Causes of Swelling in Labia and Its Treatment

Swelling in the labia may be generalized, that is, throughout the vulva, or localized, confined to particular structures only.

It may be unilateral or bilateral. There may be other symptoms associated with it like burning, pain or itching.

The cause of vulval swelling is diagnosed on the basis of the presentation of the swelling.

Localized Lump

Cyst– Vulva has plenty of glands in it which secrete lubricating secretions. It is possible that the duct of one of the glands gets blocked to produce a swelling (bartholin’s cyst). Such swellings may be painless to begin with. However, there are chances that it gets infected and becomes painful and tender.

Hernia– A part of the internal viscera may protrude through a vulvar lip to give a swelling. Swelling due to hernia are reducible and usually painless. They become more prominent on prolonged standing.

Abscess– An abscess is collection of pus due to a localized infection. This may be due to pulled hair, blocked duct, insect bite etc.

An abscess needs immediate attention. You need to get it drained at the earliest.

Generalized Swelling

This may be due to an infection involving both inner and outer labia, some allergy or edema.

Allergy

Allergy produces redness in the skin area and some swelling.

You may be allergic to a particular soap or douche being used. Allergies to clothes, touching the vulval skin, is also common.

As a general practice, it is advised that you wear only cotton undergarments. Let your clothes be loose allowing ventilation and less of friction, particularly at night times.

After Sex

If you notice some swelling in your labia minora or labia majora each time after intercourse, you may be allergic to some stuff being used during sex. This may be your condom (latex) or any lubricating gel being used.

Some women are allergic to semen. There are ways to manage it.

Infections

A generalized infection is called vulvovaginitis. It may be due to many causes.

Due to Yeast Infection

This is the most common cause of vulvovaginitis in women of all age groups. The causative organism is a fungus called candida albicans.

The infection spreads very fast if left untreated. It may go from the vulva to vagina and then to the cervix (cervicitis).

Anti fungal medications are given to treat it. Topical creams are available to combat it.

Trichomonas vaginitis is a parasitic infection involving the vulvar region. The vagina is also affected. Labia are swollen and itchy. A yellow to green vaginal discharge is often present.

Bacterial vaginosis, is a bacterial infection of the genital area. A clear or yellowish vaginal discharge with fishy odor is present.

Generalized Edema

This may have a vascular cause.

During Pregnancy

As the pregnancy advances, the enlarged uterus puts pressure over the blood vessels of the pelvis.

The venous return and lymphatic drainage is affected and the labia may appear swollen.

Any Blockage of Lymphatic Channels of the Pelvis

This may produce a swelling in the vulvar structures.

Anatomical Variation

Some females may have hypertrophied (enlarged) labia minora. This may be a normal variation.

Due to Injuries

A rough intercourse may injure your parts and cause bruises over the labia.

Injuries due to instrumentation during child birth are common.

Treatment

If you have a swollen labia, do not ignore. Visit your gyne for evaluation and treatment.

  • For infections, anti-fungals or antibiotic creams are given.
  • Keep the vulval area clean and dry. Wash it regularly, but gently, with plain water. Avoid using much of beauty products and soaps for the area. The inner labia are very sensitive, and may become dry or allergic to outside products. It’s just the normal vaginal secretions that they want.
  • Avoid tight clothing around your genitals. Loose cotton clothes are the best to keep the area dry and healthy.
  • For localized swellings, warm compress techniques may be used to relieve pain.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “Swollen Labia – Causes and Management

      1. Kaylin burke

        Last night I had rough sex with a guy and when I woke up this morning both of my labias were swollen. Not itching and a little tender. I don’t know what to do please help

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          May be due to trauma or roughness during the act. Just smear some vaginal emollient over the affected part. Avoid friction there.

          Likely to get alright with time.

          Reply
    1. Anonymous

      I’m 25years old…unmarried…. I hv some prob in my vagina…during mens, my vagina bcm swollen & pain when touched…bt last few days I felt a big lump near labia minora. It’s inside da skin, tender…. I’m really tensed, plz give me a gd solution

      Reply
        1. Anonymous

          No…. I use sanitary napkins.bt if it is infection, what antibiotics I shld take??? Now pain reduces of dat area, swelling present bt not tender…. It also decreases in size without doing anything or taking any drugs….so what shld I do now??!

          Reply
          1. Buddy M.D. Post author

            Looks like it’s healing by itself. Just keep the area clean and dry and let it get better on its own.

            Antibiotics can’t be prescribed here.

    2. Irene leister

      My labia majoria is more enlarged than the other side it feel like it has a lump but when I squeeze it seems to disappear I have frequent constipation and use force to evacuate my bowels . Have I done something to my muscles in that area? Or have I had vessel destruction?

      Reply
      1. Buddy M.D. Post author

        Is the lump painful? Is th e swelling confined to one side only? How big is it? Does it increase on exertion or when you defecate?

        Reply
  1. Jan

    My Labia and anal area along where I wipe are itchy, sore and red, if I scratch skin comes off, in dandruff like flakes in the front and like wet dead skin cells in the back and the exposed new skin is irritated and raw. I have had no lasting change in my discharge over the period of almost a year that I have had this problem. I am very careful about hygiene and I have tried several different toilet papers and baby wipes. I have also tried using milder soaps and even just water while bathing. I was prescribed a cream early on that relieved the itching but did not take care of the problem (just made me smell weird and feel greasy).
    What could be causing this? And what can I do to heal it?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This condition requires a physical exam for diagnosis. It is suggested you see a gyne for evaluation.

