We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. They protect the clitoris, vagina, and urethra from infection and damage.
A variety of conditions can cause swollen labia, including infections and cysts. The labia are sometimes called the vaginal lips. There are two pairs of labia — the labia majora, located on the outside of the vagina, and labia minora, which are the inner folds of skin that lead to the vagina.
In addition to the swollen labia, the following symptoms may suggest an infection or another underlying medical problem:. The majority of women — almost 75 percent — will experience a yeast infection at least once in their lives. Conditions that increase the risk of a yeast infection include pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes , and having a weakened immune system.
Certain medications, including steroids, antibiotics , and oral birth control pills, also increase the risk. Bacterial vaginosis BV affects approximately 30 percent of women of childbearing age and is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina.
Symptoms include swollen labia, a green or gray discharge, and a fish-like odor. However, many women with a bacterial imbalance may not experience any symptoms.
This sexually transmitted infection STI affects approximately 3 percent of women of childbearing age. Many women with the infection do not show symptoms. Having a history of STIs or multiple sexual partners increases the risk of getting trichomoniasis. If no infection is present, swollen labia may have been caused by contact with an irritating product or allergen.
These glands can become blocked and cause swelling in and around the vagina. If the cysts persist after a week or the pain is severe, talk to a medical professional about treatment.
Sometimes a swollen vulva will go away on its own. Your doctor may conduct a pelvic exam, perform blood tests, or take samples to determine the root of the issue. Until you visit your doc, avoid having sex in case you have an STI. Your vag should be back to normal once you have the right treatment. Vaginal burning can be completely common and generally nothing to worry about.
But if persistent burning, itching, or irritation start to become your…. The precise makeup of bacteria in the vagina is constantly changing based on the food you eat, your hygiene habits, menstrual cycle, when you last had….
Allergic reactions, sexually transmitted infections, and cysts are just a few common culprits for a rash in your nether region. While vaginal dryness is often associated with menopause, it can strike at any age, thanks to a host of causes.
We'll show reasons for these sudden…. Wondering what's causing uncomfortable vaginal or abdominal pain? The causes can range from minor to more serious. Learn the causes of cramping and…. Itchy genitals are a common occurance after sex and is usually easily treated. Causes range in severity and treatment laregely depends on the cause….
What are vaginal dilators for, and how does one use them? It's pretty simple once an expert has your back. That's why we asked three to walk us…. Why Is My Vagina Swelling? Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M.
Share on Pinterest. Pesky outside irritants. Internal irritations. Rough sex or vaginal trauma. Bacterial vaginosis.
It could also just be due to friction from having sex. The Bartholin's glands are on each side of the vagina. If they get blocked, a cyst a tender or painful lump can form. The cyst can become infected, with a build-up of pus that will need to be treated with antibiotics. An abscess is an infection caused by bacteria underneath the skin.
Abscesses cause soreness, redness and swelling. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics, a procedure to remove the pus, and sitting in a sitz bath shallow bath , using a teaspoon of salt per litre of warm water, to ease the pain.
Many women and girls who have psoriasis elsewhere on their body also develop it on the labia. Psoriasis is a red, itchy rash, usually found on the hairy skin, and it can extend to the anus. It can be treated with a cream or ointment, but it often comes back. Genital warts are bumps that can appear on the labia and other parts of the genitals.
They are caused by the human papillomavirus HPV. The warts often go away by themselves but if they are painful or itchy, talk to your doctor about treatments, including special wart paint, freezing or laser treatment.
These treatments will only get rid of the warts, not the HPV virus. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus HSV. It can cause blisters or sores on the labia that keep coming back throughout life. Make sure you use condoms and dental dams during sex because you can pass the virus on to your partner. Skin conditions that can affect the labia include lichen sclerosus or lichen planus.
These can lead to severe itching, burning or stinging, and painful sex. They are thought to be caused by autoimmune disorders and are most common in women after menopause. Your doctor can talk to you about treatments including steroids and pain relief medicines.
Take showers rather than baths, use hypoallergenic toilet paper and laundry detergent, and avoid soap. Gently pat the area dry, without rubbing, and use lubrication during sex if necessary. Wearing loose fitting clothes and cotton underwear can help, as can using tampons rather than sanitary pads. And remember: you can always ask to see a female doctor if you would prefer.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. There are a number of conditions that can affect your vagina and vulva the outside part of the femal genitals. Some are uncomfortable, others can be painful and irritating. Most can be easily treated. Sometimes vaginal and vulval symptoms can be due to other more serious causes - if your symptoms do not get better, make sure you see your doctor for a check-up. The aim of this guide is to demystify vulval problems by offering an alternative to the current ways of explaining and treating these conditions.
Read more on myDr website.
0コメント