Vaginal swelling sometimes occurs due to several things such as menstruation, pregnancy, and sexual intercourse. This is considered normal. However, you need to be careful if the swollen vagina is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, pain, or heavy bleeding. Because it can be a sign of disease.
Vaginal swelling can occur in any woman at any age. This condition is caused by several things. Some are not something to worry about and can be treated with mild treatment, but some other causes need to be watched out for and require medical treatment.
Various factors that cause vaginal swelling
Swelling of the vagina and vulva can be caused by the following:
Sexual activity that is too rough and prolonged
In addition to causing discomfort, the vagina is not properly lubricated during sexual intercourse, and foreplay or masturbation that is too long and rough, can also cause vaginal swelling. No need to worry, usually the swelling in the vagina will gradually recover in a few days.
Pregnancy
The growing fetus during pregnancy can put extra pressure on the pelvis, causing blood and body fluids to collect in the area and not drain properly. This can cause the vagina to become swollen and painful.
Irritation
Vaginal swelling can be caused due to irritation. This condition is called vaginitis. The cause could be the use of underwear that is too tight, vaginal cleaning products, vaginal lubricants containing spermicide, soaps made from irritants such as perfume, to chemicals found in toilet tissue or sanitary napkins.
Allergy
Vaginal swelling accompanied by itching and burning after sexual intercourse could be a sign of an allergy to sperm, or it could be due to an allergy to the latex condom used.
Vaginal infection
Vaginal swelling can be a sign of a vaginal infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by bacteria. In addition to vaginal swelling, this infection is also characterized by itching in the vagina and vaginal discharge that smells bad.
Meanwhile, yeast infections that attack the vagina are characterized by vaginal swelling, pain when urinating or having sex, and thick, lumpy vaginal discharge.
Vaginal infections caused by viruses, for example, are genital herpes.
Cyst
There are two types of cysts that usually cause vaginal swelling, including Gartner cysts and infected Bartholin's cysts. When exposed to infection, there can be a buildup of pus in the cyst, causing swelling and pain.
Vaginal cancer
Several factors can increase the risk of vaginal cancer, namely age over 60 years, warts in the vagina (HPV infection) or abnormalities in the cervix.
Vaginal cancer may be asymptomatic, especially in its early stages. However, some of the symptoms can include a lump or swelling in the vagina, pelvic pain, bleeding and pain after sexual intercourse and during urination.
How to deal with swollen vagina
If vaginal swelling is caused by pregnancy, irritation or after sex, you can do home treatments to deal with it. Use a cloth that has been soaked in cold water, and place it on the lips of the vagina to relieve swelling and pain. If necessary, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers.
Vaginal swelling can be prevented by adopting good habits and avoiding the causes. For example:
- Wearing underwear that is comfortable against the skin of the vagina.
- Meet a balanced nutritional intake.
- Eat foods high in probiotics, such as yogurt.
- Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
- Clean the vagina properly (washing the vagina from front to back).
- Avoid using cleansers or products that can irritate the vaginal skin.
Meanwhile, if the swollen vagina is caused by disease, then medical treatment is needed according to the cause. For vaginal swelling due to infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals, depending on the cause of the infection. If caused by allergies, the doctor will prescribe anti-allergic drugs. If it is caused by a cyst, then surgery may be required.
For vaginal swelling caused by cancer, it is necessary to treat with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Therefore, if there are complaints of vaginal swelling that do not improve, you are advised to consult a doctor for further examination and treatment.