      This may be some allergic condition or some infection. A condition called Lichen sclerosis presents in a similar way. Prompt treatment is required to prevent scarring of the area.

      Reply
  2. Joan

    I have a problem with my labia majora (outer vaginal lip). I had sex with my boyfriend today then soon after we finished I realized one of my vaginal lip was severely swollen and a little tender. I have not used any condoms or soaps and the guy is my long time boyfriend and we trust each other. Please help me diagnose my problem because I am so worried.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Was it a rough intercourse? This sounds like a traumatic injury.

      For now, just apply topical betamethasone ointment over the swollen labia. Wait for 3 to 4 days. If it doesn’t improve, you may need to see a gyne for examination.

      Reply
  3. Jasmine

    Hello Dr,
    I am now 30 years old. I noticed my left labia majora is bigger than right side since I was in puberty. Sometimes it feels itchy. But started from two days ago, I feel worse and depress because besides of itch, I can feel that there is a lump which is slightly painful. I feel shy to go and see doctor. Please give me advice. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It may be some mild infection. Start applying a topical vaginal ointment containing clotrimazole and betamethasone (like candid-B) over the swollen labia.

      Apply it thrice daily for 3 to 4 days. Let us know the results.

      Reply
  4. Jasmine

    I am now at Singapore. I can not buy candid-b without prescription. Instead, I got Canesten HC. The pharmacist told me to apply twice a day. Can it be work?

    Reply
      1. Jasmine

        Thanks a lot for your advice. I become relieve ( no more pain and swollen) after 7 times applied cream. But still, it is itchy. Hopefully, it will be healed. Now I am applying twice daily. How can I stop to use cortisone?

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          You’ll need to use it for some more time, till you have the itchy feeling.

          After that, you may stop using the cream.

          Reply
  5. Linda

    My left labia minora becomes swollen, pain and itchy. It’s really makes me embarrass. Please help me to give advice ( hope not to go and see doctor).

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This appears to be an infection. You may start using some antifungal cream, like canesten (with hydrocortisone) over the affected area.

      If it doesn’t improve, you may need to go for a check up.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Swelling indicates engorgement, as in sexual arousal states.

      It is difficult to comment why this happens after evacuation. May the touching around buttocks and genitals causes it!

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      As is detailed above, there are many causes that may lead to a swollen labia.

      It may be an infection. Usually, some discharge from the vagina is also seen in such cases.

      It may be due to trauma during sex.

      You need to see a gyne for examination to known the exact reason.

      Reply
  6. Cynthia

    I’ve been to doctors several times about this. My right inner vaginal side is swollen and painful. It feels okay when I’m standing or walking, but I can’t sit or lay down without pain. There is no redness or itching or yeast infection. Heat from baths makes it worse. Ice bags help but don’t cure it. Ibuprofen doesn’t help with pain, nor does Ultram and Neurontin that they gave me. I don’t think any of the doctors know what they are doing. This is really frustrating, depressing and painful. I can’t have relations with my boyfriend. Now, I’m going to have pelvic physical therapy. Will that even help?

    Reply
  7. Tiff

    My left labia has been swollen for a week. I got it to go down but the lower it goes the more worse it seems to be. The middle part or should I say the labia minora? Is swollen at the bottom making it difficult to sit. I was given antibiotics and ibuprofen but it doesn’t seem like it works. As I look down to it I see that it’s sore and hurts to touch and when I do touch it, it feels a little hard. What can this be? Any suggestions on how to get rid of it? If it is a cyst there is nothing showing for it to be popped. Please help.

    Reply
      1. Tiff

        I am taking sulfamethoxazole and 600mg ibuprofen. Towards the very bottom it is really swollen and I went to see and it seems to be swollen inside too. It comes off as a hard bump but again, there is nothing that shows to pop it. I have tried hot bath and icing it and the pain is just unbearable.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Do not force try to take out the pus. This may be a staph infection. Talk to your doctor about it. You may need to change the antibiotic being taken. Switch to methcillin/cloxacillin.

          Reply
          1. Tiff

            Do you know how this will be removed? And is there any medication to stop the pain? The ibuprofen 600mg is not working. This pain is unbearable.

          2. Buddy M.D. Post author

            It’s not possible to remove it. You’ll have to take antibiotics to kill the germ inside and reduce the swelling.

            Talk to your doctor at the earliest to change the antibiotic.

  8. Tinab

    What causes swells that become hard and produce white substances when squeezed around genitals? and how can one cure that?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      A swelling having white pasty substance may be a blocked sebaceous cyst. The white pasty substance is likely to be sebum.

      Such swelling are not painful. They are at a risk of getting infected. So, their management include surgical drainage.

      Reply
  9. florence

    Hi doctor, my left labia is very itchy and swollen. I have consulted gyne already yet the itchiness is still there. It gives me discomfort at work and I noticed also a white bump and looks like a pimple. I’m applying an anti fungal cream yet it’s wakes me up in the middle of the night to scratch. Please help. Thanks!!!

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You may start applying mupirocin ointment, instead of the anti fungal cream, over the affected area. Keep the area clean and dry.

      Avoid friction over the pimple while walking or sitting.

      Reply
  10. Anonymous

    Hello doctor. I have swollen in minor labia but I don’t know how they are and the other doctor said that if the swelling are not well within 5 days. So they treat a surgery in that area so this are right for me? Please help. They give Forcef-cv500 tablet.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Take the tablets for now, as your doctor advised. Your labia swelling is very likely to respond to it.

