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Health

Why did the labia become swollen and what should I do?

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Some women, faced with pathological lesions of intimate zones, are horrified and constrained from having to seek help from a qualified doctor. Such an occasion to come to a gynecologist may be a situation where the labia has become swollen, and if it is accompanied by redness, unpleasant discharge from the vagina, itching and pain symptoms, it becomes scary to hear the diagnosis.

Why swell the labia?

Knowledge is not superfluous. And, before going to see a doctor, it is not superfluous to get acquainted with the reasons that are able to answer the question, why the labia is swollen? The causes of swelling of this intimate zone can be quite extensive and before you start to stop the problem, you need to correctly determine the source, since only eliminating it, you can get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

  1. One of the most common diseases that provoke a tumor of the labia is bartolinite. This inflammatory process, caused by a woman's infection, which flows into the Bartholin gland and is burdened with purulent foci. The gland is located directly at the "entrance" into the vagina. Provoke a similar manifestation is capable of a cyst, which was previously formed in the gland and began to fester.

Symptoms of this disease can be marked hyperemia of the epidermis, located in the immediate vicinity of the output duct of the gland, as a result of the inflammation. There is swelling of the labia, their area becomes painful, especially discomfort worsened by walking and sexual intercourse. Bartholinitis is aggravated by purulent abscesses and cysts.

If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, then the result of therapy is quite favorable, perhaps even self-healing. Otherwise, bartholinitis comes to an abscess. Flowing inflammatory and purulent process, often cause an increase in body temperature.

The task of Bartholin gland is the production of "lubricant" (special mucus). If there is a malfunction in her work and the production of mucus is reduced, this causes the dryness of the reproductive organs, which brings discomfort in coition and trauma to the genital organs.

  1. The second cause, provoking the swelling of the labia, is vulvovaginitis (an inflammatory process in the tissues of the labia). The cause of its appearance may be: irritation of the labia by mechanical contact or through vaginal discharge, which have undergone a composite correction due to the lack or lack of hygiene of this intimate area. With this pathology, a woman can observe the swelling of the genitals, feel itching and other manifestations that lead to discomfort.
  2. Quite common and candidiasis (or it is known as a thrush), which gives a similar symptomatology. A distinctive feature of this disease are: curdled discharge from the vagina, unpleasant sour smell, itching, pain symptoms inside the vagina immediately during sexual intercourse.
  3. Pain in the intimate area, and directly in the labia, their puffiness, the cause of which is difficult to establish, can be a consequence of progressive vulvodynia, which is provoked by prolonged use of antibiotics or in the case of chronic candidiasis.
  4. If the labia has swelled, but there is also painful urination and unpleasant fetid discharge of a greenish-yellow hue, the skin is itchy, this symptomatology may indicate the presence of one of such diseases as vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva) or vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina). This pathology could be caused by the lack of hygiene of reproductive organs, abortions, trauma, frequent changes in the sexual partner, and many others.
  5. The cause of swelling may be an allergic reaction of the sensitive skin of intimate areas to the friction of underwear or the material of the product.

Do not prescribe yourself a diagnosis yourself, the correct one can be diagnosed only by a qualified specialist. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a complex of gynecological examinations and examinations, bacterioscopy. Only after this, for a specific reason, a protocol of therapy is described, which includes antibacterial and immunomodulating medications, special medical procedures and other necessary measures.

When small labia is swollen?

Everything in the human body is harmonious, not the least role in the life of a woman is played and small labia, which begin to grow and develop during the puberty of the girl on a par with her breasts. In Western countries, the opinion is held that it is not correct to divide this organ into small and large labia, as in thirty percent of women the so-called small lips are larger in size than large lips. Therefore, there you can find the phrase inner labia - internal, outer labia - the outer labia.

If you are worried that the small labia is swollen, you should not panic at once. Primarily it is worth understanding the cause of this puffiness. Nature originally laid that small lips swell in the process of sexual fantasies, direct mechanical stimulation of female reproductive organs or in the case of direct sexual contact - and this is the absolute norm. This swelling is not dangerous and subsequently, when sexual arousal subsides, the size of the labia minora comes to its original state and dimensional parameters.

