Table of contents:
- Various causes of vaginal swelling
- 1. Allergies
- 2. Fungal infection
- 3. Sex that is too rough
- 4. Pregnancy
- 5. Bacterial vaginosis
- 6. Cervicitis
- 7. Cysts
Almost all parts of the body can experience swelling, including the vagina. Due to its location which is quite covered by other body parts, many women do not notice when their vagina is swollen. When the vagina is swollen, you may only notice the pain that appears. Only then realized that there is a change in shape in your vagina. So, what are the causes of vaginal swelling?
Various causes of vaginal swelling
1. Allergies
Without realizing it, various personal care products can actually be one of the reasons why your vagina becomes swollen. This is very possible because the vagina is a part of the body that is quite sensitive.
Usually, some materials that can make the vagina swell, such as soap, lubricants, vaginal soap, sanitary napkins, condoms, and contraceptives. For more details, you can consult a doctor to determine the cause of allergies.
2. Fungal infection
One of the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection is swelling. This condition is usually caused by the fungus Candida albicans. According to dr. Prudence Hall, vaginal yeast infection can occur when you wear damp pants or leggings for too long after exercising.
Apart from swelling, vaginal yeast infection usually causes various symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Pain when urinating
- Pain during sex
- Vaginal redness
- Clumpy vaginal discharge that smells bad
If this is the first time you have a yeast infection, you should consult a doctor for further examination. Doctors will usually prescribe a variety of medications including antifungals.
3. Sex that is too rough
In fact, having sex with a partner can actually make the vagina swell. Usually this condition occurs when the vagina is too dry or lacks lubrication. Friction that is hard and done long enough to make the vagina experience swelling.
Not only that, sex that is too rough can also tear the inner skin of the vagina. If left unchecked, this tear can be an entrance to venereal disease. Apart from swelling, this condition is also usually characterized by fever and vaginal discharge that is more than usual.
4. Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and notice that your vagina is starting to swell, don't worry. The reason is, the pressure on the pelvis due to the presence of the fetus in the abdomen increases blood flow to the lower part of the body, including the vagina. This condition makes pregnant women prone to experience swelling in the vagina.
Take it easy, this condition will go away by itself when you give birth. However, to relieve it, you can lie down with your legs elevated so that fluids and blood do not collect in the lower part of the body, including the vagina.
5. Bacterial vaginosis
An excess of bad bacteria in the vagina can cause bacterial vaginosis, aka vaginal bacterial infection. This condition usually causes swelling, itching, burning, and a grayish discharge with a foul odor.
Some cases of bacterial vaginosis go away on their own. However, to help restore the condition, doctors generally prescribe antibiotics and antibacterial drugs. In addition to medicines from your doctor, you also need to maintain regular vaginal hygiene, one of which is regularly changing your underwear.
6. Cervicitis
Cervicitis is a condition when the cervix becomes inflamed. Usually cervicitis appears as a result of sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis are generally the venereal diseases that most often cause cervicitis.
Apart from swelling in the vagina, this condition also usually causes pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during sex. For that, if you have experienced these symptoms lately, immediately consult a doctor.
7. Cysts
Bartholin's cysts and Gartner's ducts can make the vagina swell. Bartholin's cysts appear on the Bartholin's glands, which are located on either side of the vaginal opening. Sometimes, these glands can also become infected with pus and form an abscess.
In addition, cysts can also grow in the Gartner's duct, which is the tube that forms in the fetus as its urinary and sexual organs develop. The remaining tissue that sticks and doesn't disappear after giving birth on the vaginal wall is what then develops into a cyst. Although not dangerous, these cysts can cause problems when they grow and become infected.
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