The labia minora are swollen. Good hygiene is the best protection against irritation in the groin area. What does itching and swelling of the labia indicate?

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It is not always possible for a woman faced with a gynecological problem to see a doctor to find out the cause. Quite often one lacks the determination to ask sensitive issue specialist. But this must be done. If swelling of the labia occurs, you should definitely see your gynecologist, as this symptom may indicate the presence of various gynecological diseases.

Main causes

Both the labia minora and labia majora can swell. The problem may be caused by a physiological or pathological reason.

A woman’s body is designed in such a way that, under certain circumstances, swelling of the external genitalia is normal and is due to the nature of the body’s functioning.

The norm is swelling of the labia majora after sexual intercourse. In a couple of hours everything should return to its previous state. In this case, swelling of the labia minora may also be observed. This phenomenon is associated with blood flow to the genitals. If after a certain time the swelling does not go away, you should consult a doctor, since the cause of the symptom may be the development of a gynecological disease.

During pregnancy, the labia also swell. This is due to the accumulation of fat cells in the lower abdomen to provide the fetus with maximum comfort and maintain warmth. In addition, during pregnancy the fetus grows and puts pressure on internal organs, as well as on arteries. Because of this, blood circulates a little worse than usual, and swelling of the labia occurs.

Sometimes the cause of swelling can be varicose veins veins in the genital area of a pregnant woman. This is not a pathology if it does not cause serious discomfort. Everything will return to normal after childbirth. But you should follow some recommendations: walk more and sleep on your side. In addition, be sure to see a specialist to avoid possible complications.

Gynecological diseases that cause swelling of the labia majora and minora include the following:

Candidiasis (thrush). This fungal infection provokes the appearance of the following symptoms: cheesy discharge, itching and burning in the genital area. Thrush can occur in stressful situations, reduced immunity, unbalanced diet, hormonal changes, due to friction from synthetic or tight-fitting underwear. You can also become infected with thrush through sexual contact.
Vulvodynia, when throbbing pain is felt inside the vagina. Diseases occur as a result of prolonged candidiasis, sexually transmitted infectious diseases, long-term antibiotic therapy, wearing uncomfortable underwear, and various somatic diseases. Sometimes the burning and painful sensations are so strong that wearing pads or using tampons causes discomfort.
Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva (clitoris, vagina, labia), which is characterized not only by the presence of swelling, but also by severe burning and redness skin genital organs, discomfort and pain. The inflammatory process can occur as a result of non-compliance with the rules intimate hygiene, long-term treatment with medications (especially antibiotics), excessive moisture in the genital area, allergic reactions.
Bartholinitis, in which the Bartholin glands located at the base of the vagina become inflamed. Inflammation begins with the development of an abscess. Can provoke bartholinitis sexually transmitted infection. In this case, the genitals swell, and there is severe redness at the location of the Bartholin glands.
Gardnerellosis, which is one of the types of vaginal dysbiosis. The disease is characterized by swelling of the labia, foamy discharge and an unpleasant fishy odor.

Also, the cause of swelling can be genital herpes, when one or more blisters filled with clear liquid appear in the labia area. The main symptoms of the period of exacerbation of this infectious disease are itching, burning, heat in the genital area. Swelling and redness appear. The woman feels weakness and deterioration in her general condition. These signs are observed for one to two weeks and disappear after the exacerbation passes. Provoking factors that increase the risk of infection or the frequency of exacerbation periods are frequent change sexual partners and a decrease in the body's protective functions.

In addition, swelling of the genital organs can occur in the following situations:

allergic reactions;
mechanical impact on the pelvic organs;
chronic diseases of a urological nature;
infectious diseases such as ureaplasmosis, gonorrhea, chlamydia.

Treatment of swelling of the labia

Therapy will directly depend on the cause of this symptom. After the gynecologist determines what led to the swelling, a method will be chosen to relieve swelling in the labia area:

If thrush is diagnosed, the specialist will prescribe special vaginal suppositories and medications, increasing immunity.
For vulvitis, swelling will be relieved by using an antiseptic.
Taking antibacterial agents is indicated for the development of bartholinitis.
Infectious diseases are treated using antibiotics, immunomodulators, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs.
When the cause of swelling of the labia is diseases endocrine system, competent and effective treatment selected by an endocrinologist.