If the small labia is swollen during excitement, it is not only safe, but also brings some benefit, preparing the hostess for further intimate life. This natural physiological process usually stops at the expiration of an hour or two after peak excitation, sometimes this regression lasts for four to twelve hours.

The increased swelling of the inner labia can be observed already in an adult woman during the process of coition itself and the reason for this can be rubbing them with the childbearing organ of the partner. As a rule, in this case, it is sufficient to use a special anti-allergenic lubricant. Some girls are worried about the danger of masturbation. It is necessary to calm them right away. If during the process of excitation a woman does not exert a rough, damaging epidermis on her organs, then there is nothing to worry about. Due to self-satisfaction, if the above is performed, there is no coarsening or reddening of the skin, there is no change in their original size. All the gossip and speculation are connected with a simple ignorance of physiology.

And now it is worth investigating in which case it is necessary to sound an alarm and seek medical advice from a doctor.

  • If there is a change in the consistency, odor or color of the vaginal discharge.
  • If a woman begins to feel discomfort in the genital area, itching (in this situation, first of all, it is necessary to make sure that the delicate skin is not damaged by cracks or scratches, which are easy to obtain when removing the hair cover in the intimate area).
  • In the event that palpation is palpated not previously observed seals.
  • Appearance of various neoplasms on the skin.

It is not necessary in this situation to engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication, such self-confidence can be quite dangerous and lead to undesirable consequences. It is more reasonable to undergo an examination with an obstetrician-gynecologist and get his advice, which should not be postponed.

Causes of swelling of the labia majora

If a woman feels that the big lip is swollen and this brings some discomfort, do not let things go by themselves, then you can independently determine the cause of swelling.

  • These can be natural, physiologically sound processes that will not do any harm.
  • The reason that the big lip has swelled up, there can be also an infection which is passed sexual by.
  • This may be due to the lack of hygiene of the genitals.
  • To provoke an increase in the size of the external parts of the intimate zone can infectious and parasitic lesions.
  • Puffiness can provoke a narrow uncomfortable clothing, rubbing underwear.

Therefore, if the pathology does not pass, without the help of a specialist here is indispensable. And postpone "for later" campaign to the doctor is not worth it.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3]

Causes of itching and swelling of the labia

The skin in the labia is very sensitive, so if a woman begins to feel itching in the intimate area and her labia has swollen, then it's definitely necessary to take a closer look at the problem. These two combinations may be symptoms of quite unpleasant diseases, but the correct cause of the pathology can only be determined by the doctor. Therefore, if irritation persists, and does not arise, for example, after shaving the intimate zone and is able to disappear on its own, it is necessary to contact the gynecologist. The doctor will conduct a visual inspection and appoint a number of diagnostic studies, only after that you can talk about an adequate diagnosis and the appointment of effective therapy.

A medical problem, when the itching and swelling of the labia are felt, and which must be addressed medically, can be the following pathology: •

Vulvovaginitis - inflammation, flowing in the external genitalia. It can develop due to the irritation obtained when rubbing underwear (the size or model does not fit) or due to the allergic reaction of the girl's skin to the material of the laundry itself or its rim (lace, rolls, elastic bands). Vulvovaginitis can also develop due to active, rough, damaging skin, masturbation. Mostly, it occurs in adolescents. And as pathology can appear due to infection, wearing dirty panties, non-fulfillment of elementary rules of intimate hygiene.

In addition to the already indicated symptoms, this disease is noted and such manifestations:

  • pain symptoms in the process of urination and during movement.
  • hyperemia of the skin.
  • may be added unnatural secretions, mostly of a greenish-yellow hue and an unpleasant odor.
  • The appearance of pain symptoms in the sensations of the vaginal entrance may indicate vulvodynia. This pathology is difficult to diagnose, since it can cover more than one organ with lesions. Vulvodina is an inflammatory process, exciting nerve endings that are in the vulva. In addition to problem diagnosis, this pathology is different and a long period of therapeutic therapy, which is based on antibiotics. The symptomatology of this disease is akin to many diseases of the sexual zone, including sexually transmitted infections. And the correct statement of the diagnosis is not only a physiological problem, but also a psychological one. After all, no one wants to hear that he, for example, is infected with syphilis.
  • Itching and swollen labia can give and thrush (or candidiasis), the causative agent, which become Candida, parasites of fungal origin. In any healthy organism, they are present in a limited number, but if, in the case of certain established circumstances, their quantitative growth occurs, affecting the microflora of the vagina, in this case the doctors speak of candidiasis.
  • Additional symptoms may be the appearance of pain during the sexual intercourse and at its conclusion. Their localization is the vagina itself and the entrance to it. There is also reddening and irritation of the skin, there are cottage cheese-like discharge with an unpleasant sour smell, which irritates the sensitive skin of the intimate area.
  • Gardnerellez - this is another possible cause of swelling and itching of the external genitalia. This disease can be called a dysbacteriosis of the vagina. The causative agent of this pathology is the parasitic microorganism gardnella vaginalis.

