7 causes of swollen vulva after intercourse

Having intercourse can fire up numerous actions and emotions you could not have skilled earlier than – and that’s as a result of loads goes into your physique and thoughts. One of many issues which will fear some girls is a swollen vulva. Sure, it’s comfy however it’s typically a brief drawback and nothing you must sweat over. Whereas it’s typically attributable to friction or irritation throughout intercourse, it may additionally point out an underlying situation or illness. Realizing what causes a swollen vulva may also help you determine the road of motion and methods to stop it, and keep protected.

What’s a swollen vulva?

“Swollen vulva refers to an enlargement or puffiness of the exterior feminine genitalia, which incorporates the labia majora (the outer lips), labia minora (the internal lips), and the vulva (the exterior a part of the feminine genitalia, together with the clitoris, vaginal opening, and surrounding tissues), says gynaecologist Dr Neha Khandelwal. This swelling will be accompanied by redness, tenderness, itching, or discomfort. In keeping with a examine printed within the Scientific Sensible Circumstances Emergency Medication, swelling within the vulva can happen for varied causes, corresponding to sexual arousal, friction throughout sexual exercise, infections, allergic reactions, hormonal modifications, or bodily trauma. Whereas it’s typically momentary and resolves by itself, persistent or extreme swelling could require medical consideration to rule out underlying circumstances.

Causes of swollen vulva after intercourse

Listed here are some potential causes of a swollen vulva after intercourse, as defined by the knowledgeable.

1. Elevated blood move

Throughout sexual arousal, the blood vessels within the genital space dilate and might result in elevated blood move to the vulva, inflicting swelling and puffiness. Your clitoris can also increase. This engorgement may cause momentary swelling, which normally subsides after sexual exercise ends.

2. Friction

Extended or tough sexual exercise may cause friction in opposition to the vulva, resulting in irritation and swelling. That is extra more likely to happen if there may be inadequate lubrication. Inadequate pure lubrication throughout intercourse can enhance friction, resulting in irritation and swelling. This may be exacerbated by way of sure condoms or lubricants which will dry out shortly.

3. Allergic reactions

Some girls could have an allergic response to latex condoms, sure lubricants, or different supplies used throughout intercourse. This will trigger swelling, itching, and irritation of the vulva. Sure spermicides or lubricants could comprise chemical compounds that may trigger an allergic response or irritation, resulting in swelling.

4. Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is without doubt one of the most typical vaginal infections affecting girls worldwide, with vital implications for each reproductive and general well being. It occurs when unhealthy micro organism change the great micro organism within the vagina. Signs normally embrace off-white or gray discharge and a fishy vaginal odour, as present in a examine printed within the StatsPearl. Vulva swelling can be doable, however much less widespread.

5. Yeast infections

Girls sometimes have yeast cells and different micro organism residing on their pores and skin and vagina. When your vagina has an excessive amount of yeast, you will have a thick, yellowish discharge in addition to vaginal irritation, burning, and redness. This is named vaginal candidiasis or a vaginal yeast an infection, as present in a examine printed within the Journal of Midwifery and Girls’s Well being. It might probably additionally trigger irritation and swelling of the vulva, which can be exacerbated by sexual exercise.

6. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), previously often called sexually transmitted illnesses, are the transmission of an organism between sexual companions by varied routes of sexual contact, corresponding to oral, anal, or vaginal. Sure STIs, corresponding to herpes, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia, may cause swelling, redness, and discomfort within the genital space, as present in a examine printed in StatsPearl. If swelling persists or is accompanied by different signs like sores, ache, or discharge, you will need to search medical consideration.

7. Trauma or damage

Direct trauma to the genital space throughout intercourse, corresponding to extreme stress or affect, may cause swelling of the vulva. This will happen with sure sexual positions or actions. Minor tears or abrasions within the vulva tissue, which might happen throughout vigorous sexual exercise, can result in swelling and discomfort.