Vulvodynia is often a complication of thrush that has not been treated for a long time, so therapy will consist of the following:

reception hormonal drugs containing female hormones;
the use of analgesics to help eliminate painful sensations;
treatment with antidepressants and antihistamines;
carrying out physiotherapeutic procedures (acupuncture gives good results);
the use of folk remedies - baths based on anti-inflammatory medicinal herbs(calendula, chamomile and string).

Sometimes, in in rare cases, surgical intervention is indicated.

If the labia are swollen as a result of an allergic reaction, it is necessary to stop exposing the allergen to the intimate areas: stop using soap or gel that is not suitable, do not wear synthetic underwear, allergic. In addition, antihistamine and hormonal ointments are used. If swelling occurs during pregnancy, they try to cope with the problem folk remedies so as not to harm the fetus.

Preventive actions

To prevent a problem of this nature from arising, a woman must follow the rules of intimate hygiene, using special hygiene products. Should be organized proper care behind the genitals, do not allow dirt to get on the genitals, change regularly underwear. Intimate hygiene products should sufficiently moisturize the skin and not cause it to dry out.

If intimate problems arise, not every woman immediately consults a doctor. The reason for this is indecision, embarrassment, fear. Swelling of the labia is one of these reasons. In some cases, along with swelling, symptoms such as redness, pain, vaginal discharge, and itching of the genitals may occur. First of all, you need to find out the cause of these unpleasant manifestations and eliminate it. What to do if the labia are swollen?

Factors causing swelling

Why do the labia swell? There may be several reasons:

Allergy. Very often this is the reason that leads to swelling. An allergic skin reaction in the vaginal area can occur to both underwear and cosmetics.
Bartholinitis. Most common reason, causing swelling. Bartholin's glands are located at the entrance to the vagina. When an infection enters the female body, inflammation with purulent foci may occur in the glands. Also, a cyst can form and fester in the Bartholin gland. The labia swell and the area becomes painful, especially increasing discomfort during sex or when walking. Purulent abscesses and cysts aggravate the disease. At early diagnosis The disease can even heal itself. If you start bartholinitis, it threatens with an abscess.
Vulvovaginitis. It can occur due to mechanical irritation of intimate areas or due to non-compliance with personal hygiene rules. In this case, the lips become swollen, there may be itching, and a feeling of discomfort.
Vulvodynia in a progressive stage. Pain in the labia area and swelling are symptoms that are caused by long-term treatment with antibiotics or chronic candidiasis.
Vulvitis and vaginitis. For swelling of the lips, as well as greenish vaginal discharge that has bad smell, and pain during urination may be inflammation of the vagina or external genitalia. The causes of these pathologies may be frequent abortions, trauma to the genital organs, lack of hygiene, and promiscuity.
Candidiasis (thrush). Symptoms of this pathology: vaginal discharge, its consistency is very similar to cottage cheese, a sour smell, pain during sexual intercourse, the external genitals itch.

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis, based on the results of a gynecologist’s examination and research. When the cause is established, the doctor will individually select treatment.

Why is the labia minora swollen?

What can lead to puffiness and swelling:

Allergic reaction (synthetic underwear, condoms, hygiene products).
Swelling after sex. If the swelling goes away after some time, nothing needs to be done. During sex, a woman experiences arousal, blood rushes to the nerve endings and vessels in the labia minora, causing them to increase in size.
Pregnancy. Hormonal changes V female body promote a more active flow of blood to the genitals, which also causes swelling.
Tight underwear.
Diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and endocrine system can also cause swelling.
Infectious diseases. In this case, without a visit to the doctor you will not be able to cope with the problem on your own. Thrush, vulvitis and other sexually transmitted infections can enter the genitourinary system if intimate hygiene rules are not followed. If swollen labia minora, itches, a cheesy discharge with an unpleasant odor is observed from the vagina, this indicates the presence of an infection.

Why do women's genital organs become swollen?

