- 1. Allergies
- 2. Intense sexual intercourse
- 3. Pregnancy
- 4. Bartholin cysts
- 5. Vulvovaginitis
- 6. Candidiasis
- 7. Vulvar Crohn's disease
- When to go to the doctor
The vagina can become swollen because of some changes such as allergies, infections, inflammations and cysts, however, this symptom can also appear in late pregnancy and after intimate relationships.
Often, swelling in the vagina appears along with other symptoms such as itching, burning, redness and yellow or greenish vaginal discharge, and in these cases, it is important to consult a gynecologist to find out the cause of these symptoms and start appropriate treatment.
Thus, the conditions and diseases that can cause swelling in the vagina are:
1. Allergies
As in other parts of the body, the mucosa of the vagina is made up of defense cells that react when they recognize a substance as invasive. Thus, when a person applies an irritating product to the vagina, it can cause this reaction, leading to the appearance of allergy and causing symptoms such as swelling, itching and redness.
Some products such as soaps, vaginal creams, synthetic clothes and flavored lubricating oils can cause irritation and cause allergies in the vagina, so it is important to avoid products that are not tested and approved by ANVISA.
What to do: When using any product in the vaginal area it is important to know how the body will react and, if symptoms of allergy appear, it is necessary to stop the application of the product, apply cold water compress and take anti-allergic.
However, if the symptoms of swelling, pain and redness do not go away after two days, it is recommended to see a gynecologist to prescribe oral corticosteroids or ointments and to investigate the cause of the allergy.
2. Intense sexual intercourse
After intercourse, the vagina may become swollen because of an allergy to the partner's condom or semen, however, this can also happen because the vagina has not greased enough, leading to increased friction during intimate contact. Swelling in the vagina can also occur after having multiple sexual intercourse during the same day, in which case it usually disappears spontaneously.
What to do: in situations where dryness or irritation occurs during sexual intercourse, it is recommended to use water-based lubricants, without flavorings or other chemicals. It may also be necessary to use lubricated condoms to reduce friction during intercourse.
If, in addition to swelling in the vagina, symptoms such as pain, burning and vaginal discharge appear, it is important to consult a gynecologist to assess whether you have another associated disease.
3. Pregnancy
At the end of pregnancy, the vagina may become swollen because of the pressure caused by the baby and the reduced blood flow in the pelvic area. Most of the times, in addition to the swelling, it is normal for the vagina to become more bluish in color.
What to do: To relieve swelling in the vagina during pregnancy, you can apply a cold compress or rinse the area with cold water. It is also important to rest and lie down, as this helps to reduce pressure in the vagina. After the baby is born, the swelling in the vagina disappears.
4. Bartholin cysts
The swollen vagina can be a symptom of a cyst in the Bartholin's gland, which serves to lubricate the vaginal canal at the moment of intimate contact. This type of cyst consists of the appearance of a benign tumor that develops because of an obstruction in the tube of the Bartholin gland.
In addition to swelling, this tumor can cause pain, which worsens when sitting or walking, and can lead to the appearance of a pus pouch, called an abscess. Know other symptoms of Bartholin's cyst and how treatment is done.
What to do: When identifying these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to examine the swollen area of the vagina. Treatment usually consists of using pain relieving medications, antibiotics in case of purulent discharge or surgery to remove the cyst.
5. Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginitis is an infection in the vagina that can be caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and protozoa and causes symptoms such as swelling, itching and irritation in the vagina, and also leads to the appearance of yellow or greenish vaginal discharge with a foul odor.
In most cases, vulvovaginitis can be transmitted sexually and may not cause any symptoms, so women who maintain an active sex life should be regularly followed up with a gynecologist. The main vulvovaginitis that cause swelling in the vagina, are trichomoniasis and chlamydia infection.
What to do: When symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist to assess the clinical history, undergo a gynecological examination and, in some cases, perform blood tests. The doctor may prescribe specific medications, depending on the type of infection, but it is important to maintain adequate hygiene habits. Find out more which remedies are used to treat vulvovaginitis.
6. Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a very common infection in women, caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans and which leads to the appearance of symptoms such as intense itching, burning, redness, cracking, whitish plaques and swelling in the vagina.
Some situations can increase the risk of developing this infection, such as wearing synthetic, damp and very tight clothes, overeating some foods rich in sugar and milk and not doing intimate hygiene properly. In addition, women with diabetes, who use antibiotics regularly and with low immunity are also more at risk of having candidiasis.
What to do: it is necessary to consult a gynecologist if these symptoms appear, as the doctor will request tests to make the diagnosis and indicate the most appropriate treatment, which consists of the use of ointments and medications. It is also important to avoid the use of synthetic underwear and daily protector, as well as, it is recommended to avoid washing the panties with washing powder.
Here's how to cure candidiasis naturally:
7. Vulvar Crohn's disease
Crohn's genital disease is a disorder caused by excessive inflammation of the intimate organs, leading to swelling, redness and cracks in the vagina. This situation arises when the cells of intestinal Crohn's disease spread and migrate to the vagina.
What to do: If the person is already diagnosed with Crohn's disease, it is necessary to consult the gastroenterologist regularly to maintain the treatment and prevent this situation from happening. However, if the person does not know if they have Crohn's disease and if the symptoms suddenly appear or worsen over the days, it is important to consult a gynecologist for more specific tests.
When to go to the doctor
If in addition to having a swollen vagina, the person has pain, burning, bleeding and fever, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as these symptoms indicate the presence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted sexually.
Therefore, to avoid the appearance of infections in the vagina it is important to use condoms, which also protect against serious diseases such as AIDS, syphilis and HPV.
