Experiencing swollen labia after sex can be uncomfortable and even alarming for some women. However, it’s not uncommon and there are several possible causes. In this article, we will explore five potential reasons why you may be experiencing swollen labia after sex.
- Insufficient lubrication
You have a lush concentration of sensitive nerve endings knot around the vaginal opening. As such, any slight sexual manipulation causes blood to rush to the genitals.
This improved blood supply swells your vaginal walls, wetting it with sexual desire in readiness for penetration. But your brain and groins much be in synch to make this happen.
How? The necessary chemicals have to be primed to initiate this genital blood rush. Arousal triggers the Bartholin glands to lubricate the vagina.
Before the Bartholin’s glands start releasing the vaginal fluids, they well with juices. But the process is slow and takes time.
In case you have had a long dry spell, either you or your partner may become too impatient to wait your vagina to juice up. In this situation, you may initiate a penetration prematurely.
Rushing things over may result in a bruised vagina after sex, since the organ wasn’t primed for penetration.
As per Healthline Media, engaging in sexual activity involves significant friction that may lead to trauma in your labia and the entire vaginal area if not adequately lubricated. When the area lacks sufficient lubrication, the vulva can become swollen, and rough sex without proper lubrication may cause small tears in the vaginal opening, resulting in discomfort, irritation, and potential bleeding.
- Prolonged and vigorous sex
Sexual activities vary between differing people. While some couples may prefer to have a nice, slow, and tender loving-making, others may opt for a vigorous and high-paced sex.
Neither of these approaches is lousy. You are within your right to demand a prolonged sex session, especially after abstaining for long and your hormone are raging with desire.
When you engage in an enduring tactic, you quench your passion faster while also fulfilling your sexual desire. But you could also notice some side effects.
Incessant pounding causes intense friction. Your body mechanism may try to adapt to the high pressure. But the sustained and lengthy sex dries up the vaginal fluids.
Still, a prolonged sexual activity results in increased sensitivity of the nerves, thus cause bruises around the groin. These, coupled by dryness may compound vaginal soreness.
Too much vigor harms the sensitive lining around the vagina. This could cause soreness afterwards.
- Allergic reaction
You may introduce toys and other implements to enhance enjoyment. Thus penetrative sex can include using fingers, tongue, and even sex toys.
These foreign products may have some effects on the vagina. Sex toys, mostly made from plastic and silicon, may disturb a sensitive vagina, causing unwanted reaction.
Similarly, some women appreciate tonguing, fingering and creative application of other body parts during foreplay. However, these manipulations may trigger inflammatory sensation down there.
As a woman, you would seek the confidence that protected sex brings. So you would encourage your partner to shield his shear for this purpose.
Unfortunately, one way or another, you could be allergic to any of the many compounds present in these sexual toys and condoms. The allergic reaction manifests as itching and redness of the pelvis area.
An article published in Very Well Health highlights the occurrence of allergic contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction that can be triggered by specific substances coming into contact with the vagina. Among the allergens that may cause vaginal swelling are fragranced soaps, vaginal douches, tampons, sanitary pads, skin creams, lotions, spermicides, personal lubricants, latex condoms, vaginal contraceptives, and even laundry detergent.
Lastly, poor hygiene may mean that bacteria and other impurities get transferred from the tools into your vagina. All these could swell your labia.
- Menopause
For most women, menopause occurs after fifty years. However, some can experience these symptoms earlier and other much later.
You become menopausal when you fail to menstruate for one year straight. Before this happens though, you could experience a premenstrual phase which is characterized by internment periods.
This phase of reproductive life come with many changes. These variations are physical, mental, and physiological.
And they may occur before and during menopause. The most common indicator of menopause is the decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone.
These are the two primary female hormones that defines femininity. Estrogen is instrumental in development of soft skin, feminine curvature and long hair.
As estrogen secretion dwindles, women experience hot flush, mood changes and thinning of hair. The skin also dries and wither.
The dryness is not limited to outer skin, but extends to the vaginal cavity. Inadequate estrogen slows natural lubrication, while thinning and welling the labia.