Is swollen labia or vulva after intercourse regular?

“Sure, experiencing a swollen vulva after intercourse is usually regular for a lot of girls. Throughout sexual arousal, blood move to the genital space will increase considerably, inflicting the vulva to turn into engorged and swollen,” says the knowledgeable. It is a pure response to sexual stimulation and sometimes subsides inside just a few hours after sexual exercise.

When is it regular?

• Momentary swelling: The swelling normally subsides shortly after intercourse as blood move returns to regular ranges.
• Delicate discomfort: Some gentle discomfort or tenderness may accompany the swelling, however it shouldn’t be extreme or extended.

When it may be regarding?

• Extreme or persistent swelling: If the swelling is extreme, it could final for a protracted interval, or is accompanied by intense ache, itching, or uncommon discharge. it may be an indication of an underlying challenge, corresponding to an an infection or allergic response.
• Recurring swelling: Frequent swelling after intercourse that doesn’t resolve shortly may require additional investigation to rule out circumstances like allergy symptoms, infections, or pores and skin irritations.

How one can stop a swollen vulva?

Stopping swollen vulva includes taking steps to minimise irritation and cut back the danger of irritation. Listed here are some methods to stop a swollen vulva, as advised by the knowledgeable:

1. Guarantee sufficient lubrication

If pure lubrication is inadequate, use a water-based lubricant throughout sexual exercise to scale back friction and stop irritation. In keeping with a examine printed within the Sexual Well being and Reproductive Well being Issues, lubricants may also help cut back vaginal dryness and discomfort throughout sexual exercise, providing momentary reduction from dyspareunia. Vaginal moisturisers are meant for use each day to advertise consolation and long-term benefits by decreasing vaginal dryness. Additionally, consuming sufficient water may also help keep pure lubrication ranges.

2. Select the proper merchandise

Use hypoallergenic condoms, lubricants, and different sexual merchandise to scale back the danger of allergic reactions and irritation. Keep away from merchandise with fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemical compounds that might irritate the delicate pores and skin of the vulva.

3. Practise protected intercourse

Have interaction in mild sexual exercise to minimise the danger of trauma or damage to the vulva. Use ample lubrication and keep away from positions that trigger discomfort. Talk together with your companion about any discomfort throughout intercourse to make sure that each of you might be comfy and having fun with yourselves.

4. Preserve good hygiene

Preserve good genital hygiene by washing the world with heat water and gentle, unscented cleaning soap. Keep away from douching, as it may disrupt the pure stability of micro organism and result in irritation. After intercourse, gently clear the genital space to take away any irritants and cut back the danger of an infection.

How one can deal with a swollen vulva after intercourse?

Should you expertise a swollen vulva after intercourse, you’ll be able to strive some expert-approved methods to alleviate the discomfort.

1. Chilly compress

A chilly compress or ice pack wrapped in a fabric may also help cut back swelling and numb ache or discomfort. Apply the chilly compress for 10-Quarter-hour at a time, with breaks in between.

2. Relaxation and keep away from irritation

Give your physique time to get well by resting and avoiding additional irritation to the world. Keep away from sexual exercise till the swelling subsides. Additionally, sporting loose-fitting, breathable clothes and cotton underwear may also help stop additional irritation and permit the world to heal.

3. Coconut oil

Coconut oil can be utilized as a pure moisturiser and lubricant. It has anti-inflammatory properties and might soothe irritated pores and skin, as present in a examine printed within the Meals High quality and Security.

4. Sitz bathtub

A sitz bathtub is a heat, shallow bathtub wherein you sit to alleviate discomfort in your perineal space, which is the area between your anus and genitals, as present in a examine printed in Pediatric Emergency Medication. Including Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal can improve the soothing impact.

Whereas these cures are efficient for treating swollen vulva, you will need to seek the advice of together with your healthcare supplier earlier than utilizing these cures to scale back swollen vulva.