      It may be an infection inside the labial tissue.

      Reply
  11. Angel

    Hi, I fell on top of a hook for a seat belt buckle and I hit my right outer labia and now it’s swollen and hard. It happened on Friday night and I visited the doctor on Saturday morning. Now I take ibuprofen and augmenting BID 625 mg. Should I use cold or hot compress and how long will it take to go away?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You are advised to take the medicines prescribed. You’ll improve gradually within a week.

      There’s no harm in doing cold/ hot compress over the wound.

      Reply
  12. esther

    I was suffering from candidiasis of vagina since past two weeks. I took oral fluconazole for it last week and got some relief. Itching in vulvar area still persisted. This morning after waking I had itched/ scratched over my clothes on the vulvar area. Later I found the vulvae very much swollen as in angioedema. I had cetrizine and fexofenidine later. The condition mildly improved with cold water splashes only. What should I do next?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Looks like you’ve developed some superimposed bacterial infection. May have scratched the portion too much.

      You need to take antibiotics now.

      Reply
  13. missy

    I am four months pregnant and I recently started having this swelling at the lower part of my right labia majora after sex, is that normal?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      If you have any pain over the swelling, it may be an infection. See a gyne for it. You may require antibiotics.

      If there is no pain or itching, you may just let it be.

      Reply
  14. grace mc

    Hello doctor. I noticed my left external labia swollen, with irritating and burning of my whole external labia. I noticed this five days ago I applied clotrimazole cream those itching, irriting character disapper but still swelling persist. What should I do?

    Reply
  15. Nichole

    Hi doctor,
    My left minora labia is swollen and it itches really bad. I was just wondering why and what can I do to fix this problem.

    Reply
  16. Liz

    Hello Doctor, I’m 36 and 18 weeks pregnant. Had my first child with c-section. Now I’m experiencing slight pain and swelling other the vulva mostly on the left side. I have no itching or pimples that’s can be seen. It’s better when I get up in the morning but by the end of the day it’s really uncomfortable. . Please help

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This appears to be normal. Likely to be due to increased blood supply and congested over the labia down there.

      Avoid long standing hours. Try to lie down straight more frequently.

      Reply
  17. Irene

    Hi ,Dr i am 17 years old , and i have swelling left labia minora , i could feel a small pimple like lump for once and then it has grown bigger and it has swelled to the double , i could not sit and walk properly and cannot even sleep properly, i am too shy to go to the doctor . Will you please help me to get out of the pain and burning sensation

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This appears to be an infection. You need antibiotics for this. See a gyne at the earliest.

      Reply
  18. Krisane

    I dint have sex for last week and was on my periods. Today i woke up and noticed severe pain on my right labia minora just beside the vulva,what can be the possible treatment .
    Its very painful. Please help

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This needs to be examined. Is there any swollen over the painful part, or can you see any bump or rash there? Is it red?

      Reply
  19. Anonymous

    The lower left side of my vulva is inflamed. It is not painful unless i touch it. From googling it looks like it could be a cyst. Should I go see a doctor or just do baths unless it starts to hurt?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Try baths, it’s likely yo subside with time.

      If the swelling grows, you may see a doctor.

      Reply
  20. Saini

    I’ve this pimple like swelling on my left labia Majora which is tender and causes a little discomfort in walking. I’ve a history of candidiasis but now I’m fine. This swelling is from 3-4 days back . Will it subside on its own or I need med treatment?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You need to start using an antibiotic cream over it. Mupirocin/ bactroban may be used thrice daily. The bump is likely to regress in size with time.

      However, if the bumps grows in size or shows a head, you need to get it drained off surgically.

      Reply
  21. bahati Mary

    My labia majora is itching anytime i urinate and it has some pimple which thé y are painfull and it is swelling but No discharge but it is making me feel uncomfortable please help as fast as posible

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Wash the area thoroughly with cool water. Avoid using any soap or gels there. They alter the pH of the region.

      Start using a vaginal cream, Quadriderm, twice daily for a week.

      Meanwhile, keep your nails cut. Bigger nails may injure the area while you itch there. Avoid scratching the area.

      Reply
  22. Gayathri

    I shaved around pubic area with veet and the next day I noticed single bump. Later I noticed couple of pimples around my labia majora and now one side of major labia is swollen, I am much worried. Please suggest what may be the issue

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Likely to be an allergic reaction due to the product.

      Wash the area with cool water liberally. Avoid using soap or gel there. You may apply 1% hydrocortisone cream over the affected area, once a day for 3 to 5 days.

      Reply
  23. Kila

    My left labia majora is swollen .Never pain or itching. Usually it releived by itself but sometimes the swelling come back. But now i started to feel a little pain during intercourse. When i press it its like a balloon . I don’t know what it is. I am shy to see a doctor

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This could either be due to trauma (as during rash intercourse) or an infection in the labia. In both cases, it is recommended to take an antibiotic treatment.

      You need to see a doctor for this.

      Reply
  24. Ali

    Hi, so I have been having rough intercourse these past few days and i noticed my labia was really swollen and kinda hurt and when I went to wipe it feels kinda numb and ichy but I have no discharge or anything, could this be a yeast infection?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      If it’s yeast, you are likely to have some discharge, may be little. Check your panty for any whitish to yellow discharge.Also, yeast gives intense itch.

