Flatulence in women

A: The following is the medical report submitted to the Committee concerning this issue:1. Emission of air from the vagina is a simple and common disease that women suffer from. It occurs as a result of the widening of the vagina due to numerous childbirths. When a woman sits, lies on her back, or has sexual intercourse, air comes into her vagina. When the bowels are squeezed, for example when coughing, lifting heavy objects, or standing up, air is emitted producing a sound similar to the wind coming from the anus.However, what is expelled from the vagina is common air which has nothing to do with gas, waste, or the bowels. Surgery to narrow the vagina can be performed to get rid of this problem. (Part No. 4; Page No. 109) 2. The woman concerned should be examined by a specialist to make sure that she does not suffer from vaginal fistula (an abnormal opening between the vagina and the bladder or rectum). This disease causes the gases to leak from the large intestines and are emitted from the vagina. Surgery is required to close this opening, because the gases that escape from the rectum into the vagina through this opening are considered wind, which nullifies Wudu'.She should be examined by a gynecologist‏ to make sure whether she has vaginal fistula or not. If she has this disease, she can have surgery to eliminate this problem. And Allah knows best.According to the above mentioned report, the Committee replied that the gas expelled from the vagina occurs in two cases: The first case: It happens as a result of the frequent childbirths which lead to the widening of the vagina. The air gets into the vagina for certain reasons, such as sitting down, lying on the back, and so on and is emitted through it with position changes producing a sound that has nothing to do with excrement or feces. In this case, the air emitted does not nullify Wudu'. (Part No. 4; Page No. 110)  The second case: It happens as a result of leakage of gases from the large intestines to the vagina because of the vaginal fistula. In this case, the gas emitted nullifies Wudu', because it is actually wind that is discharged from other than the normal outlet.Only the gynecologist‏s and specialists can determine which case applies to the woman concerned.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.