What causes swollen labia. How to identify symptoms of labial swelling. When to seek medical attention for swollen labia. What treatments are available for swollen labia. How to prevent labial swelling.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Labia

The labia, often referred to as the “lips” of the vagina, play a crucial role in protecting the delicate internal structures of the female genitalia. They consist of two distinct parts:

• Labia majora: The outer folds of skin
• Labia minora: The inner lips leading to the vagina

These structures serve as a protective barrier, shielding the vagina and clitoris from irritation and potential injury. It’s important to note that variations in labial size and appearance are entirely normal, both between individuals and even from one side to the other on the same person.

Common Causes of Labial Swelling

Swelling of the labia can occur due to various factors, ranging from infections to allergic reactions. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are incredibly common, affecting 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lives. These infections occur when there’s an overgrowth of yeast, typically Candida, in the vaginal area.

What triggers a yeast infection? Several factors can contribute:

• Antibiotic use
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Oral contraceptive use

Symptoms of a yeast infection often include swelling, burning, and itchiness of the entire vaginal area, including the labia. Many women also experience a distinctive cottage-cheese-like discharge.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when there’s an imbalance in the vaginal bacterial flora, allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate. This condition can be triggered by various factors:

• Douching
• Multiple sexual partners
• Naturally low levels of beneficial bacteria

How can you identify bacterial vaginosis? Common symptoms include:

• Thin, greenish, whitish, or grayish discharge
• A characteristic “fishy” odor
• Vaginal itching

Interestingly, some women may not experience any symptoms at all, making regular check-ups crucial for maintaining vaginal health.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, often referred to as “trich,” is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects approximately 3.7 million people.

Is trichomoniasis always symptomatic? Surprisingly, about 70% of infected individuals don’t experience any symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Swelling, itching, and burning in the vaginal region
• Painful urination
• A strong, fishy vaginal odor

Allergic Reactions

The delicate skin of the labia is susceptible to allergic reactions, which can lead to swelling and inflammation. Common allergens that may affect the labia include:

• Perfumes in soaps or detergents
• Latex in condoms
• Certain fabrics in clothing

When the labia come into contact with these allergens, it’s not uncommon for redness and swelling to occur.

Bartholin’s Cyst

Bartholin’s cysts affect about 2% of women, primarily those in their 20s. These cysts form when the Bartholin glands, located just outside the vagina, become blocked. These glands play a crucial role in vaginal lubrication during sexual activity.

How do Bartholin’s cysts manifest? Many women may not realize they have a cyst unless it becomes infected. When infection occurs, it can cause:

• Pain and tenderness around the vagina and labia
• Swelling in the affected area
• Discomfort during walking or sitting

Recognizing Symptoms of Labial Issues

While swelling is a primary indicator of labial problems, it’s often accompanied by other symptoms. Being aware of these signs can help in early detection and prompt treatment.

• Genital itching or burning
• Unusual discharge from the vaginal area
• Foul odor emanating from the vagina
• Small bumps on the labia
• Pain or discomfort when walking or sitting

If you experience any combination of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Labial Swelling

When faced with labial swelling, seeking medical attention is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The diagnostic process typically involves several steps:

1. Medical history: Your doctor will inquire about your medical and sexual history, as well as any symptoms you’re experiencing.
2. Physical examination: A thorough examination of the affected area will be conducted to assess the extent of swelling and look for any visible abnormalities.
3. Laboratory tests: In many cases, a swab or tissue sample may be taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This helps determine if an infection is present and, if so, whether it’s bacterial, parasitic, or fungal in nature.
4. Additional testing: If there’s any suspicion of more serious conditions, such as vaginal or vulvar cancer, your doctor may recommend a biopsy of the tissue.

This comprehensive approach ensures that the underlying cause of your labial swelling is accurately identified, paving the way for effective treatment.

Treatment Options for Swollen Labia

The treatment for swollen labia largely depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Yeast Infections

Treatment for yeast infections typically involves antifungal medications. These can be administered in various forms:

• Over-the-counter creams or suppositories
• Prescription oral antifungal medications
• Prescription vaginal antifungal treatments

The duration of treatment can range from a single dose to a week-long course, depending on the severity of the infection and the specific medication used.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotics. The most common options include:

• Metronidazole (oral or vaginal gel)
• Clindamycin (cream or oral)

It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is typically treated with oral antibiotics, most commonly:

• Metronidazole
• Tinidazole

Both sexual partners should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection. It’s important to abstain from sexual activity until the treatment is complete and symptoms have resolved.