      Reply
  25. Anonymous

    Hi, i’m 19 .my right labia majora is swollen,itchy, red,& burns me when I urinate. I didn’t give attention at first as it was too small. Now it is spreading aside.no sex, shaving or medical treatment. can you help me please?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Looks infected. May be containing pus.

      You need to see a gyne for examination. Antibiotics may be required.

      Reply
  26. Marian

    My left labia is swellon and this has been happening for 3days now and it has this yellow fluid coming out with irritating smell…. I remembered that I washed my part with my bathing soap….I really can’t say but am worried about this

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      That looks like an infection. You need to take antibiotics. Avoid friction over the swollen part.

      Reply
  27. IMSONG

    The inner walls of my labia are swollen n it itches. I have taken an antibiotic (6pills already ) n I’m applying a cream called Surfaz-sn . The swelling had reduce but its not improving as much as its supposed to be. Can you prescribed me some medicine ?

    Reply
    1. hasato

      Hi doctor. I noticed two days ago that the inner part of my left vaginal lip is a little swollen. It’s not itchy nor painful. I am just a little bothered by it. Especially when I was and I feel like there’s something different down there. This is the first time I experienced this one.

      I haven’t had any sexual relationship over a year now. Please help.

      Reply
  28. joyella

    I have this swelling on my labia majora due to hard erection hitting that particular spot during sex. Since then, the swelling will reduce and get bigger after sex again. Pls, what do I do?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This appears to be a traumatic injury. May take 10 to 15 days to heal.

      You may start applying 1% hydrocortisone cream over it, once a day for a week. Do not over use it.

      Reply
  29. KG

    Left side of labia is swollen, cause pain when I sit. Minimal pain when I walk. Period is down. Noticed pain a day ago and thought maybe it was the tampon so I didnt wear one. Ever self examination I seen the lump/swelling. Sit in a tub of warm water, then examined again the next morning. Swelling down a little but pain is still there. What is this?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Since the swelling is limited to only one labia, it’s likely that you have a lesion over it. Can you self examine to see any bump, rash or pimple over it? Any localized area of redness over it?

      Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          That bump, may be infected, is likely to be a cause of your swollen labia. Since it is improving by itself, you may just give it more time.

          Warm baths may help. Avoid friction over it while walking.

          Reply
          1. KG

            Thank you. The bump is gone. The swelling is slowly going down. Pain is gone. Warm baths did help and 2 caps full of apple cider vinegar. Thanks again.

  30. Mac

    I had candidiasis last month and I took fluconazole single dose but now again my labias are swollen, increased white yellowish discharge and itchiness so I started using nystatin vaginal pessary, should I continue?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Yes, you may continue with it. Apply the ointment twice daily, one application an night time, preferably with the help of an applicator.

      This would ensure that the medicine stays in place and gets a chance to act.

      Reply
  31. Kate

    After being diagnosed with UTI last month I was given coamoxiclav and I developed thrush like symptoms that I was given diflucan for (the swelling and itching went away ) but the swelling had come back a few days later so I was given metronidazole and this time it was mainly on the upper left side which I think is the labia majora (the entire area was swollen but mainly the labia majora on the left side). There is no pain, irritation or itching but the swelling is there and its not lumpy and there’s no sign of any discharge, what can this be?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      appears to be an infection. You are likely to recover with metronidazole. Have you taken the full course?

      Reply
      1. Kate

        Yes, I have taken a full course but the swelling has not gone down on mainly the left side (sometimes it completely swells up on both sides).

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Better to wait for some time. The swelling is likely to reduce gradually on its own.

          If, however, you see an increase is swelling or any pain there, you need to see a doctor.

          Reply
          1. Kate

            UPDATE:
            I had an ultrasound and the doctor found a simple 57x57mm cyst on the left ovary, everything else was normal in the pelvic ultrasound.
            The doctor also said this can be causing the swelling but can this really be the case as I have no other symptoms and the swelling has been there for 4 months now (antibiotics and antifungals have not worked).
            Also can such a large cyst go away on its own without surgery?

  32. Brookey

    Me and my boyfriend were messing around and he started playing with my clit and he went really fast and hard with his finger and when we were done a few minutes later my vagina lips are swollen and have a few blisters on them. I’m kinda worried can you
    Please tell me what it is or how I can get rid of it?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      May be he irritated the area. This may be an inflammation.

      Just apply 1 % hydrocortisone cream over it, once daily for 2 to 3 days. Do not over use the cream.

      Reply
  33. Callie

    Hello, I have a big swollen vagina more than the normal size and its been 3 days. Have had oral sex only. Now today I had to take off my panties because the elastic was digging into my skin, I’m assuming because of the swelling all around there. When I first googled my symptoms I really freaked out because I was reading that it could be uterine, vaginal, or rectal prolapse. I have no pain or discharge of any sort, just a little uncomfortable. Please let me know what you think. Thank you.

    Reply
  34. Vickie

    Hi, I am concerned because I have swollen labia lips off & on & also my left foot & legs are also swollen. I am also on my feet at work 6 or 8 hours a day & I have been going through a lot of anxiety issues also. I am taking meds for that and have been seeing a therapist. I had a complete robotic hysterectomy 3 or 4 years ago because of a small cancer in my uterus. They tell me this could be a hormonal thing. I have been so worried which hasn’t helped my anxiety. If you can give me any info I would really appreciate it. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Yearly follow up scans are required after cancer treatment to see any presence of cancer cells there. This is essential.

      Swellings may be related to your long standing hours. If possible, try lying down in between with your feet a little elevated to avoid those swellings.

