk factors in Iranian women. Methods. After conducting a pilot study, a sample size of 1000 subjects of 18 to 80 years was determined; of those 58 were unable to cooperate for various reasons. Age, parity, marital status, birth history, body mass index, and the weight of the largest newborn were collected. After a full gynecologic examination looking for pelvic organ prolapse, patients were asked about vaginal flatus and the frequency and time of occurrence. The results were studied using the chi-square test and independent t-test considering an alpha error of less than 0.05. Results. The prevalence of vaginal flatus was mainly 20% in this study, but embarrassment was observed in 5.7% of these women. 4% in the group were with no history of sexual contact (virgin). Vaginal flatus mostly started after vaginal delivery (45%) or spontaneously (34%); however, it was also reported after cesarean section and other pelvic operations. The most common activity leading to vaginal flatus was intercourse (54%); however, the time which had resulted in more inconvenience for the patients was during physical activities (92%). BMI and age were significantly lower in the patients (P < 0.0001). The grade of prolapse was lower in the patients (P < 0.0001). Conclusion. Low age, low body mass index, and vaginal delivery can affect the incidence of a noisy vagina.

Prevalence and Resolution of Auditory Passage of Vaginal Air in Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders

“…The rate of vaginal wind in our study was much higher than previously reported rates, which vary between 12.8% and 20%. 3,4 One possible explanation for this discrepancy is that we assessed the prevalence of vaginal wind in a population of women with pelvic floor dysfunction, whereas other authors assessed the prevalence of vaginal wind in general gynecologic populations. 3,4 Our results suggest that vaginal wind may be related to pelvic floor dysfunction, but not necessarily to POP.…”

“…These results are consistent with those previously reported by other authors who also found that vaginal wind was associated with distress and embarrassment. 2,4 One main reason why vaginal wind may be bothersome is due to the auditory nature of this condition and the potential for confusion with anal flatulence.…”

“…1,4 In a case series of six premenopausal women, vaginal wind resolved in all after posterior colporrhaphy. 1 Eighty-seven percent of women in our study who underwent surgery had posterior colporrhaphies.…”

“…Case series and cross-sectional studies have provided some insight into this symptom. [1][2][3][4] Nevertheless, the etiology of vaginal wind remains unknown. One potential mechanism involves air ingress at the introitus with resultant air trapping in the vagina.…”

Association between functional constipation and vaginal wind in women at 6 weeks postpartum

“…It is not uncommon for women to experience vaginal wind, which is an underrated symptom [ 3 , 4 ]. Although the vagina air is very similar to anal exhaust, and the gas is usually harmless and odorless, the sound of the vaginal exhaust can be embarrassing and distressing for women with the condition and can even lead to social isolation [ 5 , 6 ]. Slieker-ten Hove et al reported that in the general population of women aged 14–85 years, the incidence of vaginal wind was 12.8% [ 3 ].…”