Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAllergyIrritantsVaginal TraumaYeast InfectionSTIsPregnancyBacterial VaginosisVaginal CystsWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Allergy
Irritants
Vaginal Trauma
Yeast Infection
STIs
Pregnancy
Bacterial Vaginosis
Vaginal Cysts
When to See a Provider
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. or an infection (including asexually transmitted infection).
It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the underlying cause of a swollen vagina (or the swelling of external genitalia like a swollenlabiaorclitoris). And it may be possible that more than one cause is involved. This is why it is important to see a healthcare provider if vaginal swelling is sudden and unexplained or if the symptoms are severe, persistent, or recurrent.
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Certain substances that come into contact with the vagina can cause an allergic reaction, referred to asallergic contact dermatitis.
An allergy is an abnormal immune reaction in which the body releases an antibody, calledimmunoglobulin E (IgE), in response to an otherwise harmless trigger, known as anallergen. This sets off a chain reaction that instigates the release of a chemical calledhistaminewhich directly causes allergy symptoms such as rash, swelling, redness, and itching.
Allergens that can trigger vaginal swelling include:
Mild cases are treated with avoiding the allergen and with OTCantihistamineslike Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) that block the action of histamine. A mild topical steroid cream, likehydrocortisone, may be prescribed to ease inflammation andvaginal rash.
Even so, many of the triggers and symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis are the same as those of allergic contact dermatitis.The main difference is that symptoms tend to develop quickly, sometimes almost immediately, and may involve burning, stinging, and tiny blisters. 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 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. The use of larger vaginal toys can also cause trauma, especially if vaginal numbing creams, alcohol, or illicit drugs are used to block pain signals.
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.
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include vaginal swelling and redness,pain with urination,vaginal itching, and a cottage cheese-like discharge with afoul odor.
Hormonal changes can affect the immune response and lead to candidiasis, such as can occur with pregnancy, menstruation, and the use of hormonal contraceptives. 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). Prescription antifungals (including topical, oral, and vaginal suppository formulations) may be used for more severe cases.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Manysexually transmitted infections (STIs)can cause vaginal inflammation and swelling. Others cause rashes, blisters, or lesions that may be seen or unseen, causing pain, pain with urination, pain with sex, abnormalvaginal discharge, andswollen lymph nodesin the groin.
STIs that commonly cause vaginal swelling include:
Bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma genitalium, and syphilis can be treated and cured with the appropriate antibiotic. Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that can be cured with the antibiotic drug metronidazole.
Vaginal swelling is common during pregnancy, in part because of the increased flow of blood to theuterus(womb) to support the growingfetus. As the fetus grows, increasing pressure within the womb can impede the flow of blood (through blood vessels) andlymph(throughlymphatic vessels), triggeringinflammationand swelling of the vagina.
Talk to a healthcare provider about what you may use for occasional relief of inflammation and pain. A cold compress may help.
BV occurs when the level of “good” bacteria in the vagina drops, allowing “bad” bacteria likeGardnerella vaginalisto grow excessively. 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).
Cysts and Abscesses
Cystsare generally harmless pockets of fluids that can affect many different tissues of the body, including those in the genitals. They generally only cause problems when they are large and press on vulnerable tissues or become infected.
There are two types of cysts that can affect the vagina and cause vaginal swelling:
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD): What to Know
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Vaginal swelling may be something you can readily treat at home, such as with an uncomplicated yeast infection. But, if you are not sure what is causing vaginal swelling and it either persists or recurs, it’s in your best interest to see yourgynecologist.