      Lower abdominal surgeries may have weakened the overall musculature down there. Muscles push up blood, back to the heart. Weaker muscles are not able to do this efficiently, hence the swelling.

      Reply
  35. Buddy M.D. Post author

    Check whether you have any discharge along with. If you have a whitish discharge too, this is likely to be a fungal infection.

    You may start applying an anti fungal powder there. Candid or miconazole may be used.

    Reply
  36. ammy

    Hello doctor, have been having itching and swelling on the labia lips of my vagina although it comes and goes but today after using a hair remover cream it is really swollen the skin is hard and reddish no discharge and am having a stinging sensation. Please, what do I do, it hurts.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Stop applying the hair removal cream. You may be allergic to it.

      Is there any bump or pimple like lesion over the labia? Self check to see.

      Reply
      1. ammy

        No doctor no bump or pimple like lesion. The skin burns when I urinate. It’s reddish and the labia skin is hard.

        Reply
  37. Gabrielle

    The left side of my labia is inflamed. No soreness but I have been feeling itchy on my vagina and the skin on my vagina has been flaking off like dandruff. I am a Virgin and I tried a medication but it required a cream to be inserted manually into the vagina which I could not do properly.

    Unfortunately this has been happening for the past 5 months because I have been broke and unable to afford any type of medication, Now I can.

    Reply
  38. Nykea

    Hello,
    4 weeks ago I was 39 weeks pregnant and had two lumps severely swollen near the opening to my vagina. I went to see my GYN and she dismissed it to the pregnancy without examining me said to use ice packs and if they were still there when I delivered she would take a look. Well 3 days before I delivered my child the pain and lumps were gone. Fast forward to the present day it’s been 3 weeks since I had my child vaginaly and the swelling is back on the right side of my labor and on the left side are lumps which aren’t visible but I feel them when I touch the area which is all very sore. To add to that on the left and right side on my pelvis are two lumps. I have no discharge or pain while urinating. What could be the cause?
    Please help….
    Thank you in advance.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This is difficult to comment without examination.

      It could be bruises cause due to instrumentation during labor. Or else, there could be some infection in your labia, that has come again.

      Reply
  39. Anonymous

    Vagina was very itchy for about 20 minutes now vaginal walls are swollen. Just recently had protected sex over the weekend. Also have had a lot of discharge produced in the last couple months even when I was not having sex. Why is my vagina so inflamed?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Looks like an infection. May be yeast.

      Any discharge from the vagina, may be white to yellow? Check your underwear for that.

      Reply
  40. Puppy

    Hello dr , I had a bartholin cyst it healed after 7 days I was feeling better but later I found little swelling in inner lip actually it was itchy I scratched now I have some pain which is tolerable but I am worried I am taking antibiotics augmenting 375 as prescribed by my doctor for the cyst plz help I am much worried
    Thank you!

    Reply
  41. Mariya

    My right labia is swollen and caused pain i am worried it might be a bartholin..i have history of left bartholin removal a year back..i have never had sex before..i am clueless why this happens to me..can u please help me with ur advise

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This one is infected and you need antibiotic for now.

      It’s difficult to say why you get it recurrently. In general, a good vaginal hygiene helps avoiding clogging of glands there. Wearing loose cotton underwears, as much as possible, would keep the area well ventilated and keep the gland ducts open.

      Reply
  42. Corinne

    Hi Dr, my labia have been a little painful the past 3 days and today they started swelling. I just finished a course of antibiotics for a MRSA infection and have developed thrush on my tongue. When I looked, the inside of my labia was really red and now they sting if I apply too much pressure. If I press down a little higher it stings too but I can’t see because of my pubic hair. I’ve been taking 2 500mg tablets of paracetamol for the pain and putting Sudocrem on but I don’t want to go to the doctor’s again since I’ve already been twice in the past week. Any advice?

    Reply
          1. Buddy M.D. Post author

            You may need to get examined by a gyne for diagnosis.

            It’s important to see what kind of discharge do you have. A foul smelling one with redness and swelling all around may suggest an infection.

  43. Carmen

    Hi there

    My right labia majora is swollen and it is very painful to the point where I can cry. It is painful to walk or sit and even sleep. I thought it might be a bartholin cyst but it’s a bit higher up. Like parallel to the clit. I have no other symptoms like itching or discharge. There is just the swelling and unbearable pain. I’m not sexually active. Any idea what this could be?

    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Can you locate a point on your labia where there’s a lesion? Is it red or looks like it contains pus?

      This looks like an infection. Antibiotics may be required at the earliest.

      Reply
  44. Tannu

    My right side labia majora is swollen and paining so much and burning also .
    Difficulties in walking sitting toilet.

    I am suffered from this problem since 3 days.
    I requested you to pls doctor help me for curing me from this problem……….

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Can you locate a point lesion of redness or hardness over your labia? Any discharge from the vagina? Check your underwear for this.

      Reply
  45. Kim

    I have had my right labia swollen for over a week NOW the swelling has gone down a bit but still hard and swollen to the back part….am keeping it very clean but sometimes stings…how long will it take to go down in agony…..thanks

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You may try cold compress over it.

      It may take 10 to 15 days for it to normalize. If you see an increase in swelling or pain, better see doctor. Antibiotics may be needed.