Allergic Reactions

For allergic reactions causing labial swelling, treatment focuses on removing the allergen and managing symptoms:

• Avoiding known allergens
• Using hypoallergenic products
• Applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
• Taking oral antihistamines if recommended by a healthcare provider

Bartholin’s Cyst

Treatment for Bartholin’s cysts depends on their size and whether they’re infected:

• Small, uninfected cysts may resolve on their own with warm compresses and sitz baths
• Larger or infected cysts may require drainage, which can be done through various surgical techniques
• In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present

Home Remedies and Self-Care for Labial Swelling

While medical treatment is often necessary for underlying conditions causing labial swelling, there are several self-care measures that can help alleviate discomfort:

• Wear loose, breathable clothing to reduce friction and irritation
• Apply a cool compress to the affected area to reduce swelling and provide relief
• Use unscented, hypoallergenic hygiene products to minimize potential irritants
• Practice good hygiene, including gentle cleansing of the genital area with warm water
• Avoid douching, as this can disrupt the natural balance of vaginal flora
• Use lubrication during sexual activity to prevent friction-related swelling

While these measures can provide temporary relief, it’s important to address the underlying cause of labial swelling for long-term resolution.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While some cases of labial swelling may resolve on their own or with home care, certain situations warrant prompt medical attention:

• Severe pain or discomfort that interferes with daily activities
• Swelling accompanied by fever or chills, which may indicate an infection
• Persistent swelling that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• Unusual discharge or strong odor from the vaginal area
• Swelling associated with a visible lump or mass
• Any changes in the appearance of your labia that concern you

Remember, early intervention can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the cause or severity of your symptoms.

Preventing Labial Swelling

While not all cases of labial swelling can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

1. Practice good hygiene: Gently clean the genital area daily with warm water and mild, unscented soap if needed.
2. Wear breathable underwear: Choose cotton or other natural, breathable fabrics to reduce moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
3. Avoid irritants: Use hypoallergenic laundry detergents and avoid scented products in the genital area.
4. Practice safe sex: Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
5. Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet can support overall vaginal health and immune function.
6. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration helps maintain the body’s natural defenses against infections.
7. Avoid douching: This practice can disrupt the natural balance of vaginal flora, increasing the risk of infections.
8. Wipe front to back: This simple habit can prevent the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the vagina.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing labial swelling and other vaginal health issues.

Understanding the Impact of Hormonal Changes on Labial Health

Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can significantly impact labial health and contribute to swelling. These changes occur during various life stages and physiological processes:

Menstrual Cycle

During different phases of the menstrual cycle, hormonal shifts can cause changes in the labia:

• Premenstrual phase: Some women may experience slight swelling due to water retention
• Ovulation: Increased estrogen levels can lead to increased vaginal discharge and potential labial swelling

Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about significant hormonal changes that can affect the labia:

• Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can cause the labia to appear swollen or darker in color
• Hormonal fluctuations may increase the risk of yeast infections, potentially leading to labial swelling

Menopause

As women enter menopause, declining estrogen levels can impact labial health:

• Thinning of vaginal and labial tissues, potentially leading to increased sensitivity and irritation
• Decreased natural lubrication, which can increase the risk of friction-related swelling during sexual activity

Understanding these hormonal influences can help women anticipate and manage potential labial swelling throughout different life stages.

The Role of Sexual Activity in Labial Health

Sexual activity can have both positive and negative impacts on labial health. While regular sexual activity can promote overall vaginal health, certain factors related to sex can contribute to labial swelling:

Friction and Trauma

Insufficient lubrication during sexual activity can lead to excessive friction, potentially causing labial swelling and irritation. To mitigate this:

• Use a water-based lubricant to reduce friction
• Engage in adequate foreplay to enhance natural lubrication
• Communicate with your partner about comfort and pacing

Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to products used during sexual activity, leading to labial swelling:

• Latex condoms
• Spermicides or lubricants
• Sex toys made from certain materials

If you suspect an allergic reaction, consider switching to hypoallergenic alternatives and consult with a healthcare provider for guidance.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Some STIs can cause labial swelling as a symptom. Practicing safe sex is crucial for preventing these infections:

• Use condoms consistently and correctly
• Get regular STI screenings
• Communicate openly with sexual partners about sexual health

By being mindful of these factors and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy a healthy sex life while minimizing the risk of labial swelling and other genital health issues.