Factors that cause swelling of the labia majora:

Failure to comply with intimate hygiene rules.
Allergic reaction to personal care products or latex.
Synthetic and low quality underwear.
Diseases of the heart, blood vessels, endocrine system.
Strong sexual arousal.
Inflammation or infectious diseases of the genitourinary system.

What to do if there is swelling?

If your labia are swollen, no matter how large or small it is swollen, it is better to consult a doctor. Perhaps the cause of this phenomenon will go away on its own, but consulting a specialist will not be superfluous.

In most cases, swelling is caused by natural physiological processes in the female body. In this case, the swelling will go away on its own, without any treatment.

Strictly adhere to the rules of intimate hygiene.
Wear comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics that does not restrict movement.
Underwear must be clean.
Proper nutrition. The presence of certain foods in the diet can cause an allergic reaction, which results in itching.
Avoid stressful situations, be less nervous.
If a woman has many sexual partners, this increases the risk of contracting infections.
If, in addition to swelling, other symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor, and after determining the cause, follow all his recommendations.
Try to eliminate abortions.
If the vaginal mucosa is dry, for protection intimate place from injuries during sex, it is recommended to use special intimate gels.
Use white pads to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
When caring for the bikini area, use only your own machine. If it arises severe irritation, you need to use an antiseptic.
Regular examinations by a gynecologist should become the norm; you should not ignore them.

Women should take care of themselves, their health, especially intimate health. When unpleasant symptoms A favorable result is possible only if you consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his recommendations.

Image from lori.ru

If you're in pain labia, you can’t expect that the unpleasant sensations will go away on their own. Any unpleasant sensations in the area of the labia and vagina should serve as a signal to go to the doctor.

A condition in which the labia (or both) are swollen and painful can be caused by the following reasons:

1. You have developed inflammation of the labia, or vulvovaginitis. It arises from various reasons, associated with tissue irritation caused by rubbing of the external genitalia with underwear, irritation from discharge, or infection from dirty hands during masturbation.

Symptoms of vulvovaginitis: itchy, swollen labia and pain when urinating and walking, there is noticeable redness. An unpleasant-smelling, yellowish-green discharge may be present.

2. Thrush, aka. This disease affects the mucous membrane of the labia and vagina. The causative agent of this disease, the yeast-like fungus Candida, is normally a natural inhabitant of the microflora of the vagina and other human organs (gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, excretory system). But if, due to the action of some internal or external factors the number of Candida microorganisms becomes prevalent in the microflora, and candidiasis develops.

Symptoms of thrush: the labia are irritated and sore, after sex and during sex there are painful sensations inside the vagina, there is noticeable redness of the mucous membrane, discharge appears - leucorrhoea - with a characteristic cheesy texture and sour smell. The affected mucous membrane burns, itches and itches.

3. If pain in the labia is concentrated at the entrance to the vagina, it may be vulvodynia. However, this difficult to diagnose disease can affect all genitals. Painful sensations are caused by constant inflammation of the nerve endings located in the vulva. This painful condition can be caused by infection, chronic candidiasis, long-term treatment with antibiotics. Determining that it is vulvodynia is quite difficult; diagnosis is complicated by the similarity of symptoms with other diseases. If the diagnosis is inaccurate, a woman can suffer psychological trauma if her disease is diagnosed as, or even unnecessary drug treatment.

Symptoms of vulvodynia: chronic inflammation and pain in the labia, any touch, whether using pads or tampons on menstrual days, cycling, sex, causes severe burning and pain.

4. Inflammation of the Bartholin glands. Bartholinitis affects the large gland of the vaginal vestibule, causing swelling and pain in the labia. Blocked and inflamed Bartholin's glands are a pair of organs, one on each of the labia. Bartholinitis interferes with the normal functioning of the glands - the secretion of lubricant. Doctors find it difficult to give a definite answer to the question about the reasons for the development of bartholinitis; its occurrence is attributed to the influence of various microorganisms - gonococcus, staphylococci and others.