      Reply
  46. Abigail

    My right labia mid lower area became swollen but no pain just feels irritated if I touch it. Also felt a about 3 very tiny bumps. I put a cold water bottle for a few seconds and the swelling went away. I don’t know if it’s the change in body wash or the type of underwear I wore today which weren’t cotton.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Very likely to be local irritation. You may continue using cold compress for relief. Keep them well moisturized. They’re likely to heal in a day or two on their own.

      Reply
  47. Abigail

    I also have been getting a slight pain on my right pelvic bone and ovary area. And the little bumps feel irritated only when I touch them or wipe myself after using the restroom. No burning or itching

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Better to go for an ultrasound to visualize the ovaries. It’s important to see if or not they swollen.

      Reply
  48. Tity

    My left vagina is swollen very painful too after light sex please suggest me some antibiotic pills or pain relief for now. I ll go to doctor as I am out of station. I am unable to sit walk.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Likely to be infected. Do you have any discharge from the vagina?

      You may need antibiotics for this. We cannot prescribe oral antibiotics here. Mupirocin ointment may be applied liberally over the affected area thrice daily.

      Reply
  49. ANONYMOUS

    hi….as my inner labia is out yet i dnt have a problem with that but my concern is that….my inner labia both they can itch and swollen both of them and i must scratcth them till they bleed.i try to go and find help but they only gave me a cream that i must put inside my vargina to the cervix,then it didnt help i go back agasin they gave a silver genesis,strain probiotic cultrure it didnt help then i went to do the PEP but i was bleed so the doctor said we cnt do the PEP and she said i have a infection so she gave me cloyrimazole,cyclidox,bemetrazole so i dnt know what is this and it very fustrating and stressing me,i need all the help that i can get…..

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Medicines suggest that they’re suspecting some fungal infection down there. Do you have any discharge coming out of the vagina?

      For the while, avoid scratching. This would increase chances of getting more infections there. Trim your nails so that you don’t harm the area much while you scratch.

      Reply
  50. Christy

    Hi doctor,
    I’ve had pain, itching, burning Sebastian, swelling
    In my labia minora(both sides) and opening to
    My vagina. Unbearable stinging pain when
    I urinste or touch the area. I had sex about 5 days
    Afo with a condom, rough and dry also and now
    I think it’s either related to the sex. Or the condom.
    I started Hydrocortisone cream today,
    first day with alsoPetroleum jelly.
    Not sure what else to do. Was
    Trying to abound my doc for now, embarrassed.
    Pls help

    Reply
  51. Nessa

    Pls I have this swollen and sometimes itchy labia majora the pain is becoming hell I can’t walk or sit well
    I had sex a day before my period and have bin suffering pains since den

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This may be due to trauma during intercourse. For now, antibiotics may be needed. You need to see a gyne.

      Cold compress may be done to reduce pain and swelling.

      Reply
  52. Bee

    I was drugged and raped. I have old enemies. No proof. Didn’t start to have memories of event til few weeks later. They put tarn x. And comet inside my anus and vagina. I remember them talking so went to docs this has happened more than once. They either don’t believe me or tell me to see an allergist they gave me creamclobetasol. Don’t work too good. N
    My perineium swollen and labia minorv

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You may request for a vaginal culture/ swab test, which would detect the presence of male secretions down there.

      Reply
  53. Bee

    I am sure they use condoms and anyway I don’t remember til weeks or months later. Can you recommend a different ointment or I was thinking maybe a steroid pill pack. The ones that start u out with 6 pills first day then five then four etc. I would love to be able to have them arrested but they are a gang os nine brothers and they have threatened my family. And they don’t bluff they are evil

    Reply
  54. Essylynz

    hello, i experience constipation alot now days and some weeks ago i’ve been passing small stool but also pus comes out of my anus first as i go to defaecate. i also have a swelling on lower part of my left labia majora which is tender and hard….what could be my diagnosis? and how can i manage it?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      There may be an infected mass in your labia. Pus needs to be drained and you also need appropriate antibiotics.

      Try gentle warm compress at home, twice a day. This may soften the skin and help in drainage. Also, start applying an antibiotic ointment over the affected area. If it doesn’t start healing in a day or two, you need to see a doctor.

      Reply
  55. Samantha

    Hello,

    I scratched my outter labia (top of left vaginal lip) through my underwear after it began to itch intensely due to urine or discharge irritating the skin. The next day the area was red, tender but flat. I squeezed and tiny amounts of clear fluid came out. I didn’t see any blisters or bumps, it was coming from the red flat irritated skin. A day later the red skin started oozing a clear fluid (it seemed to glaze it or coat the raw skin), which I wiped away throughout the day. The next day (day 4) the wound was covered with a black dry looking scab that fell off by night. A small indentation in the skin and scar were left left but otherwise there’s no evidence I ever had it. My vaginal lips are generally covered in a flaky white dandruff looking substance, itchy and sensitive to products. All the way down to my anus there is usually a light white coat covering the skin like a light rash. I’m wondering if the scratch was related to a bigger skin problem. I’ve never had a 5 day ordeal with a wound, besides one infected cyst previously that was examined by my doc, but my vaginal lips are always irritated and dry whitesh coated, without lesions. Do you know what it might be? Thank you for your help.

    Reply
      1. Samantha

        Yes, I do. The skin is thickened there and sort of textured like a rough callous, hidellike and scaly. I scratch, then it stings when urine or water touches the skin and it thickens again. My menstrual cycle irritates it as does all changes in discharge and I’m prone to bv.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          May be affected by psoriasis / eczema of the region. You need to be examined for exact diagnosis and treatment.

