Swollen labia after sex: Causes, treatment, & when to see a doctor

Is swollen labia after sex normal?

Yes, it's completely normal to experience some swelling around the genital region after sex. When the swelling is related to arousal, it is because the blood flow to the genital area increases significantly, and the labia majora and labia minora become engorged (swollen) with blood [1]. This usually develops seconds to minutes of arousal, and the swelling will gradually subside after orgasm or cessation of arousal, usually within 30-60 minutes. 

The swelling of the labia may happen after rough intercourse, but it can be caused by any form of sex, including masturbation.

However, if the swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, discharge, or itchiness, it may be a sign of a more serious issue, in which case, you’ll want to consult your doctor.

Signs of a swollen labia

Many of us are not as familiar with our genitals as we could be. Because of this, it may be difficult to determine whether the vulva is swollen or not, or the extent of the swelling. It may be helpful to check yourself out with a hand mirror to familiarize yourself with how things look on a regular day. Knowing what your vulva normally looks like can help you recognize when things may look out of the ordinary. 

So, how do you know if your vulva is swollen after sex? Everyone's body is different, and swelling may appear and feel differently. You're the one who knows your body and its signals best. However, here are some common changes you may notice:

• Visible puffiness around the inner (labia minora) or outer (labia majora) lips
• Tenderness or soreness, especially when sitting, wiping, or during sex
• Redness or a feeling of warmth in the area
• A feeling of fullness, heaviness, or pressure in the vulva
• You may feel a slight throbbing in the area

What causes swollen labia after sex?

Swelling of the genital area is a common bodily response to arousal. You may be familiar with the four stages of sexual arousal we go through when we're having sex:

• Excitement
• Plateau
• Orgasm
• Resolution [2]

Well, during the excitement and plateau phases of the sexual arousal cycle, our heart rates quicken, and there's an increased blood flow into the genital area that causes the clitoris and vulva to swell and vaginal walls to start to lubricate [2].

After we orgasm, and our bodies go into the last stage, resolution, the swelling of the genitals slowly goes away as the body relaxes and returns to its usual state [2]. It may take a while, so after you have sex, you may notice that your vulva is swollen (which might have slipped your attention earlier if you were preoccupied with pleasure).

Other causes of swollen labia

Sometimes, the reason why you experience vulvar swelling can be due to other reasons than sex. Other common causes of swollen labia are:

• STIs: Some STIs (sexually transmitted infections), such as trichomoniasis, may cause vulvar swelling [3]. It's often accompanied by other symptoms such as yellow-green discharge and pain while peeing (among other things). If you think you may have an STI, contact your healthcare provider.
• Yeast infection: Swelling is one of the most common symptoms of yeast infections in women. It's caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. It happens when the balance of protective bacteria (like Lactobacillus) is disrupted, which allows the yeast to grow excessively. Yeast infection is often accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, white discharge, and changes in scent [4]. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the right medication if you think swelling is caused by a yeast infection.
• Bartholin's cyst: A Bartholin's cyst is a lump that develops close to the opening of the vagina, on either side of the labia. The size can range from a pea to a golf ball, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or discharge from the cyst itself [5].
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, hormone levels change drastically, which forces more blood to flow into the genital area. That may cause visible changes to the vulva, such as swelling [6]. It's completely normal.
• Allergies: If you have a latex allergy, and are using latex condoms, or have sensitivities to any ingredients in the lubes you're using, it may cause irritation of the genital area. You may want to change to latex-free condoms and swap the lube you're using.

How to treat swelling after sex

If caused by increased blood flow, swelling will go away on its own within a few minutes. If you have prolonged or painful swelling, it’s important to talk to a doctor. You can also try these things to help ease the discomfort:

• Keep it clean and dry: You may want to wash away any liquids that remain on the body after intercourse. Use lukewarm water only, no soaps or fragrant body washes. Gently pat dry the area after with a towel. Avoid rubbing it, as it will add additional friction to the already irritated area.
• Avoid applying soothing lotions: Many lotions have keywords such as “soothing” or “cooling” on the packaging, so you may want to reach for them to help soothe any irritations. However, that may do more harm than good, as many of these lotions contain additives that can cause allergic reactions or exacerbate skin irritation. Also, avoid applying or using anything inside the vagina. It’s naturally self-cleaning, and using lotions, washes, or other products can disrupt the natural pH balance. Special types of prescription creams are available at the pharmacy to help deal with yeast infections, so if you need one, consult your doctor so they can prescribe the right one. 
• Give it time to recover: Take a break from sexual activity to let your skin rest and recover.
• Let it breathe: Choose breathable 100% cotton underwear. And if you feel comfortable, avoid sleeping with your underwear on.

How to prevent swollen labia after sex

As we mentioned previously, swollen vulva after sex is normal in most cases and is caused by the increased blood flow to the region. It should go away soon after sex, and there’s nothing you need to do to prevent it, as it’s just a natural response to arousal. 

However, sometimes the swelling can be due to rough intercourse or allergic reactions, which cause the skin to become irritated and swell. If that bothers you, here are some things you may do to help prevent it: 

• If using the barrier method, switch to latex-free materials: Using latex-free condoms will help remove the discomfort and swelling if it appears due to allergies and skin sensitivities. Look for a "latex-free" label on the package; most brands nowadays offer alternatives.
• Swap your lube for a clean water-based, fragrance-free formula: It’s possible that the lube you're using contains harsh chemicals and fragrances. These can irritate the sensitive genital skin. If that's the case, consider switching to a different kind of lube. The best are gentle, water-based, fragrance-free formulas.
• Be generous when using lubricant: Even if you have plenty of natural lubrication, you may want to use lubes to add even more lubrication to avoid irritating the skin. It's especially useful if you engage in rough intercourse, as natural lubrication alone may not be enough. Re-apply as needed!
• Take breaks during intercourse: When engaging in rough intercourse or multiple rounds, be mindful of your body and take breaks in between to allow your body to rest and recover. It may help reduce the risk of swelling and discomfort after. Make sure you stay hydrated.
• Communicate with your partner: Don't be afraid to speak up if things feel weird or uncomfortable during intercourse. You may need to slow down, take a break, or switch positions, but your partner can't read your mind. So, be vocal about your needs and how you feel in the moment. Remember, communication goes both ways! Check in with your partner throughout the experience as well to ensure that both of you’re into the activities you’re engaging in.

When to see a doctor

If the vulvar swelling doesn't go away in a couple of hours, is getting worse, or is interfering with your day-to-day activities, contact your doctor. The same applies if you notice that other symptoms accompany the swelling, such as:

• Sudden change of your natural scent or the appearance of an unpleasant smell
• Itching
• Pain
• Unusual discharge

It may be that you're experiencing vulvar swelling that isn’t due to rough sex, but rather other reasons, such as STIs or other infections. Your doctor will be able to run tests and suggest suitable treatment options.

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