Psychological Impact of Labial Swelling and Body Image

While labial swelling is primarily a physical health concern, it can also have significant psychological impacts on women. Understanding and addressing these emotional aspects is crucial for overall well-being:

Body Image Concerns

Labial swelling or changes in appearance can lead to:

• Decreased self-esteem
• Anxiety about sexual encounters
• Concerns about “normalcy” of genital appearance

It’s important to remember that there is a wide range of normal when it comes to labial appearance, and temporary swelling does not reflect on one’s worth or attractiveness.

Anxiety and Stress

Experiencing labial swelling can cause anxiety, which may manifest as:

Swollen Labia: Causes, Treatment, and More

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Infections, cysts, and allergic reactions are just a few things that can cause swelling in your labia. If wearing loose clothing, applying a cool compress, and using lubrication during sex doesn’t ease the discomfort, it’s best to get medical attention.

The labia are known as the “lips” of the vagina. The labia majora is a fold of skin on the outside of the vaginal area, while the labia minora is the inner lip leading to the vagina. Their function is to protect the vagina and clitoris from irritation and injury.

It’s natural for the labia to vary in size — from woman to woman and even from one side of the labia to the other. But infections, allergies, cysts and other conditions can produce noticeable labia swelling and pain.

Besides inflammation of the labia, other symptoms of problems with your labia and the vagina it surrounds may include:

• genital itching or burning
• discharge from the vaginal area
• a foul smell coming from the vagina
• a small bump on the labia
• pain when walking or sitting

Given the delicate tissue of the labia, it’s not surprising that both the labia majora and minora are susceptible to swelling. Some common causes include:

Yeast infections

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 3 out of 4 women will have a yeast infection at some point during their lifetimes. Overgrowth of yeast — the most common culprit being Candida — can cause swelling, burning, and itchiness of the entire vaginal area, including the labia.

This overgrowth can be due to antibiotic use, pregnancy, diabetes, or oral contraceptive use. Some women may also experience a cottage-cheese-like discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis

Much like a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This can occur because of douching, having multiple sex partners, or just normally having a low level of the “good” bacteria in your vagina, which allows the “bad” bacteria to take over.

Symptoms include a greenish, whitish, or grayish thin discharge that has a “fishy” smell and vaginal itching, although some women have no symptoms at all. Check out some home remedies for this condition.

Trichomoniasis

According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, trichomoniasis (“trich”) is a common sexually transmitted disease that currently affects 3.7 million people. It’s caused by a parasite and in 70 percent of people doesn’t result in symptoms. When symptoms do arise, they include swelling, itching, and burning of the vaginal region, painful urination, and an extremely fishy vaginal odor.

Allergies

When your skin comes into contact with something it’s allergic to, it’s likely to swell. So when the labia are irritated by allergens like the perfumes in soap or detergents, latex in condoms, or certain fabrics in clothing, it’s not uncommon for redness and inflammation to occur.

Bartholin’s cyst

About 2 percent of women (mostly in their 20s) will get Bartholin’s cysts. These cysts occur when the Bartholin glands, which lie just outside the vagina, become blocked. These glands secrete moisture, helping the vagina become lubricated for sex. Many women won’t know they have a cyst unless it becomes infected. When that occurs, the cyst can cause skin around the vagina and labia to become painful and tender.

Sex without enough lubrication

The act of sex involves a lot of friction, which can cause trauma to your labia and entire vaginal area unless it’s properly lubricated. Use this guide to find the best lubrication for you.

Your doctor (usually a gynecologist) will ask about your medical and sexual history as well as your symptoms and then do a physical exam. A swab or, less commonly, a tissue sample may be taken and sent to a lab to determine if you have an infection, and if so, whether it is bacterial, parasitic, or fungal in nature.

