Inflammation of the female genitalia can frequently happen, especially during childhood, pregnancy, and menopause. This alteration is known as vulvovaginitis, which can be caused by multiple factors ranging from allergies to the use of a tight clothing item. Another reason this condition happens is poor hygiene, so by improving habits, the risks of suffering from it are minimized.
Women in their different stages of life are predisposed to suffer from this alteration due to infections by various microorganisms. In these cases, your assistance with your trusted gynecologist is the best way to solve the problem. Do you wonder why my genital lips are swollen? In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will explain it to you!
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Genital lips were swollen from infections
Known as vulvovaginitis, it is an inflammation that occurs in the private parts, specifically on the lips of the genitals. Multiple causes give rise to this alteration, but one of the leading causes of this inflammation is infections.
Its appearance is frequent in women who have had several sexual partners, use antibiotics, do not have proper intimate hygiene, or have been hospitalized for a long time. Among these vaginal infections are:
Vaginosis bacteria
This alteration is produced by bacteria that can multiply inside the vagina, especially after having sex or after menstruation, which causes a yellowish discharge and a bad smell in the area.
Trichomoniasis
This infectious process is caused by a parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis; Its form of transmission is through sexual intercourse where they do not use protection. Trichomonas infection produces a foul-smelling discharge with a yellowish-green color and a lumpy appearance, and vaginal and genital labia burning and irritation. Here we talk specifically about trichomoniasis.
Candidiasis
It is an infection produced by a fungus called Candida Albicans. The woman is manifested by presenting white, lumpy vaginal discharge redness of the genital and vaginal area and offering increased urinary frequency. This infection occurs more frequently in women with a weak immune system, either due to stress, antibiotics, or diseases such as diabetes or HIV infection.
Swollen genital lips: other causes
Allergic processes
The allergic reactions caused by contact with the genitals or a chemical can cause inflammation as in the following cases:
- The use of some medications, scented soaps, or any substance for personal cosmetic use.
- The material latex that condoms are made of.
- Synthetic material garments.
- Placement of fabric softener.
- The use of colored or perfumed toilet paper.
It is important to note that the inflammation caused by these elements is characterized by: itching, redness, and burning.
Skin lesions
Certain moments in a woman’s life are capable of allowing the skin of the vagina to become thinner and increase the sensitivity of the area, such as during:
- Menopause.
- Pregnancy.
- Postpartum.
- Lactation.
- During the application of radio treatment and chemotherapy.
The main characteristics of this disease are the presence of a yellowish vaginal discharge accompanied by a foul smell and irritation of the area, and burning and pain during sexual intercourse. The symptoms are characteristic, and it is essential to make the proper diagnosis to implement the therapy according to the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment for swollen genital lips
Once the symptoms of this alteration appear, you should go to the doctor. In this case, the gynecologist is the specialist in charge of treating patients with alterations of their genital and reproductive organs.
In cases where an infection is the cause of the symptoms, a discharge sample will be indicated to carry out a study and show the type of microorganism causing the infection. In this way, the treatment prescribed by the gynecologist with antibiotics or antifungals will be implemented, in addition to local application of anti-inflammatory creams to combat inflammation and irritation at the level of the genital lips.
When the inflammation is the product of an allergy, the indication will be based on oral antiallergic and ointments for topical use based on corticosteroids according to the gynecologist’s prescription.
If it is a skin problem at the level of the genital lips, the treatment is based on lubricants and corticosteroids indicated by the trusted doctor.
How to prevent inflammation of the genital lips
Here are some tips to prevent inflammation of the genital lips :
- Use a condom during intercourse (without latex if you are allergic).
- Sleep in fresh clothes or without using intimate clothing.
- Avoid using sanitary pads for many hours.
- Control the use of antibiotics unnecessarily.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing on hot days.
Do not hesitate to go to your trusted doctor; he will indicate the therapy to follow to achieve relief of symptoms and control of the disease.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do I have swollen genital lips, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.