          Reply
  56. Nia

    Hey doctor, so a few years back like maybe 3-4 years back i had a swollen labia and it was hard to walk or sleep at night but then after a while it healed by itself but till now that part that was swollen is still sticking out even though i dont feel pain or anything so is it like not completely healed or I should have surgery to remove the sticking out part (say no pls ) i just wanna know why does it still appear big

    Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          It may have sagged a bit after being swollen and inflamed for some time. Just give it time. It’s likely to regain its size in a few months.

          Reply
  57. Andii

    My boyfriend and I had an oral sex. I felt he was biting my labia. Then I told him to stop because it was painful. When I checked it, it was swollen. After 2 hours my left labia was getting bigger than the other. It was painful and tender. It’s like 3x bigger now than the right labia. Please help me.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This is more likely to be a traumatic injury. Just keep it clean. Moisturize it well after wash. Avoid rubbing or friction over it while walking.

      Likely to stabilize in 3 to 5 days.

      Reply
  58. Anonymous

    For some days now i have been having some iches around my clitoris. I had sex not long ago and a day after i realized my labia minora itches and its slighty swollen. I feel very uncomfortable during the day and most of the time at night. Kindly help with some diagnosis.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Since the labia is swollen, this looks like an infection. The itchiness may be due to stretching of skin there.

      Try sitz bath with antiseptic lotion added to it twice daily. If it doesn’t help, antibiotics may be needed.

      Reply
  59. Natalie

    Hello! I have this kind of odd problem that just won’t leave. Also i’m a virgin so i doubt this can be an std. It’s been going on for like max 4 months. My labia minora is really really red and a little swollen. It also itches rarely and during the day i get some discharge that is usually see throught and sticky. I’ve been to the gynecologist and they said i have a yeast infection but i ate the yeast infection pills ages ago and well they did help a little but when i stopped using them it just went back to how it used to be. I also have used many many creams/gels and some of them help a little but none of them take the problem away. The best cream/gel i’ve used so far is a multigyn actigel and in under a week it takes all the redness away but when i stop using it the redness just comes back. What could this be? I also have a small bump that’s a little red sometimes and not itchy. It hurts just a little if i press it. The gynecologist said it’s just an infected follicle. She didn’t give me anything for it because she would have given be antibiotics but the last time i ate antibiotics (cefalexin) the redness and itching started. So it think i got this problem from the antibiotics. The bump has been there for like max 2,5 months and it’s still not completely gone but it has been getting A LOT better lately because i’ve been pressing it like a couple times a day with a piece of paper thats been soaked in warm water. Could it be that somehow the infection or whatever i have is connected to the bump? And maybe if i get the bump to go away so will my redness? I really would like some help because i’m kind of starting to get worried if this will ever go away 🙁

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Not an infection, particularly, since you’re not sexually active. This may be a pH issue.

      After taking strong antibiotics for the groin region, it’s very common for the pH down there to get disturbed. May be, after you took cefalexin, pH down there got disturbed. A disturbed pH may give you redness and itchiness.

      You may self check four vaginal pH with the help of pH strips available in the market. To restore bark your pH, you need to follow some steps. Read here in detail about vaginal pH.

      Multigyn actigel may be used once in a while. This also works by restoring back vaginal pH. However, its action is temporary. You need treatment from within your body for a permanent cure.

      Reply
  60. Tolu

    I noticed a swell in my labia majora immediately after sex what do I take or do to reduce d swell..Just a little pain am feeling down there no push no discharge no nothing

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You may try cold compress over it, twice daily.

      May have occurred due to friction or roughness during the act.

      Reply
  61. Bella

    I’m 17 and I’m freaking out bc I woke up labia extremely swollen the outter part, yesterday I went swimming and I was stung by a wasp idk if any of that could be why but I am super scared can I take antibiotics?

    Reply
  62. Elizabeth

    Hello, I had sex Saturday morning (08/11) and after about 20 min or so we stopped because my partner noticed I was bleeding. I went and rinsed off and noticed that my left labia minors was extremely swollen. I felt a little bit of pain but not while having sex only when I went to wipe after using the restroom. I thought I might have bled because I had shaved earlier and maybe I had cut myself but I wasn’t sure. We continued to have sex once I was cleaned up and everything was fine. Later that night we had sex again and there was no blood or pain. However, it’s been about 6 days and I’m still swollen. No irregular discharge, pain or smell.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It’s likely that you have some pimple or some other lesion over the affected labia, that’s giving out the bleed. Self examine and let us know.

      Reply
  63. Nadine

    I just had sex with my long time boyfriend. No condoms, no lubricants, but we used saliva when i was dry. He would put it in the labia (generalized) then have intercourse again. After sex, my labia minora got swollen and is tender to the touch. The lower parts of my labia minora. Thank you doc

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Just clean the area with ample water and apply any vaginal emollient to soothe the region. Avoid friction over those parts. Wear lose cotton bottoms to avoid it.

      These parts are very vascular and would heal on their own very quick.

      Reply
  64. Candace Taylor

    I am experiencing intense itching on my left labia. There are no other symptoms at all. No discharge or odor. The area becomes red and swollen if I itch and now if I apply itch creams it burns because Ive broken the skin from itching.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      What creams are you using over it?

      Any skin flakes coming out from there?

      You may trim your nails to avoid injury over the labia. Injuries may complicate the situation further. You may develop an infection.