Your doctor will also look for any abnormalities, like a cyst. If there’s any suspicion of vaginal or vulvar cancer, your doctor may perform a biopsy of the tissue.

Treatment will largely depend on what’s causing your labia to swell. If you have a yeast infection, your doctor may tell you to use over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams or prescribe one to you. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics.

Labia irritation from allergies or sex may respond to OTC or prescription hydrocortisone or steroid creams. A particularly problematic Bartholin’s cyst may need to be lanced and drained or even surgically removed.

Try the following to help treat and prevent labia swelling:

• Apply a cool compress to the swollen area.
• If a cyst is causing swelling and pain, try taking several warm (not hot) baths a day and take OTC painkillers.
• Don’t douche. It can upset the normal balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the vagina.
• Don’t wear tight clothing, including tight underwear or confining pantyhose. Tight clothing generates heat and limits airflow, allowing bacteria and fungi to grow.
• If you think you might be sensitive to them, stay away from perfumed detergents, soaps, and feminine products.
• If you’re allergic to latex or spermicide, talk to your doctor about other birth control methods.
• Refrain from sex if it’s painful.
• Use a lubricant to reduce friction during sex.
• Add yogurt (with live active cultures) and probiotics to your diet.

In addition, you may want to investigate herbal treatments. In one study, a vaginal cream made with garlic and thyme was as effective in relieving vaginal yeast infections as the commonly prescribed antifungal cream clotrimozole.

Tea tree oil, organic coconut oil, and oil of oregano may also be therapeutic, though this hasn’t been proven. Any of these herbal treatments may cause an itchy rash or other symptoms if you’re sensitive to them.

Most cases of swollen labia aren’t serious. If the swelling is chronic, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as a vaginal odor, bump, or discharge, definitely have it checked out by a doctor.

Swelling of the labia isn’t uncommon, and effective treatment is available. Most women will recover without any lasting consequences, although in some cases the swelling can recur.

Swollen Vulva: Causes, Other Symptoms, Treatment

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

A swollen vulva is a common symptom of vaginitis, or an inflammation of the vagina. This often happens because of a bacterial, yeast, or viral infection or an imbalance in vaginal bacteria.

If you’re experiencing a swollen vulva, you could be experiencing a condition known as vaginitis. This is an inflammation of the vagina, and it can happen because several different health issues.

Vaginitis often results from a bacterial, yeast, or viral infection or an imbalance in vaginal bacteria. Certain skin disorders or low levels of estrogen can also cause the condition to occur.

When your vagina and vulva are both inflamed, it’s known as vulvovaginitis. In addition to a swollen vulva, vaginitis could lead to:

• unusual vaginal discharge
• itching
• irritation
• pain during sex
• pain while peeing
• light bleeding or spotting

If these symptoms last for more than a couple of days, see your doctor. They can figure out what’s causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan suited to your needs.

Keep reading to learn more about what may be behind your symptoms.

An allergic reaction that causes your vulva to swell is known as noninfectious vaginitis.

This can result from chemicals in:

• clothing
• creams
• condoms
• perfumed soaps
• scented detergents
• douches
• lube

These and other products that come into contact with your vulva and vagina can cause irritation and inflammation.

What you can do

If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop using the product or wearing the item of clothing that may be causing irritation. Limiting your exposure to irritants should help ease the swelling.

You could also use an over-the-counter (OTC) cortisone cream to reduce your symptoms. If the swelling continues, you should see your doctor. They may recommend a sitz bath or a prescription topical cream for treatment.

Shop for cortisone cream.

A swollen vulva is normal after any sexual encounter. Sexual arousal causes increased blood flow to the area, causing it to swell and become puffy. Your clitoris may also enlarge.

Your vulva may swell if there wasn’t enough lubricant during penetration. This can irritate the area.

What you can do

Your vulva shouldn’t stay swollen for long, and you can use a cold compress to ease any swelling or puffiness.

Although swelling is a normal symptom of arousal, you can take some proactive measures to avoid serious swelling. Be sure to keep natural or store-bought lubricant on hand to avoid friction, and stay away from products that could cause an allergic reaction.