In addition to the already known symptoms, this pathology is different:

  • The appearance of soreness in the genitals and in the inguinal zone.
  • There is a painful urination.
  • Allocations become watery, acquire a foamy character, the shade becomes greyish-green. The liquid is characterized by an unpleasant smell of foul fish.

Summing up the aforesaid, it is necessary to emphasize that the result of treatment largely depends on how early the patient turned for help to a doctor and how correct the therapy was.

trusted-source[4], [5], [6]

Why swollen and itchy labia?

In light of the many fungi and infections that exist in the world and are ready to "settle" in the human body, any discomfort in the intimate zone should alert the woman. After all, there are pathologies that for the time being do not manifest themselves, and they can be detected only by passing a preventive examination at the gynecologist. Therefore, do not neglect such an opportunity, because some lesions are treated quite simply, while others require more attention, effort and time. Therefore, if a woman observes that the labia is swollen and itchy - immediately to a specialist. Only a licensed doctor can determine the diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

It is worth noting that this symptomatology gives the hostess a tangible discomfort. The desire to scratch the itchy place leads to the formation of ulcers, which bring not only pain, but also are "gates" through which a different infection freely enters. The desire to scratch an intimate place can also be met with psychological discomfort, especially when a person is in a public place or an obstacle is the climatic characteristics of the living area.

Why do sex after labium swell up?

Some still inexperienced girls are frightened by the situation when, after sex, her lips are swollen: she is panic-stricken and scared. In fact, nothing terrible has happened, because the labia of a woman is provided with a large number of venous and arterial vessels, nerve endings. Since in this place is located one of the erogenous zones of the female body, their increased sensitivity leads, with any kind of affection or a simple touch, to irritation of the nerve receptors and the influx of blood, which provokes the swelling of the lips of the genital area. The quantitative increase in their size depends on the individual characteristics of the organism of the fair sex.

But nevertheless, it is not worth to lose pathological defeat. If the change in the size of the labia is directly related only to the coitus, then you should not worry, but if the swelling does not go away and after 12 hours after intercourse, you should think about visiting a doctor, as the cause may be a disease.

Causes of swelling of the clitoris and labia

In most cases, there is nothing wrong with the situation when the clitoris and labia are swollen - this may be the result of a natural sexual arousal caused by sexual fantasies, partner caresses or masturbation. In the period of sexual pleasure, the flow of blood to the female genitalia, including to the clitoris, is accompanied by a swelling of blood. This is a natural process that allows a woman to prepare for coitus. Therefore, worry about swollen clitoris and labia is not worth it. Edema will fall off itself after some time after the end of sexual intercourse.

Another issue is if this symptomatology persists after 12 hours. If there is also a concomitant pathological symptomatology, then there is a direct way to visit the gynecologist, and this visit should not be postponed, since such manifestations can be caused by both a bacterial infection and an imbalance in the vaginal microflora caused by a mismatch in the ratio of various microorganisms.

trusted-source[7], [8], [9], [10]

Causes of swelling of the labia during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special period in the life of a woman, which is caused by a significant restructuring of the future mother's organism, it affects the woman's sexual zone as well. That the labia was swollen during pregnancy can be detected both by the woman herself and by the obstetrician-gynecologist who examines her. This is especially noticeable during the second and third trimester. In this period, the flow of blood to the uterus and to the labia increases, which makes them more edematous. This situation is absolutely normal and is conditioned by physiology. The blood flow is the transport of nutrients and microelements, so necessary for normal growth and development of the fetus. The mother's organism prepares for childbirth and blood flow - important facts in this training, designed to facilitate the process of obstetrics.