Symptoms of bartholinitis: mainly with this disease, the labia hurt after sex and during it. Even during the process of increasing sexual arousal, the patient feels a throbbing pain that does not leave her for several hours. Near the vagina, lumps may be clearly visible on the labia.

5. . One of the types of vaginal dysbiosis caused by the microorganism Gardnerella vaginalis. Main characteristic feature The occurrence of gardnerellosis is what is popularly called the “smell of herring” - a discharge in the form of foam or a clear liquid with the smell of decomposing fish. It is caused by trimethylamine and cadaverine vapors released by anaerobic bacteria.

Symptoms of the disease: itching and pain in the vaginal area and its entrance, discharge from transparent to gray-green, difficulty urinating.

Specialists who help get rid of pain in the labia:

Dermatovenerologist
Gynecologist

The appearance of a visible formation in the area of the external genitalia:
- increased tissue volume, swelling;
- change in skin or mucous membrane color;
- ulceration (formation of ulcers).

Bloody, watery, purulent or mixed discharge on underwear or feminine hygiene products.
Pain in the area of the external genitalia, aggravated by mechanical pressure, walking, or sexual intercourse.
Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area, determined by touch.
General malaise, weakness, weight loss.

Forms

Benign tumors of the external genitalia:
- vulvar fibroma (tumor from connective tissue external genitalia);
- vulvar fibroids (tumor from the muscle tissue of the external genitalia);
- vulvar fibroids (a tumor containing elements of muscle and connective tissue of the external genitalia).

Benign tumors of the external genitalia in women develop most often in the area of the labia majora and minora. They manifest themselves as an increase in the size of the labia on the affected side in the form of a smooth rounded bump or tumor on a stalk (polyp). Usually tumors are not large sizes, but without treatment they can grow up to several kilograms. When the tumor reaches a large size, blood circulation is disrupted, which leads to the destruction of the tissue of the tumor node and is accompanied by the appearance of pain.

Vulvar cancer.

Vulvar cancer most often develops on the labia majora and clitoris, a little less often in the area of the labia minora, the most rare localization (location) of a malignant tumor is the Bartholin glands ( large glands vestibule of the vagina) and urethra. Vulvar cancer may appear as a swelling above the surface of the skin or mucous membrane, an ulcer, or an area of tissue compaction. Vulvar cancer is accompanied by pain, purulent and bloody discharge.

Causes

Genetic predisposition (tumor diseases in female relatives).
Chronic and acute inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs.
Immunodeficiency (pronounced decrease in the body's immune defense).
Background and precancerous diseases of the external genitalia: kraurosis (thinning, dryness and itching of the mucous membrane of the external genitalia), leukoplakia (the appearance of thin films or whitish plaques on the mucous membrane of the external genitalia, itching and burning), genital warts (warty growths of the mucous membrane of the external genitals).
Exposure to carcinogenic factors (cancer causing):
- smoking;
- alcoholism;
- excessive sun exposure;
- poor nutrition;
- inhalation of toxic substances (benzene vapor, benzopyrene);
- use of low-quality hygiene products (intimate cosmetics, sanitary pads).

Diagnostics

Analysis of the medical history and complaints (when (how long ago) changes appeared in the area of the external genitalia, discharge, pain, whether they spread elsewhere, whether they intensify, how often they occur, etc.).
Analysis of obstetric and gynecological history (transferred gynecological diseases, surgeries, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancies, abortions, etc.).
Analysis of menstrual function (at what age did the first menstruation begin, the duration and regularity of the cycle, the abundance and pain of menstruation, etc.).
Gynecological examination (examination of the perineum, labia, vestibule of the vagina, etc.) with mandatory bimanual (two-handed) vaginal examination. The gynecologist with both hands, by touch (palpation), determines the size of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, their ratio, the condition of the ligamentous apparatus of the uterus and the area of the appendages, their mobility, pain, etc.
Cytological examination (examination under a microscope) of smears-imprints from the surface of altered external genitalia.
Histological examination (examination under a microscope) of a tumor tissue sample.
Lymphography is an x-ray examination of the lymph nodes to detect tumor metastases (daughter tumors that grow from the cells of the primary tumor that have traveled through the blood or lymph to other organs).
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal and pelvic organs to exclude metastases.
Computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdominal cavity and pelvis to exclude metastases.
X-ray of organs chest to exclude metastases.
Diagnostic laparoscopy to exclude metastases.
Consultation.

