Some women experience vaginal swelling, which can have a variety of causes: menstruation, pregnancy, and particularly vigorous sexual intercourse can cause swelling in the vaginal area, including the labia.
Sometimes, swelling can be the result of another condition, disease, or disorder. In these cases, it is important to understand what is causing it and what can be done to treat it.
If you have a fever above 38°, severe pain or bleeding, it is important to seek emergency medical treatment.
Contact dermatitis
Chemicals in many everyday products like laundry detergent and body wash can irritate the sensitive skin of the vagina, vulva, and labia. The same goes for deodorants in some types of toilet paper.
If you are sensitive, you may experience swelling, itching, and burning around your vagina.
The solution is simple: stop using a product that you think may have triggered the vaginal swelling. If, on the contrary, the swelling persists, you may need to talk to a gynecologist who, after evaluating the case, may prescribe a cream to relieve the swelling and other symptoms.
Inflammation from external objects
The use of intrauterine contraceptive devices, called IUDs, can irritate the vaginal tissue and cause itching, irritation and swelling. Similarly, the use of condoms or tampons during menstruation during sexual intercourse by a partner can cause inflammation.
As in the previous case, it is advisable to stop using the product that you think may be responsible for the irritation. If the swelling persists or worsens, consult your doctor.
Vaginal trauma
If the vagina is not properly lubricated during sexual intercourse, friction can cause small, painful tears that cause vaginal swelling, pain, and irritation.
In these cases, it is usually sufficient to use a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and observe a few days of rest for the vaginal swelling to disappear.
It can also happen that a particularly violent relationship can cause more significant lacerations and that these become infected. In case of purulent secretions or fever and vaginal swelling it is therefore necessary to undergo a gynecological examination.
Treatment is antibiotics and painkillers. Probiotics may also be prescribed to restore the vaginal flora and speed up healing.
Bacterial vaginitis
Bacterial vaginitis is caused by an alteration of the vaginal microbiota to the detriment of the so-called good bacteria. The vaginal pH, normally acidic (between 3.8 and 4.5), increases to values just below 5 and, in doing so, loses the ability to act as a shield against infections. Typical symptoms are yellowish, smelly discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, itching, burning and pain during urination, vaginal swelling.
Bacterial vaginitis can also be caused by prolonged use of antibiotics; in fact, these have the ability to modify the intestinal and vaginal microbiota, reducing good microorganisms (lactobacilli) and favoring colonization by pathogenic agents.
The therapy aims to restore the balance of the vaginal microbiota and fight the infection, therefore oral antibiotics, ovules and probiotics can be used.
Cervicitis
Cervix, inflammation of the cervix, is often the result of a sexually transmitted disease. The main responsible parties are:
- chlamydia
- genital herpes
- gonorrhea
In addition to vaginal swelling, cervicitis causes pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding or yellowish discharge, and changes in menstrual cycle.
Antibiotic therapy is decided by the gynecologist based on the results obtained from a vaginal swab.
Conclusions
Vaginal swelling can depend on many causes as there are many causes of swollen labia. If you have symptoms such as pelvic pain, foul-smelling discharge and fever (a symptom that should never be underestimated!) that last for a few days, it is advisable to contact your gynecologist who may perform a vaginal swab to identify the presence of pathogens. Any medications prescribed, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, can help eliminate inflammation and reduce symptoms.
Article published on 8 August 2022 - 07:56