But you should not take control of the state of intimate places. If puffiness is associated with unnatural secretion and an unpleasant odor, it is necessary to inform the obstetrician - gynecologist, because such an infection can give such symptoms.

The size of the labia may be affected by other causes. During the period of gestation, the circulatory activity in the area of certain organs decreases, as they succumb to the pressure of the uterus and the growing fetus that pinch the blood arteries. The consequences of this effect can be dark ball-like seals (varicose veins). A third of pregnant women face such a pathology, but in the normal course of pregnancy after the completion of labor, varicose veins dissolve on their own. Sometimes such a ball can burst, causing bleeding.

Swelling of the labia during pregnancy is not an indication for caesarean section, however in some cases the obstetrician-gynecologist can go to such a step.

In order not to complicate the situation, it is necessary to wear comfortable clothes made of natural material. The future mother should normally rest, sleep only on the side, allowing the blood to circulate unhindered.

But the cause of puffiness can be an infectious disease. In this case, other unpleasant phenomena are added to the swelling. For example,

  • Rash in the form of vesicles.
  • Itching and scabies of the labia.
  • Unpleasant discharge.
  • Erosion - ulcerative lesion of the mucosa.
  • Elevated temperature indices of the body.

In case of appearance of at least one of the items of accompanying symptoms, it is necessary to inform the doctor leading the pregnancy. He will examine the pregnant woman and take a smear on the flora. Do not forget that some infections are quite dangerous, especially during the carrying of the baby. Such a defeat can lead to premature birth, miscarriage, the death of the nascent life in the womb, and also lead to genetic changes in the fetus and its subsequent disability.

Other infections may be less dangerous to the life and health of the fetus, but it is not worth while to condone their development.

trusted-source[11], [12]

The causes of swelling of the labia in thrush

There are microorganisms that live in us constantly, without showing their presence. And only the confluence of certain factors can become a catalyst for their reproduction. To such microorganisms belong Candida, which provoke the development of candidiasis. This pathology is less dangerous for the course of pregnancy, but still delivers many unpleasant minutes. Swollen labia with thrush is one of the symptoms of this pathology. Its accompanying symptoms are necessarily unusual white curdled abundant discharge. This irritating factor begins to cause itching in the genitals. They always want to scratch, which in turn leads to even more swelling, hyperemia and the appearance of small wounds that can become additional "gates" for another infection. During coition and after its termination, a woman can pursue pain in and out of the vagina.

If there is a similar symptomatology, it is necessary to consult a specialist and undergo the necessary examination. Modern therapy of thrush with antifungal agents is quite successful and takes only a few days.

Who to contact?

Treatment of swollen labia

When there is discomfort in the intimate area, you should not postpone the trip to a specialist in the hope that everything will pass by yourself. In this situation, a doctor - gynecologist or dermatologist - venereologist can help. Only he is able to conduct a comprehensive examination and make the correct diagnosis. And only after establishing the root cause, a specialist can write a protocol for the treatment of swollen labia, which is caused by the revealed pathology.

In most cases, it is the use of antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial drugs.

For example, an effective antifungal drug Flucostat is used to fight many fungal lesions. The drug is prescribed in an amount of 50 to 150 mg, taken once a day. Duration of admission can vary from two to four weeks. This parameter is controlled by the attending physician depending on the causative agent of the disease, the severity of the pathology and the overall health of the patient.

Contraindications to flucostat include increased susceptibility to triazole compounds, the period of gestation of the baby, breastfeeding and the infantile age of up to a year.

Fluconazole is an analogue of flucostat, used internally according to a scheme similar to the first drug. The only difference is that it is somewhat weaker than the first, so it is prescribed in a slightly higher dosage. Its quantitative component is determined only by the attending physician.

A doctor may prescribe antihistamines if an allergic reaction of any genesis is diagnosed.

Amizol (Amyzol) is administered orally orally. The daily dosage assumes the introduction of 0.75 - 1 g of the drug, broken into three doses. It is not recommended to take this medication if a patient has a hypersensitivity to the components of amazole, with myocardial infarction, pregnancy.

Loratadine-Verte (Loratadine-Verte) is administered orally 10 mg once a day. In the case of diagnosing renal or hepatic insufficiency, the dose of the drug is reduced by half or is used the same size, but every other day.

