There are a number of reasons why someone might experience vaginal swelling.
The swelling of thevaginamay be a natural response to sexual arousal or pregnancy.
Or, it may be the result ofvaginal irritation, allergy, trauma.
FatCamera / E+ / Getty Images
or an infection (including asexually transmitted infection).
And it may be possible that more than one cause is involved.
A mild topical steroid cream, likehydrocortisone, may be prescribed to ease inflammation andvaginal rash.
Irritants
The swelling of vaginal tissues can also occur when they are exposed to certain irritants.
The condition, known asirritant contact dermatitis, is also resulting from inflammation from an abnormal immune response.
But, unlike allergic contact dermatitis, IgE is not involved.
The symptoms also tend to revolve faster.
Avoiding the irritant is the most important part of treatment.
Irritant contact dermatitis may also be less responsive to antihistamines.
In their place, a mild hydrocortisone cream can be prescribed to help ease symptoms.
You may also sure emollients or barrier creams to protect against further irritation.
Vaginal Trauma
Vaginal tissues are delicate and can easily become inflamed if treated roughly.
This includes having rough or prolonged intercourse, intercourse without ample lubrication, or forced intercourse.
Usingproper lubricationduring sex can help reduce the risk of vaginal trauma.
The avoidance of alcohol and drugs should also be considered.
If you are being sexually abused or have beensexually assaulted, help is available.
Talk to a trained healthcare professional or reach out to your local rape crisis center for support.
The infection may occur when the immune system is suppressed, allowing the fungus to grow excessively.
Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal floral, leading to fungal overgrowth.
Diabetes is also a risk factor.
The treatment of uncomplicated yeast infections involvesOTC topical antifungal creamslike Lotrimin (clotrimazole) or Monistat (miconazole).
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Manysexually transmitted infections (STIs)can cause vaginal inflammation and swelling.
Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that can be cured with the antibiotic drug metronidazole.
Talk to a healthcare provider about what you may use for occasional relief of inflammation and pain.
A cold compress may help.
It can also occur when harmful bacteria are introduced into the vagina during sexual intercourse.
The standard treatment for BV is a short course of antibiotic drugs.
The preferred, first-line options are Flagyl (metronidazole) and Cleocin (clindamycin).
They generally only cause problems when they are large and press on vulnerable tissues or become infected.
2015;58(1):153-7.
National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vulvovaginal candidiasis - STD treatment guidelines.
World Health Organization.Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines: bacterial vaginosis.
2015;8(1):22-5. doi:10.1159/000365683
