Noticing a swollen vulva after intercourse will be scary however it’s nothing to be afraid of. If it doesn’t subside by itself, there are methods to handle and forestall it.
Having intercourse can fire up quite a 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 downside and nothing it’s best to sweat over. Whereas it’s usually brought on by friction or irritation throughout intercourse, it may possibly additionally point out an underlying situation or illness. Understanding what causes a swollen vulva will help you determine the road of motion and methods to forestall it, and keep secure.
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 interior 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 accordance with a research printed within the Medical Sensible Circumstances Emergency Medication, swelling within the vulva can happen for numerous causes, akin to sexual arousal, friction throughout sexual exercise, infections, allergic reactions, hormonal adjustments, or bodily trauma. Whereas it’s usually momentary and resolves by itself, persistent or extreme swelling might require medical consideration to rule out underlying circumstances.
Causes of swollen vulva after intercourse
Listed below are some potential causes of a swollen vulva after intercourse, as defined by the professional.
1. Elevated blood stream
Throughout sexual arousal, the blood vessels within the genital space dilate and may result in elevated blood stream to the vulva, inflicting swelling and puffiness. Your clitoris may additionally develop. This engorgement may cause momentary swelling, which normally subsides after sexual exercise ends.
2. Friction
Extended or tough sexual exercise may cause friction towards the vulva, resulting in irritation and swelling. That is extra prone 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 that will dry out rapidly.
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3. Allergic reactions
Some ladies might have an allergic response to latex condoms, sure lubricants, or different supplies used throughout intercourse. This could 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 without doubt one of the most typical vaginal infections affecting ladies worldwide, with vital implications for each reproductive and total well being. It occurs when unhealthy micro organism change the great micro organism within the vagina. Signs normally embody off-white or gray discharge and a fishy vaginal odour, as present in a research printed within the StatsPearl. Vulva swelling can also be doable, however much less frequent.
5. Yeast infections
Ladies 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’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 research printed within the Journal of Midwifery and Ladies’s Well being. It could actually 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 numerous routes of sexual contact, akin to oral, anal, or vaginal. Sure STIs, akin to herpes, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia, may cause swelling, redness, and discomfort within the genital space, as present in a research printed 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 harm
Direct trauma to the genital space throughout intercourse, akin to extreme strain or impression, may cause swelling of the vulva. This could 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 stream to the genital space will increase considerably, inflicting the vulva to grow to be engorged and swollen,” says the professional. This can be a pure response to sexual stimulation and sometimes subsides inside a number of hours after sexual exercise.
When is it regular?
- Momentary swelling: The swelling normally subsides shortly after intercourse as blood stream returns to regular ranges.
- Delicate discomfort: Some gentle discomfort or tenderness may accompany the swelling, nevertheless it shouldn’t be extreme or extended.
When it may be regarding?
- Extreme or persistent swelling: If the swelling is extreme, it might final for a protracted interval, or is accompanied by intense ache, itching, or uncommon discharge. it may be an indication of an underlying subject, akin to an an infection or allergic response.
- Recurring swelling: Frequent swelling after intercourse that doesn’t resolve rapidly may require additional investigation to rule out circumstances like allergic reactions, infections, or pores and skin irritations.
Tips on how to forestall a swollen vulva?
Stopping swollen vulva includes taking steps to minimise irritation and scale back the danger of irritation. Listed below are some methods to forestall a swollen vulva, as prompt by the professional:
1. Guarantee ample lubrication
If pure lubrication is inadequate, use a water-based lubricant throughout sexual exercise to cut back friction and forestall irritation. In accordance with a research printed 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 meant for use day by 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 correct merchandise
Use hypoallergenic condoms, lubricants, and different sexual merchandise to cut 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 secure intercourse
Have interaction in mild sexual exercise to minimise the danger of trauma or harm 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’re comfy and having fun with yourselves.
4. Keep good hygiene
Keep good genital hygiene by washing the realm with heat water and gentle, unscented cleaning soap. Keep away from douching, as it may possibly disrupt the pure steadiness of micro organism and result in irritation. After intercourse, gently clear the genital space to take away any irritants and scale back the danger of an infection.
Tips on how 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 well 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 forestall 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 may soothe irritated pores and skin, as present in a research printed within the Meals High quality and Security.
4. Sitz bathtub
A sitz bathtub is a heat, shallow bathtub by which you sit to alleviate discomfort in your perineal space, which is the area between your anus and genitals, as present in a research printed in Pediatric Emergency Medication. 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 cut back swollen vulva.