It is not recommended to appoint patients who are hypersensitive to the components of the drug, in case of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Often, the doctor prescribes an antiseptic: a topical ointment or tincture.

Betadin is applied in a small layer on a disturbing place two or three times throughout the day, so as not to spoil the underwear, you can use an occlusive dressing or a usual gasket.

Contraindications to the drug include: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and pathological disruptions in the thyroid gland. Caution should be used during pregnancy and lactation.

In the case of dysbacteriosis, the attending physician can prescribe medications to the patient, designed to maintain the balance of the necessary beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Such, for example, as the Canadian yoghurt, linex, bifidobacteria, which the doctor ascribes orally, one - two suppositories in three diurnal approaches. The drug is applied for half an hour before a meal. The duration of therapy is adjusted by the treating doctor and can last from one week to two, and in severe, prolonged pathologies and up to a month.

During pregnancy, the drug is administered one suppository one to two times throughout the day (the drug is used in this case only for mild pathology).

It is not recommended to use the drug only in case of hypersensitivity of the patient's body.

It will not be superfluous to use drugs that stimulate the immune system, such as, for example, apilac, imudon, imunorix, sodium nucleate, methyluracil.

The biological stimulant apilac is taken sublingually (under the tongue) for 10 mg of the drug three times throughout the day. Duration of treatment from 10 to 15 days.

Contraindications to the use of apilac include Addison's disease (decreased adrenal function), hereditary hypersensitivity to the components of the drug (idiosyncrasy), including bee products. Imunoriks is an excellent medicinal product that stimulates the growth of immunity. The intake of the drug is not tied to the time of consumption of food. A single dose of 0.8 g, which corresponds to two flacon, is applied twice a day. The course of treatment involves 15 days of use, in the case of maintenance therapy, the duration of the drug can be conditioned for two months.

It is not recommended the use of imunorix in the case of diagnosing a patient such pathologies as increased intolerance to pimotiod or parabens, other components of the drug, with predisposition to allergies, in case of hyperimmunoglobulinemia, E is monitored by the attending physician. Do not appoint it and during pregnancy, breastfeeding.

What if the labia was swollen?

The question arose, what if the labia was swollen? The answer is unambiguous - contact a medical institution for examination and for consultation with a specialist. The doctor will look, prescribe the necessary studies. There are many cases when the puffiness of the labia is associated with the natural physiological processes taking place in the woman's body. Such options do not require any external influence and are able to pass independently.

To exclude as much as possible the appearance of this symptomatology, it is necessary to adhere to several simple rules in your daily life:

  • Careful care and fulfillment of all hygiene requirements for intimate places.
  • Regular daily change of underwear, it should not be dirty.
  • Linen should be of comfortable shape and size. It should not rub and block the movement.
  • It is desirable to wear linen from natural fabrics, this will reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
  • Follow the diet of your diet. Sometimes the use of certain products can trigger an allergy, which will lead to swelling and itching of the tissues of the intimate place, including the labia.
  • If this pathology is accompanied by concomitant symptoms, you need to "do not hesitate" to seek help from a doctor and follow all his recommendations.
  • If there is dryness of the vaginal mucosa, it is necessary to use special intimate gels that will protect the sexual organs from injury during intercourse.
  • When removing the hairline of intimate areas, use only your razor, in case of severe irritation, use an antiseptic.
  • In everyday life it is better to use gaskets of white color. In them, less dye, which can be an additional impetus to an allergic reaction.
  • To provoke the pathology under consideration can also be a stressful situation. It is worth trying to be less nervous.
  • Do everything possible to avoid abortion.
  • Do not spray on multiple sexual partners. Such carelessness increases the risk of infection.
  • Do not neglect regular check-ups.

Only an attentive attitude towards your body will avoid multiple health problems.

The issue of healthy genitalia is of concern to everyone, but it is especially relevant for women of childbearing age, so when any discomfort of intimate zones appears, including when the labia is swollen, it is necessary to decide on its root cause and this woman will be helped by its treating doctor. From the fair sex only need to monitor yourself, your health and the first unpleasant symptomatology, without delay, turn to a specialist. A clear implementation of the doctor's recommendations is necessary and a favorable result is ensured.

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