Shop for personal lubricant.

Vaginal yeast infections will affect up to 3 out of 4 women in their lifetime.

In addition to swelling, you may experience:

• irritation
• thick white discharge
• intense itchiness
• burning sensation
• pain or soreness
• rash

If your symptoms are severe, or you’ve had four or more infections in a year, you should see your doctor.

What you can do

You can use an OTC antifungal vaginal cream, ointment, or suppository to stop the reaction and alleviate the swelling.

If this is the first time you’ve had symptoms of an yeast infection — or if they don’t disappear with at-home treatment — you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe either a single-dose or multi-dose oral antifungal medication. They may also recommend maintenance therapy if you have recurring yeast infections.

Shop for antifungal vaginal cream.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common form of vaginitis, affecting up to a third of women in the United States. It’s caused by an imbalance in the bacteria found in your vagina, and it can lead to an off-white or gray discharge and a fishy smell. Although a swollen vulva isn’t a common symptom, it’s still possible.

What you can do

For some women, symptoms of bacterial vaginosis resolve on their own. You should never use OTC yeast products to treat bacterial vaginosis, because it could make the infection worse.

BV symptoms do mimic other forms of vaginitis, so you should see your doctor if your symptoms persist. They can rule out any other conditions and prescribe medication to help ease your symptoms.

A swollen vulva is a common symptom of pregnancy. Your growing uterus will block your blood flow in your pelvic region, causing your vulva and legs to swell. The swelling becomes worse as you go further along in your pregnancy.

But that’s not the only change to your vulva; because your uterus and embryo require more blood to flow in your genital area, your vulva will also change colors to a bluish tinge.

What you can do

You could try some home remedies to treat your swollen vulva. You could use a cold compress or cold water rinse to reduce swelling.

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or have any questions, make sure to bring them up to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to rule out any other underlying conditions, like cysts or bacterial vaginosis.

A Bartholin’s cyst is a small sac filled with fluid that appears just inside the vaginal opening. It’s soft and painless, and often doesn’t lead to any symptoms.

But if the Bartholin’s cyst grows large, it can become uncomfortable and lead to pain in your vulva when you have sex, walk, or sit down.

If your vulva is swollen, red, tender, and hot, that means the cyst has become infected and has caused an abscess in one of the Bartholin’s glands. These are pea-sized glands found on the left and right side of the vaginal opening.

What you can do

You should see your doctor right away if your vulva has become:

• swollen
• red
• hot
• tender

Your doctor may perform a swab test or biopsy to see if the cyst is infected and to rule out Bartholin’s gland cancer, a rare form of vulvar cancer.

After making a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend soaking in some warm water several times a day for up to four days, or holding a warm compress against the area to reduce the cyst and any swelling.

If you have an abscess, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection, and then drain the cyst.

Genital Crohn’s disease is the skin condition caused by granulomas developed from Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease. It’s a rare disease that can cause persistent swelling of the vulva, in addition to cracks, erosions, and hollow cavities in the genital area.

What you can do

You should see your doctor if your vulva is swollen for more than a few days. They may prescribe a topical steroid or calcineurin inhibitor to help reduce any swelling. Your doctor may also recommend antiseptic cleansers to treat secondary infection or skin fissures.

You can ease — and even prevent — a swollen vulva by following these tips and tricks.

You can

• Practice good hygiene. Avoiding baths, hot tubs, and whirlpool spas will reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi. Also, make sure to wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom to prevent the spread of fecal bacteria to your vagina.
• Don’t use products that can cause irritation. Avoid harsh soaps, scented tampons, pads, douches, and scented soaps. Also, to prevent irritation, make sure to rinse soap thoroughly from your genitals after a shower and dry the area well.
• Don’t douche. When you douche, you’re wiping out the good bacteria in your vagina. This allows the bad bacteria to overgrow and leads to vaginitis.
• Wear cotton underwear. Cotton underwear allows your genital area to breathe and will prevent yeast from growing.
• Always use a latex condom. Wearing a condom will prevent sexual infections from spreading.

Was this helpful?

You don’t have to wait for pain or discomfort to see your doctor. If your vulva is swollen for more than a few days, you should make a doctor’s appointment. But if you’re experiencing intense pain or discomfort, seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying condition causing your vulva to swell, and recommend the appropriate treatment option.

