Swollen Vagina: Common Causes And When It's A Concern

Few things feel as awkward – or as uncomfortable – as swelling in your genital area. A swollen vagina can trigger real worry that something's seriously wrong, but in most cases vulva swelling turns out to be harmless. Read on to find out when it's actually time to call your doctor.

Before anything else, a quick anatomy refresher. When people search "swollen vagina," they're usually really asking about the vulva – the outer part of your genitals, made up of the labia minora and majora, the clitoris, and the mons. My guide on what a normal vagina looks like is a fast way to get the terminology straight.

Swelling in this outer area is easy to see and feel. Internal swelling, on the other hand, can go unnoticed. Your cervix is one internal structure that can become inflamed, often from overly rough sex, big penis sex, infections, STIs, or even IUD use.

An internal issue might show up as bleeding after sex, which is worth mentioning to your doctor. Read more about the reasons you bleed after sex.

With the anatomy basics covered, let's get into what actually causes a swollen vulva.

For the record, swelling of the vulva and vagina together is called vulvovaginitis [1] (vaginitis refers to any vaginal infection), while "edema" is just the general term for swelling.

1. Sexual Arousal

Believe it or not, mild swelling is a built-in part of your body's sexual response. Normal vaginas naturally shift in appearance when you're turned on, swelling slightly as blood flow increases. This isn't unique to your genitals, either – your lips and chest fill with blood and flush too.

Plenty of animals share this trait, and it's actually a signal males rely on to detect when females are aroused and fertile [2] [3]. It's harder to spot in humans, and you might not clock a swollen vulva while you're caught up with a partner or a favorite toy. Still, it's worth a curious glance in the mirror sometime.

2. Injury Or Trauma

Even minor trauma, like a session of rough sex, can leave your vulva swollen for a day or two. It's usually nothing to stress over – just go easy until the tenderness fades.

One way to lower your odds of this kind of inflammation is using lube. Personal lubricant keeps things slick, easing penetration by a penis or toy and cutting down on friction during sex. If sex hurts because your body isn't producing enough natural lubrication on its own, a bottle of lube can make a real difference.

Lube also works in a pinch as massage oil (silicone-based formulas do this best). And it helps prevent the micro-tears that sex or masturbation can cause, tears that leave you more vulnerable to infections and STIs. Learn all about lube.

Swelling can also stem from injuries unrelated to sex – frequent cyclists, for instance, sometimes deal with vulva swelling from riding. Surgery is one way to address this [4].

3. Ingrown Hairs Or Post-Shaving Infection

Localized swelling in a small spot is often just an inflamed hair follicle or ingrown hair after shaving. These aren't pretty and can hurt, and in more severe cases the infection can grow noticeably large and tender.

A few home remedies can prevent or treat these bumps:

• Exfoliate after you shave.
• Keep the area dry.
• Cut down on friction there.
• Apply a warm compress if it's infected.
• Drawing salves can help bring an infection to a head.
• A needle or tweezers may help draw out the trapped hair – but leave any incision work to a doctor.

4. Allergic Reactions

Your vulva cleans itself, so soap has no business being used inside it. The skin down there is highly reactive to chemicals, soaps, and even certain fabrics. New underwear or a switched laundry detergent could easily explain sudden swelling. Condoms are another frequent trigger – people with a latex allergy can develop genital swelling along with itching and pain.

Antihistamines like Benadryl can ease allergy-related symptoms.

5. Cysts

Like a razor bump, a cyst produces swelling confined to one spot. Cysts form when a sac fills with fluid at or near the surface of the skin. They're rarely serious, though they can be painful, and a doctor can tell you whether yours needs to be drained.

Cysts in the Skene's gland (a gland that plays a role in squirting – more here) do occur from time to time [5].

Most cysts are benign [6], though one in this particular spot can still be quite uncomfortable.

7. Lymph Nodes, Normal And Otherwise

Lymph nodes are glands that help your immune system function, found in areas like your neck and groin. They swell up when your body is actively fighting an infection – think back to the last time your neck or ears puffed up during a cold.

Lots of infections can trigger lymph node swelling, and even certain medications can cause it. A common cold comes from a virus, but cancer can also cause your lymph glands to swell as your body attempts to fight it [7] [8]. Lymphoma and leukemia are particularly known for triggering this kind of inflammation, and Crohn's disease affecting the vulva is another possible cause [9].

Anything that blocks or disrupts normal lymph node function can also lead to vulvar swelling. So swelling can point either to a lymphatic system working exactly as it should, or one that's malfunctioning. Rest assured, vaginal swelling is rarely a sign of something as serious as cancer, so try not to panic.

8. Yeast Infections

Discharge and vaginal odor are the symptoms most people associate with yeast infections, and they're certainly common ones. But swelling is a symptom that's easy to overlook when more obvious signs are present.

Yeast infections are extremely common and respond well to medication. See a doctor if a suspected yeast infection isn't clearing up on its own. Keep in mind you can pass a yeast infection back and forth with a partner, so it's smart to hold off on sex until it clears.

Find out more about symptoms and treatment of yeast infections.

9. Trichomonas Vaginitis

Trich, a sexually transmitted infection, is another possible cause of swelling and itching down there. It typically comes with an unpleasant discharge as well. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and the swelling that comes with it.

10. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is another cause of a swollen vagina – the entire region fills with extra blood. One upside is increased sensitivity.

That sensitivity isn't always welcome, though. Things that used to feel pleasurable can start to feel like too much, similar to how hypersensitive your clitoris feels right after orgasm, except spread across your whole vulva.

Blood flow isn't the only thing ramping up, either. Your lymphatic system tends to go into overdrive during pregnancy too, adding to the swelling [10]. Severe vulval edema is less common, but it can create complications during pregnancy when it happens [11].

What To Do About A Swollen Vagina

So what's the move if you're dealing with a swollen vulva? By now you probably have a decent guess at the cause, which points you toward the right response.

If arousal is behind it, there's nothing to do – just enjoy it, or if the timing's off, let it pass on its own.

For cysts or infections, get your doctor involved, especially if a fever shows up alongside the swelling.

For milder issues like a reaction or razor bump, ice works well to bring swelling down, and over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen can help too. A warm compress on an ingrown hair can speed things along and ease discomfort.

Stick to loose, breathable clothing, keep the area free of sweat, and dial back exercise if it's aggravating things further.

Severe swelling can even make urination difficult, since your urethra runs through the vulva.

By the way, is sex painful for you?

If you think a new chemical product triggered the swelling, eliminate it. Stop using new detergents, douches, or soaps one at a time to pin down the culprit.

And remember, your vagina cleans itself – soap has no place inside it. Using soap internally can throw off your pH or lead to bacterial infection. A rinse with water is plenty, and any cleanser should stay limited to the outer vulva.

If this list has you worried about your own swelling, try the at-home suggestions above for relief first. If the swelling sticks around after a few days, it's always reasonable to check in with your doctor.

October 31, 2020