See a healthcare provider as soon as possible if the following occurs:
Summary
Vaginal swelling can occur for many reasons, including pregnancy, allergy, irritants, trauma, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, and vaginal cysts and abscesses. The treatment for each varies, so it is important to see a healthcare provider to get the correct diagnosis and receive the correct treatment.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Novak-Bilić G, Vučić M, Japundžić I, Meštrović-Štefekov J, Stanić-Duktaj S, Lugović-Mihić L.Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis - skin lesion characteristics.Acta Clin Croat. 2018;57(4):713-20. doi:10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.13Harper J, Zirwas M.Allergic contact dermatitis of the vagina and perineum: causes, incidence of, and differentiating factors.Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2015;58(1):153-7.Lampel HP, Silvestri DL.Systemic contact dermatitis: current challenges and emerging treatments.Curr Treat Options Allergy.2014;1:348. doi:10.1007/s40521-014-0029-6American Academy of Dermatology.Contact dermatitis.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.Thapa BD, Regm MC.Gartner’s duct cyst of the vagina: a case report.JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc.2020;58(227):505–7. doi:10.31729/jnma.5009Lee M, Dalpiaz A, Schwamb R, Miao Y, Waltzer W, Khan A.Clinical pathology of Bartholin’s glands: a review of the literature.Curr Urol. 2015;8(1):22-5. doi:10.1159/000365683
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Novak-Bilić G, Vučić M, Japundžić I, Meštrović-Štefekov J, Stanić-Duktaj S, Lugović-Mihić L.Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis - skin lesion characteristics.Acta Clin Croat. 2018;57(4):713-20. doi:10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.13Harper J, Zirwas M.Allergic contact dermatitis of the vagina and perineum: causes, incidence of, and differentiating factors.Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2015;58(1):153-7.Lampel HP, Silvestri DL.Systemic contact dermatitis: current challenges and emerging treatments.Curr Treat Options Allergy.2014;1:348. doi:10.1007/s40521-014-0029-6American Academy of Dermatology.Contact dermatitis.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.Thapa BD, Regm MC.Gartner’s duct cyst of the vagina: a case report.JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc.2020;58(227):505–7. doi:10.31729/jnma.5009Lee M, Dalpiaz A, Schwamb R, Miao Y, Waltzer W, Khan A.Clinical pathology of Bartholin’s glands: a review of the literature.Curr Urol. 2015;8(1):22-5. doi:10.1159/000365683
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Novak-Bilić G, Vučić M, Japundžić I, Meštrović-Štefekov J, Stanić-Duktaj S, Lugović-Mihić L.Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis - skin lesion characteristics.Acta Clin Croat. 2018;57(4):713-20. doi:10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.13Harper J, Zirwas M.Allergic contact dermatitis of the vagina and perineum: causes, incidence of, and differentiating factors.Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2015;58(1):153-7.Lampel HP, Silvestri DL.Systemic contact dermatitis: current challenges and emerging treatments.Curr Treat Options Allergy.2014;1:348. doi:10.1007/s40521-014-0029-6American Academy of Dermatology.Contact dermatitis.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.Thapa BD, Regm MC.Gartner’s duct cyst of the vagina: a case report.JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc.2020;58(227):505–7. doi:10.31729/jnma.5009Lee M, Dalpiaz A, Schwamb R, Miao Y, Waltzer W, Khan A.Clinical pathology of Bartholin’s glands: a review of the literature.Curr Urol. 2015;8(1):22-5. doi:10.1159/000365683
Novak-Bilić G, Vučić M, Japundžić I, Meštrović-Štefekov J, Stanić-Duktaj S, Lugović-Mihić L.Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis - skin lesion characteristics.Acta Clin Croat. 2018;57(4):713-20. doi:10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.13
Harper J, Zirwas M.Allergic contact dermatitis of the vagina and perineum: causes, incidence of, and differentiating factors.Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2015;58(1):153-7.
Lampel HP, Silvestri DL.Systemic contact dermatitis: current challenges and emerging treatments.Curr Treat Options Allergy.2014;1:348. doi:10.1007/s40521-014-0029-6
American Academy of Dermatology.Contact dermatitis.
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.
Thapa BD, Regm MC.Gartner’s duct cyst of the vagina: a case report.JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc.2020;58(227):505–7. doi:10.31729/jnma.5009
Lee M, Dalpiaz A, Schwamb R, Miao Y, Waltzer W, Khan A.Clinical pathology of Bartholin’s glands: a review of the literature.Curr Urol. 2015;8(1):22-5. doi:10.1159/000365683
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