According to the North American Menopause Society, the inflammation of the vagina in menopausal women who are not using hormone therapy is known as “atrophic vaginitis.” This condition may manifest as redness of the vagina and vaginal discharge. It occurs due to the decline in estrogen levels after menopause, but fortunately, it can often be alleviated with the application of low doses of vaginal estrogen therapy.
- Pelvis inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvis Inflammatory Disease is one form of bacterial infections. Bacterial that causes chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause this infection.
Other factors, besides sexually transmitted infections, also causes PID. Some bacteria spread PID even when you aren’t sexually involved.
This infection usually affects the vaginal opening. But I can spread to other regions within the birth canal.
How do you know that you have a PID? It’s not easy, but the first step is to sound for vaginal inflammation.
When you have pelvis inflammatory disease, it’s not uncommon to experience inflammation around your uterus, fallopian tube, cervix, and ovaries.
Symptoms include pain in the pelvis, painful urination, bleeding and occasional discharge. But it’s advisable to seek further medical attention before you come into a conclusion.
Tests would establish that you have a PID. Luckily, it’s quickly treatable using antibacterial. You will experience severe swelling and pain during and after sex if you leave it unattended though.
To conclude, swollen labia after sex was not a myth and multiple causes were explored. Understanding and looking for these possible causes can help you improve your swelling. We hope you find these causes useful and consider treatment options for them.
What Does It Mean When You Have An Enlarged Labia?
The labia, also known as the vaginal lips, are an important part of the female genitalia. They serve a variety of purposes, including protection, lubrication, and sexual pleasure. However, it is not uncommon for women to experience changes in the size and appearance of their labia. One such change is an enlarged labia, which can be a source of discomfort, embarrassment, and confusion for many women. In this paper, we will explore what it means to have an enlarged labia, its potential causes, and the available treatment options.
An enlarged labia, also known as labial hypertrophy, is a condition where the labia minora (inner vaginal lips) or labia majora (outer vaginal lips) appear larger than usual. It can occur in one or both labia and can range from mild to severe. This condition is not considered a medical problem, and it is estimated that approximately 1 in 5 women have some degree of labial hypertrophy. However, it can cause physical discomfort, self-consciousness, and difficulty with certain activities, such as wearing tight clothing or engaging in sexual intercourse.
There are several potential causes of an enlarged labia. One of the most common causes is genetics. Just like other body parts, the size and shape of the labia are determined by genetics. Some women may naturally have larger labia due to their genetic makeup. Another possible cause is hormonal changes. During puberty, hormonal fluctuations can cause the labia to grow and become more prominent. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also contribute to an enlargement of the labia.
Additionally, certain health conditions can contribute to an enlarged labia. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal imbalances that result in an enlargement of the labia. Certain infections or skin conditions, such as yeast infections or lichen sclerosus, can also lead to labial hypertrophy. In some cases, an enlarged labia may be a side effect of certain medications.
While an enlarged labia is not a serious medical condition, it can cause discomfort and affect a woman’s self-esteem. Some women may experience physical discomfort such as chafing, irritation, or discomfort during sexual intercourse. The enlarged labia may also make it difficult to keep the area clean, leading to an increased risk of infections.
Fortunately, there are treatment options available for an enlarged labia. The most common treatment is labiaplasty, a surgical procedure that involves reducing the size of the labia. This procedure can be done for both aesthetic and functional purposes. It is important to note that labiaplasty is a major surgery and should only be considered after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified medical professional.
In addition to surgery, there are also non-surgical options for treating an enlarged labia. These include topical creams or ointments to help with irritation and discomfort, pelvic floor physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the labia, and hormone therapy to address hormonal imbalances.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing an enlarged labia. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you. It is also important to remember that an enlarged labia is a normal and natural variation of the female anatomy and does not require treatment unless it is causing physical discomfort or affecting your quality of life.
In conclusion, an enlarged labia is a common condition that can be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, or certain health conditions. While it is not a medical problem, it can cause discomfort and affect a woman’s self-esteem. There are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options available, but it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before deciding on a course of treatment. It is also important to remember that an enlarged labia is a normal and natural variation of the female body and does not require treatment unless it is causing physical discomfort or affecting your quality of life.