Treatment of tumors of the external genitalia

Surgical removal of a tumor by enucleation (isolating a tumor node from healthy tissue), with suturing of the resulting wound for benign neoplasms of the external genitalia.
Vulvectomy is the surgical removal of the external genitalia (labia, clitoris, and skin covering the perineum), which is performed for cancer of the external genitalia. The operation also includes removal of lymph nodes. The skin defect in the wound area is covered with a skin flap (the skin of neighboring areas is stretched or skin is transplanted from other parts of the body).
Radiation therapy is the destruction of malignant cells using ionizing radiation (for example, X-rays), which is carried out on the perineal area.
Chemotherapy is the destruction of cancer cells using cytostatics (substances that prevent cell division and renewal). Chemotherapy is usually used in conjunction with radiation therapy in cases where surgical removal of the tumor is contraindicated (for severe general condition sick).

Complications and consequences

Benign tumors, when increasing in size, cause:

pain,
discomfort when walking,
become an obstacle to sexual activity,
cause a cosmetic defect.

Malignant tumors of the external genitalia are very dangerous, as they quickly metastasize (spread throughout the body through the blood and lymph flow). This is due to rich blood supply and good lymph circulation in the perineal area. The best treatment results can be achieved with initial stages cancer of the external genitalia, when the tumor has not yet reached large sizes and has not spread to the surrounding tissues. In later stages, the prognosis for health and life worsens.
However, timely combined treatment (a combination of radiation therapy and surgical intervention) in most cases allows you to destroy cancer cells in the body, avoid metastases (spread of the tumor throughout the body through the blood and lymph) and relapses (reappearance of cancer). (warty growths of the mucous membrane of the external genitalia).

Additionally

There are benign and malignant tumors.

Benign neoplasms are characterized by:

slow growth;
the presence of a clear boundary with surrounding tissues (for example, a smooth capsule);
the tumor does not grow into neighboring tissues and organs, but compresses them when it reaches a large size;
the tumor does not metastasize (daughter tumors that develop from cells of the mother tumor that enter other tissues and organs through the blood and lymph flow);
after surgical removal it rarely grows back.

Malignant tumors are characterized by:

fast growth;
penetration into neighboring organs and tissues;
lack of a clear boundary with healthy tissues;
ability to metastasize;
after surgical removal it often grows back.

Medical indications

Why do the labia swell? There are several reasons for the occurrence of the symptoms in question. The tumor can be triggered by bartholinitis - inflammation caused by an infection occurring in the Bartholin gland. In this case, purulent foci appear. A cyst formed in the gland can provoke this condition. If bartholinitis is detected early, the prognosis is favorable. Otherwise, an abscess develops.

Another reason why the labia are swollen is vulvovaginitis, which is associated with irritation of the organ caused by mechanical contact. With this pathology, the genitals may itch and swelling may occur.

Another common cause of swelling on the labia is candidiasis. With this disease, other signs may appear:

presence of cheesy vaginal discharge;
presence of an unpleasant sour odor;
pain.

The following diseases can lead to swelling of the genital organs:

progressive vulvodynia;
vulvitis;
sensitive skin.

Only a qualified doctor can find out the exact cause of swelling of the labia after examining the patient. Then therapy is prescribed, consisting of antibiotics and immunomodulatory drugs.

Clinical picture

Gynecologists identify the anatomical causes of swelling of the labia. A similar clinic is observed with sexual fantasy, mechanical stimulation of reproductive function, and sexual intercourse. If the labia is swollen due to the above reasons, therapy is not required.

Organ swelling adult woman may appear after sex (with prolonged contact with the penis). In such cases, it is recommended to use anti-allergenic lubricant. In this case, no special treatment is prescribed. Situations when a doctor's help is required:

the smell, consistency and color of vaginal discharge have changed;
if the labia are swollen and itchy, and the delicate skin is damaged;
when compactions and neoplasms appear.