      Reply
  65. Shruti

    There is too much secretion of white discharge because of which its itchy and after scratching it my labia feels burning sensation and skin comes out. Can u advise some medications to decrease this vaginal secretion?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Try anti fungal therapy. You may use clotrimazole cream over the affected area and also inside the vaginal canal once daily for a week. Use it at bed time to let the medicine act adequately.

      Also, maintain good hygiene down there. Wear lose cotton underwears only to let the area be free from moisture. Avoid scratching down there. This may instill more infections. You may consider trimming your nails to limit damage.

      Let us us know the response.

      Reply
  66. Ayushi

    Hi,
    My right labia minora is swollen its like a big bump on the labia from 3 Nov.Firstly I had taken antibiotics from a gynecologist and completed the course in my home town then I moved to another place and consulted another doctor but she said surgery is required to remove that part but still I waited for 2 weeks swelling has reduced about 50% but again itching started then I consulted another doctor she prescribed me another antibiotics dose of 5 days which I have completed..there is relief in pain but swelling is still not gone completely.. In am really worried what to do..I don’t want to go through surgery..Please advice what to do now..

    Reply
      1. Ayushi

        Yes it’s kind of draining out pus through needle..okay so how will it take to completely get better after surgery..is there any further negative consequences of this surgery in future??

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          One week at the maximum. Healing down there is quick, as the area is richly supplied with blood vessels. No negative consequences anticipated.

          Reply
  67. Sarah Beth

    Hello, your advice would be greatly appreciated. I woke myself up, scratching the left side of my labia minora, a few days ago. Forgot about it, as I experienced no symptoms during the day. Last night, woke up scratching myself again. Since I was half asleep, I don’t know how long scratched for… but it was definitely longer than 5 or 10 minutes, straight. Enough to really irritate it. Awoke alarmed, once I realized it was happening again. Went to the bathroom to look in a hand mirror. The itchy side was quite red & swollen. Specifically, the area just adjacent to the clitoris. It appeared to be about two or three times as puffy, as the normal side. That’s exactly what it looked like… puffy. The normal side was flat & smooth. Comparing the two sides in a mirror, there was an obvious difference. Went back to sleep. Checked again, several hours later, upon waking. Swelling had went down 50-75%. The affected area is just to the left side of the clitoris, the swelling is still giving it a slightly puffy looking appearance. It’s about 2 inches by 2 inches in surface area. But much less swelling than earlier, after scratching a lot. There are no pimples, no discharge, no bumps. It is unilateral. Feel very little discomfort while awake. Slightly itchy, not much. But concerned that the one side is a bit swollen. Please advise home treatment, when to see a doctor, etc.,. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Since it’s getting better, off and on, on its own, likely to be some local irritation or allergy.

      You may apply 1% hydrocortisone cream over it, once daily. Avoid wearing tight pants. Wear lose cotton undergarments. They area hypoallergic in nature. Avoid using any soap/ gel or perfume over the affected part.

      You may also trim your nails to prevent damage while inadvertent scratching at night.

      Reply
  68. Taylor Huff

    Hello, I’m experiencing something I can’t understand. At first I thought it was an allergic reaction but this is reoccurring and I haven’t done anything to trigger it. Both of my labias become swollen like a balloon. There is no burning but it itches and feels almost like a bruise. It makes it difficult to sit and walk and now I am very insecure bc my lady parts don’t look the same anymore, even when they are not swollen. I’m young but the first time this happened I thought I was turning inside out! Please help me understand.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Are you sexually active? If not, this is very likely to be an allergic reaction. Wear soft and lose cotton undergarments. Avoid using any soap, gel or cream over your labia. avoid friction over them while moving. Also, avoid scratching.

      Apply any bland emollient over the affected area. If it still itches, 1% hydrocortisone cream may be used.

      Reply
  69. David L.

    Hello, well long story short my girlfriend and I were in bed and i was fingering her and we did that for around 45 minutes or longer cuz she didnt wanna stop and wanted me to do it harder (i would stop a few times since i know that can hurt her) but after that we noticed that she was very swollen, her both labia (sorry if i wrote it wrong) were very swollen. That happened around two days ago and today one side went back to normal but the other side is still swollen though a somewhat less than two days ago. She’s also nearing her period and has some discharge although there isnt any smell or anything that looks like puss. She isnt in pain just uncomfortable. As for itchiness she says it doesnt really itch, only that it feels weird sometimes. Is there anything she should do?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Likely to be due to prolonged friction during the act. Ask her to wash the area well, avoiding the use of any soap or gel, only water cleaning. Then apply any bland vaginal emollient over the affected parts. Avoid friction while moving. Wear lose cotton undergarments.

      Her parts are likely to recover with time.

      Reply
  70. Anna G.

    Hello,
    Last night I was having intercourse with my partner and noticed that I was extremely dry. My partner was fingering me very rough, and a couple hours later i noticed one side of my inner labia is EXTREMELY swollen. It’s really enlarged more closer to my hole, that it is difficult to even access it when washing. It is not ichy or burning, just tender and enlarged. I’ve been icing it all day and the swelling has not gone down at all. I’m debating going to the doctor, but my mom and sister insist I wait it out a couple of days. This swelling does not feel normal or minor. Do you think it could just be a trauma injury in result of the intercourse, or some kind of infection? I’m also pretty sure I haven’t had abnormal discharge.
    Please help! Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Likely to be trauma. Just be watchful. Swelling may take some time to recede.

      If it increases in size, becomes hard or you notice any discharge down there, you may need to visit a doctor.

      Reply

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