Vulvar Swelling

Overview

Vulvar swelling is puffiness, enlargement, or a swollen feeling in the vulva, the external female genital area that includes the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. The swelling may affect one side or both, and it can be mild and barely noticeable or pronounced and uncomfortable. It often comes with other symptoms such as itching, redness, pain, or discharge, depending on the cause.

Most vulvar swelling is due to common, treatable causes such as infections, irritation from products, allergic reactions, cysts, or minor injury, including swelling that is normal after sex or childbirth. Occasionally it signals a more significant infection, a blocked gland, or, rarely, an allergic reaction that needs urgent attention. Because the cause guides treatment, and because some causes need prompt care, it is helpful to understand what might be behind vulvar swelling and when to seek medical advice.

Common Causes

Vulvar swelling has many possible causes:

• Infections: Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections can inflame and swell the vulva.
• Irritation (contact dermatitis): Reaction to soaps, douches, scented products, detergents, pads, or tight clothing.
• Allergic reactions: To latex, spermicides, lubricants, or other products, sometimes causing sudden swelling.
• Bartholin's cyst or abscess: A blocked gland near the vaginal opening that swells and can become painful and infected.
• Injury or friction: From vigorous sex, cycling, or trauma, and normal swelling after childbirth.
• Folliculitis or ingrown hairs: Inflamed hair follicles after shaving or waxing.
• Skin conditions: Such as eczema or lichen sclerosus.
• Fluid retention: Less commonly, swelling from generalized fluid buildup or, rarely, lymphatic blockage.

Associated Symptoms

The symptoms accompanying vulvar swelling help point to the cause. You may also notice:

• Itching, burning, or irritation
• Redness and warmth of the vulva
• Pain or tenderness, especially with a cyst or abscess
• Abnormal discharge or odor
• A distinct lump or bump (such as a cyst or ingrown hair)
• Sores or blisters (which may suggest a sexually transmitted infection)
• Fever or feeling unwell (which may signal a spreading infection or abscess)
• Pain during sex or urination

Sudden, severe swelling with difficulty breathing, or swelling with high fever and severe pain, needs urgent care.

Diagnosis & Evaluation

A clinician usually identifies the cause through history and examination. Evaluation may include:

• Pelvic and vulvar examination: To inspect the swelling, any lumps, redness, sores, or discharge.
• Vaginal swab or discharge testing: To check for yeast, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis.
• Tests for sexually transmitted infections: When relevant.
• Review of products and habits: To identify irritants or allergens.
• Further evaluation: Occasionally imaging or a biopsy if a lump is persistent, unusual, or does not resolve.

Treatment & Management

Treatment depends on the cause.

• Antifungal or antibiotic treatment: For yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or other infections.
• Removing irritants or allergens: Stopping scented products, certain lubricants, latex, or harsh soaps.
• Warm compresses or sitz baths: To soothe a Bartholin's cyst or general irritation.
• Drainage: A clinician may need to drain a Bartholin's abscess.
• Cool compresses and antihistamines: For allergic or irritation-related swelling.
• Treating skin conditions: Prescription creams for eczema or lichen sclerosus.
• Rest and time: For swelling from minor injury, friction, or childbirth.

Self-Care & Prevention

• Avoid douching and scented soaps, sprays, and wipes in the genital area
• Wash the vulva gently with water or a mild, unscented cleanser
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid very tight clothing
• Use plenty of lubricant during sex and avoid products you react to
• Be gentle with shaving or waxing to reduce ingrown hairs and folliculitis
• Apply cool compresses to soothe minor irritation or swelling
• Practice safer sex to reduce sexually transmitted infections

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if vulvar swelling is persistent, painful, recurrent, or does not improve with simple self-care, or if you notice a lump, sores, or unusual discharge. Seek prompt or urgent care if you have:

• Severe pain or a tender, growing lump (which may be an abscess)
• High fever or feeling very unwell
• A painful swelling near the vaginal opening that is worsening
• Swelling during pregnancy or after childbirth that concerns you

Call emergency services if sudden, severe swelling is accompanied by difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash, as this may be a serious allergic reaction.

Related Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Vaginal and vulvar conditions.
2. Mayo Clinic. Bartholin's cyst — Symptoms and causes.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sexually Transmitted Infections.
4. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Vaginal and vulvar conditions.