You awaken one morning expecting everything to be as it normally is; only to find you have a swollen vaginal area. A swollen vaginal area does not just imply the vagina itself, but it can also be a swelling of the vaginal lips, labia majora or minora. Despite what specific area is swollen, you definitely wish to learn why. The causes of a swollen vaginal area are lots of, based on which area is affected, the appearance of the swelling and the other associated symptoms.
| General Information about Vaginal Area | |
|---|---|
| 1: Clitoral hood | |
| 2: Clitoris | |
| 3: Labia minora | |
| 4: Urethral opening | |
| 5: Vaginal opening | |
| 6: Perineum | |
| 7: Anus | |
| Functions of Vagina | |
| Precursor | urogenital sinus and paramesonephric ducts |
| Artery | superior part to uterine artery, middle and inferior parts to vaginal artery |
| Vein | uterovaginal venous plexus, vaginal vein |
| Nerve | Sympathetic: lumbar splanchnic plexus |
| Parasympathetic: pelvic splanchnic plexus | |
| Lymph | upper part to internal iliac lymph nodes, lower part to superficial inguinal lymph nodes |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | Vagina |
Typical Causes of Swollen Vagina, Vulva and Lips
Allergic reaction or inflammation
An allergy or potential inflammation is considered among the most typical causes of a swollen vaginal area. An allergic reaction or inflammation can happen from any type of chemical, such as soaps, vaginal contraceptives, sprays, creams, lubes and even bubble baths. Often, this can even accompany soaps or chemicals that you have actually been using for several years. Furthermore, use of latex condoms may also cause an allergic reaction. If a chemical inflammation happens without an allergy, it may lead to the vulvar region ending up being swollen. Normally, an allergy is known as allergic contact dermatitis while the others are referred to as irritant contact dermatitis.
Edema
Generalized swelling around the vaginal area which is present on both sides is referred to as edematous swelling. This is frequently due to inappropriate drainage of the lymphatic system, or improper drainage of the veins in the area. The factors for this drain might be due to pregnancy or other conditions which enlarge the uterus and place pressure on your pelvic veins.
Cysts or abscesses
When there are specific swollen areas, it might be from a cyst or abscess that has ended up being connected to the vaginal wall. These cysts and abscesses can occur from a variety of occasions, such as birth trauma. They might likewise form around what are known as Gartner’s ducts, which are part of the fetal advancement and typically vanish after birth. In addition, some vaginal growths are known to cause cysts and infected Bartholin’s glands, which lie on both sides of the vaginal opening, can likewise cause abscesses.
Infections
When vaginal area or cervix gets infected, which is likewise described as or cervicitis, the vaginal lips may become swollen. While these infections might result in swelling, there are generally other concomitant symptoms that appear first. Besides, yeast infection can likewise result in swollen vagina. Additionally, skin problem might cause cellulitis, which typically leads to a swollen vulva and severe pain. If not properly treated, infections may quickly become abscesses.
Others
Although the above are considered the most common causes, other common causes of a swollen vaginal area likewise include straddle injuries, rough sexual intercourse and benign or cancerous vaginal growth.
Less Common Causes of Swollen Vagina
In addition to the possible causes noted above, the following diseases, disorders or conditions can likewise be accountable for the swelling.
Fournier’s Gangrene, which is a bacterial infection of the genital areas that spreads throughout the body from the urinary or intestinal tracts and is thought about lethal.
Heart failure when the heart’s degeneration cannot properly pump blood.
Lymphedema or the swelling brought on by a harmed or obstructed lymphatic vessel.
Pregnancy, which increase the compression of the veins by the growing uterus.
Venous deficiency or the poor flow of blood throughout the veins.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Help?
There are specific cases in which vaginal swelling is really a symptom of a lethal condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you or somebody you understand struggle with any of the following conditions in relation to a swollen vaginal area, be sure to call 911 instantly:
- Bleeding, consisting of light finding, while pregnant.
- A fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pain that is incredibly severe.
- Any vaginal bleeding that is uncontrollable (soaking through more than one sanitary pad per hour for more than two hours at a time).
How to Treat Swollen Vagina
Consult Your Doctor
A swollen vaginal area might happen for a variety of factors, so it is best to see a doctor if the swelling lasts for more than a week or is accompanied by disease or being uncomfortable.
Take Prescribed Medication
If you have a yeast infection, you may need an anti-fungal medication, which can be administered orally or vaginally. There are also antibiotic pills or creams to help relieve bacterial infections or swelling from a sexually transmitted disease.
Avoid Possible Irritants
After the cause of the swollen vaginal area has actually been identified, be sure to avoid utilizing any potential chemicals or soaps that might cause the swelling to return. Use fragrance-free laundry detergent, prevent scratching (as this might lengthen healing), and abstain from sexual intercourse until fully healed.
Use Lukewarm Water
This is specifically essential if taking a bath or after utilizing the washroom. If the swelling is severe, you need to avoid utilizing bathroom tissue and instead wash with lukewarm water. You might likewise want to consider sleeping without bottoms in order to allow the vaginal area to be aired out.
