Organ intimate woman consists of several part. Sone of them is labia majora or vaginal lips, which play an important role in protecting genital area from germs or dirt. If the labia majora suffer from disease, various complaints can appear on the part of this woman's intimate organs.
The labia majora is part of the female reproductive organ called the vulva. Shaped like two large folds outside the vagina. The length of the labia majora in each woman varies, but generally ranges from 2-10 cm and will be covered by pubic hair after entering puberty.
Health problems pthere is Labia Mayora
Symptoms that generally appear when the labia majora is disturbed are sore, itchy, reddened, discharge (leucorrhoea), swelling, and pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
The following are some of the health problems that can occur around the labia majora:
1. Vulvovaginitis
This condition is an inflammation of the vagina and vulva (lips of the vagina). Vulvovaginitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection. But sometimes, fungal infections, viruses, parasites, sexually transmitted diseases, and irritation due to exposure to chemicals can also cause women to experience this disease of the labia majora.
Symptoms of this disease can include vaginal discharge, pain or itching in the genitals, and pain when urinating or having sex.
2. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is inflammation of the glands or hair follicles anywhere on the body, including pubic hair. This condition is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
There are several things that can cause folliculitis on the labia majora in women, for example, damage to the skin layer due to shaving or shaving waxing pubic hair, and friction between pubic hair and tight clothing.
When experiencing folliculitis around the labia majora, a woman may feel pain, itching, or a pus-filled lump.
3. Batholin cyst
Bartholin's cyst is caused by a blockage in the duct of the Bartholin's gland. These glands are located on either side of the vaginal opening which function to keep the vaginal walls moist and to release lubricating fluid during sexual intercourse.
Small, uninfected cysts can be treated at home with warm compresses. However, when this cyst becomes infected, it can form an abscess or pus which can be seen from the size of the lump that is getting bigger, red, and painful. If there is an infection or abscess, then these conditions need to be treated by a doctor.
4. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a skin irritation that is usually caused by an allergic reaction to certain chemicals in soaps, perfumes, skin cleaning products.
Dermatitis on the labia majora can be caused by the use of bath soaps or feminine cleansers that are made from harsh chemicals. Symptoms that can arise from this condition include itching, burning, and pain in the vulva.
5. Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a type of sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. These health problems often do not cause symptoms. However, if they appear, the visible symptoms are blisters around the vagina or vaginal lips, pain when urinating, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Until now, there is no effective treatment to cure genital herpes. Treatment is done only aims to relieve symptoms and prevent herpes recurrence.
6. Genital warts
Genital warts are small bumps that grow around the anus and genital area, including the labia majora. The cause is the HPV virus. Genital warts can vary in size, shape, and color. This condition is usually painless, but itchy and uncomfortable.
7.Vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer is cancer that attacks the outside of the female genital area. Vulvar cancer can look like a lump or sore in the vulvar area and usually occurs in women who are entering old age.
In addition to lumps, vulvar cancer can also show several other symptoms, such as:
- Itching and pain in the pubic area.
- Bleeding outside of menstruation.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
- Pain or tenderness when urinating or having sex.
- Sores around the labia majora or vulva that do not improve after 1 month.
In addition to the diseases mentioned above, there are many health problems that can affect the labia majora, including vulvodynia (pain in the vulva) and autoimmune diseases that attack the skin around the vulva and labia majora, such as psoriasis and lichen planus.
To prevent problems that occur in the labia majora, you can take some simple steps, such as:
- Rinse the pubic area with warm water and always keep it clean. Cleaning the vulva and vagina must also be done properly, namely from the direction of the vagina to the anus and not vice versa.
- Avoid wearing pants or clothes that are too tight.
- Wear cotton underwear that can absorb sweat.
- Avoid using feminine hygiene products or harsh chemical soaps on the vulva.
- Avoid using sanitary napkins that contain fragrance.
- Do not scratch the vulva or labia majora, as this can cause further injury and infection.
Problems in the labia majora should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, disorders of this part of the intimate organs can cause problems in other parts of the female reproductive system. Therefore, you need to maintain the cleanliness and health of the lips of the vagina in the ways above.
If you experience complaints or changes in the labia majora accompanied by vaginal discharge, itching, or pain, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.