Noticing a swollen vulva after intercourse will be scary however it’s nothing to be terrified of. If it doesn’t subside by itself, there are methods to handle and forestall it.
Having intercourse can fire up a whole lot of actions and emotions it’s possible you’ll not have skilled earlier than – and that’s as a result of lots goes into your physique and thoughts. One of many issues that will fear some ladies is a swollen vulva. Sure, it’s comfy however it’s usually a brief drawback and nothing you must sweat over. Whereas it’s usually attributable to friction or irritation throughout intercourse, it may well additionally point out an underlying situation or illness. Realizing what causes a swollen vulva will 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 inside 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 line with a examine revealed within the Medical Sensible Circumstances Emergency Drugs, swelling within the vulva can happen for numerous causes, similar to sexual arousal, friction throughout sexual exercise, infections, allergic reactions, hormonal modifications, or bodily trauma. Whereas it’s usually momentary and resolves by itself, persistent or extreme swelling might require medical consideration to rule out underlying situations.
Causes of swollen vulva after intercourse
Listed here are some potential causes of a swollen vulva after intercourse, as defined by the professional.
1. Elevated blood circulate
Throughout sexual arousal, the blood vessels within the genital space dilate and might result in elevated blood circulate to the vulva, inflicting swelling and puffiness. Your clitoris can also develop. This engorgement may cause momentary swelling, which often 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 prone to happen if there’s inadequate lubrication. Inadequate pure lubrication throughout intercourse can improve friction, resulting in irritation and swelling. This may be exacerbated by means of sure condoms or lubricants that will dry out rapidly.
3. Allergic reactions
Some ladies might 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 might comprise chemical compounds that may trigger an allergic response or irritation, resulting in swelling.
4. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is among the most typical vaginal infections affecting ladies worldwide, with important implications for each reproductive and general well being. It occurs when dangerous micro organism exchange the nice micro organism within the vagina. Signs often embrace off-white or gray discharge and a fishy vaginal odour, as present in a examine revealed within the StatsPearl. Vulva swelling can be doable, however much less widespread.
5. Yeast infections
Ladies usually have yeast cells and different micro organism dwelling on their pores and skin and vagina. When your vagina has an excessive amount of yeast, you’ll 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 revealed within the Journal of Midwifery and Ladies’s Well being. It will possibly 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 generally known as sexually transmitted illnesses, are the transmission of an organism between sexual companions by numerous routes of sexual contact, similar to oral, anal, or vaginal. Sure STIs, similar to herpes, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia, may cause swelling, redness, and discomfort within the genital space, as present in a examine revealed in StatsPearl. If swelling persists or is accompanied by different signs like sores, ache, or discharge, it is very important search medical consideration.
7. Trauma or damage
Direct trauma to the genital space throughout intercourse, similar to extreme stress or influence, 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 ladies. Throughout sexual arousal, blood circulate to the genital space will increase considerably, inflicting the vulva to develop into engorged and swollen,” says the professional. It is a pure response to sexual stimulation and usually subsides inside a number of hours after sexual exercise.
When is it regular?
- Momentary swelling: The swelling often subsides shortly after intercourse as blood circulate returns to regular ranges.
- Gentle discomfort: Some delicate discomfort or tenderness would possibly accompany the swelling, however it shouldn’t be extreme or extended.
When it could 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 could be an indication of an underlying situation, similar to an an infection or allergic response.
- Recurring swelling: Frequent swelling after intercourse that doesn’t resolve rapidly would possibly require additional investigation to rule out situations like allergic reactions, infections, or pores and skin irritations.
Easy methods to stop a swollen vulva?
Stopping swollen vulva entails taking steps to minimise irritation and scale back the chance of irritation. Listed here are some methods to stop a swollen vulva, as recommended by the professional:
1. Guarantee sufficient lubrication
If pure lubrication is inadequate, use a water-based lubricant throughout sexual exercise to scale back friction and forestall irritation. In line with a examine revealed within the Sexual Well being and Reproductive Well being Issues, lubricants will help scale back vaginal dryness and discomfort throughout sexual exercise, providing momentary reduction from dyspareunia. Vaginal moisturisers are supposed for use each day to advertise consolation and long-term benefits by lowering vaginal dryness. Additionally, ingesting sufficient water will help preserve pure lubrication ranges.
2. Select the proper merchandise
Use hypoallergenic condoms, lubricants, and different sexual merchandise to scale back the chance of allergic reactions and irritation. Keep away from merchandise with fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemical compounds that would irritate the delicate pores and skin of the vulva.
3. Practise protected intercourse
Have interaction in mild sexual exercise to minimise the chance of trauma or damage to the vulva. Use ample lubrication and keep away from positions that trigger discomfort. Talk together with your accomplice 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 realm with heat water and delicate, unscented cleaning soap. Keep away from douching, as it may well disrupt the pure stability of micro organism and result in irritation. After intercourse, gently clear the genital space to take away any irritants and scale back the chance of an infection.
Easy methods to deal with a swollen vulva after intercourse?
When you expertise a swollen vulva after intercourse, you possibly can strive some expert-approved methods to alleviate the discomfort.
1. Chilly compress
A chilly compress or ice pack wrapped in a material will help scale 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 better by resting and avoiding additional irritation to the realm. Keep away from sexual exercise till the swelling subsides. Additionally, carrying loose-fitting, breathable clothes and cotton underwear will help stop additional irritation and permit the realm 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 revealed within the Meals High quality and Security.
4. Sitz bathtub
A sitz bathtub is a heat, shallow bathtub through which you sit to alleviate discomfort in your perineal space, which is the area between your anus and genitals, as present in a examine revealed in Pediatric Emergency Drugs. Including Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal can improve the soothing impact.
Whereas these treatments are efficient for treating swollen vulva, it is very important seek the advice of together with your healthcare supplier earlier than utilizing these treatments to scale back swollen vulva.