Swollen labia: causes and treatment

Contents

• 1 Factors causing swelling
• 2 Why is the labia minora swollen?
• 3 Why do women’s genitals swell?
• 4 What to do about swelling?

If there are problems of an intimate nature, not every woman immediately goes to a doctor’s consultation. The reason for this is indecision, embarrassment, fear. Swelling of the labia is one such reason. In some cases, along with swelling, symptoms such as redness, pain, vaginal discharge, itchy genitals may occur. First of all, you need to find out the cause of these unpleasant manifestations and eliminate it. What to do if the labia is swollen?

Swelling factors

Why do the labia swell? And there can be several reasons:

• Allergy. Very often it is this reason that leads to swelling. An allergic reaction of the skin in the vaginal area can occur both on underwear and on cosmetics.
• Bartholinitis. The most common cause of puffiness. The Bartholin glands are located at the entrance to the vagina. When an infection enters the female body, inflammation with purulent foci may occur in the glands. Also, a cyst can form and fester in the Bartholin gland. The labia swells, and the area becomes painful, especially discomfort during sex or when walking. Purulent abscesses and cysts aggravate the disease. With early diagnosis of the disease, even self-healing is possible. If you run bartholinitis, it threatens with an abscess.
• Vulvovaginitis. It may occur due to irritation of intimate places mechanically or if personal hygiene is not followed. In this case, the lips swell, there may be itching, a feeling of discomfort.
• Vulvodynia in an advanced stage. Pain in the labia area, swelling are symptoms that are caused by long-term antibiotic treatment or chronic candidiasis.
• Vulvitis and vaginitis. With swelling of the lips, as well as greenish vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, and pain during urination, there may be inflammation of the vagina or external genitalia. The causes of these pathologies can be frequent abortions, trauma to the genital organs, lack of hygiene, promiscuity.
• Candidiasis (thrush). Symptoms of this pathology: vaginal discharge, their consistency is very similar to cottage cheese, sour smell, pain during intercourse, itchy external genitalia.

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis, based on the results of a gynecologist’s examination and studies. When the cause is established, the doctor will individually select the treatment.

Why is the labia minora swollen?

Which can lead to puffiness and swelling:

• Allergic reaction (synthetic underwear, condom, hygiene products).
• Swelling after sex. If the swelling has gone after some time, nothing needs to be done. During sex, a woman experiences excitement, blood rushes to the nerve endings and vessels in the small lips, as a result of which they increase in size.
• Pregnancy. Hormonal changes in the female body contribute to a more active flow of blood to the genitals, which also causes swelling.
• Tight underwear.
• Diseases of the heart, blood vessels, endocrine system can also cause swelling.
• Infectious diseases. In this case, without a visit to the doctor, it will not be possible to cope with the problem on your own. Thrush, vulvitis and other sexually transmitted infections can enter the genitourinary system if the rules of intimate hygiene are not followed. If the small lip is swollen, itchy, curdled discharge with an unpleasant odor is observed from the vagina, this indicates the presence of an infection.

Why do women’s genitals swell?

Factors causing swelling of large lips:

• Non-compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene.
• Allergic reaction to personal care products or latex.
• Synthetic and low quality linen.
• Diseases of the heart, blood vessels, endocrine system.
• Strong sexual arousal.
• Inflammation or infection of the genitourinary system.

What to do about swelling?

If the labia is swollen, no matter how large or small, swollen, it is better to consult a doctor. Perhaps the cause of this phenomenon will pass on its own, but consultation with a specialist will not be superfluous.

In most cases, swelling is caused by natural physiological processes in the female body. In this case, the swelling will go away on its own, without any treatment.

If you follow simple recommendations, you can minimize the risks of diseases of the genital organs:

• Strictly adhere to the rules of intimate hygiene.
• Wear comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics that does not restrict movement.
• Underwear must be clean.
• Proper nutrition. The presence of certain foods in the diet can cause an allergic reaction, which is expressed in swelling of the labia and itching.
• Avoid stressful situations, be less nervous.
• If a woman has multiple sexual partners, this increases her risk of contracting infections.