Sometimes there is this weird soreness on labia majora, which can be due to many reasons. This soreness can cause irritation redness and pain in labia majora.
Many women suffer this and are worrisome for it. The labia majora is located on the vulva, which is the part of a woman’s external genitalia , they are there to protect the clitoris, vagina, and urethra from many things like infection and damage.
There is a variety of conditions which can lead to swollen labia, including infections and cysts. The labia are sometimes called the vaginal lips. There are two pairs of labia one is the labia majora, that’s located on the outside of the vagina, and the other is labia minora, which are actually the small inner folds of skin that lead to the actual vagina.
what you will read next :
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- What are the symptoms of soreness on labia majora?
- What are the common causes of soreness on labia majora?
- How to diagnosis soreness on labia majora?
- When to see a doctor for soreness on labia majora?
- What are the possible ways for treatment and management of soreness on labia majora?
- What are the methods for prevention for soreness on labia majora?
- Takeaway
What are the symptoms of soreness on labia majora?
The most common symptoms of this issue are mentioned below :
A sensation of burning , pain, itching, redness.
In addition to this swollen labia majora , the following symptoms can suggest an infection or some other underlying medical problem:
- That feeling of hotness around the external genital area
- Any bump on the labia majora
- Burning
- Severe itching
- Sharp pain
- Redness around labia
- Strong or foul odour from the vagina or external genitalia
- Unusual vaginal discharge be it creamy or sticky
What are the common causes of soreness on labia majora?
Common causes of soreness on labia majora include following:
Yeast infection
The majority of women in the world as much as almost 75 percent will experience a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime
The symptoms of a yeast infection include following:
- Burning
- Itching
- Swelling
- Soreness
- White discharge that may be thick and lumpy or creamy
There are few exclusive conditions that increase the risk of a yeast infection which include pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, and most unusual having a weakened immune system. Certain medications can also increase chances of yeast infection including steroids, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives pills
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a problem that affects approximately 30 percent of women who are of childbearing age and is caused mostly by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms which are seen in bacterial vaginosis include swollen labia, a green or gray discharge from the vagina , and a fish-like bad odour. But keep in mind sometimes it’s possible many women with a bacterial imbalance may not even experience any symptoms at all .
There are few factors which can increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis which include following :
- Douching
- Changing sexual partner
- Having many sexual partners
Trichomoniasis
This is a type of sexually transmitted infection that affects approximately 3 percent of women who are of childbearing age. Many women with this type of infection do not show any symptoms at all.
Those who do show symptoms may experience following :
- Irritation and itching in the vulva
- Painful urination that is dysuria
- Swollen labia
- Vaginal bad odour
- Yellow-green discharge from vagina
This should be noted and remembered that having a history of STIs or of having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of getting trichomoniasis in women
Allergies or irritation
If there is no visible infection present in the vagina , chance’s are soreness of labia may have been caused by contact with any irritating product or any allergen.
Substances that can trigger swelling include following:
- Chemical in the fabrics
- Fragrances present in detergents and soap
- Latex in the condoms
- Spermicides
Bartholin’s cyst
Bartholin’s glands are present on either side of the vaginal opening in women. These glands can become blocked by due to certain reasons and become swollen in and around the vagina. While this swelling does not usually and typically cause other symptoms, it may lead to an severe infection and cause pain and a build up of pus in few cases. It’s estimated that around 2 percent of women in whole world will experience a Bartholin’s cyst in a life time. These cysts mostly occur in women who are in their 20s and the risk decreases with rising age
Sexual intercourse
Doing sexual intercourse or we can say having sex without enough lubrication either from the vagina itself or a exogenous lubricating product can cause friction. This friction can lead to damage in vaginal area and labia, leading to some swelling, soreness and sometimes discomfort.
How to diagnosis soreness on labia majora?
The cause of soreness on labia majora can be diagnosed in a variety of ways. The below mentioned may be used to diagnose the cause of soreness on labia majora :
- Medical history
- Sexual history
- Complete list of symptoms and signs
- Physical examination especially vaginal exam
- Vaginal or vulvar swab
- Tissue sample collection
- Urine analysis
Further tests can be recommended or used depending on the individual’s symptoms and previous test results.
When to see a doctor for soreness on labia majora?
Women with soreness on labia majora should see a doctor if the swelling or soreness worsens over time or is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- a lump or bump on the labia area
- Severe itching
- pain that persists or severe pain
- a strong smell from the vagina bad odour
- unusual vaginal discharge, creamy etc
What are the possible ways for treatment and management of soreness on labia majora?
The treatment for soreness on labia majoras will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment options include following:
- Medication and surgical intervention
- Some creams creams like steriod ones may be beneficial for those with swelling caused by any allergies or due to sexual intercourse.
- Women who are with a yeast infection may need to take an over the counter or sometimes prescription antifungal medication that can be applied topically or taken orally as well.
- Soreness on labia that’s is caused by bacterial infections like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotic therapy.
- Bartholin’s cysts is a type of problem that does not always require treatment. However, in some cases antibiotics, surgical drainage, or even surgical removal may be needed .
Home remedies:
- Apple cider vinegar is a one of the popular home remedy for yeast infections.
Home remedies for soreness on labia majora include following:
- Cool compresses: Applying a cold compress to the labia can reduce redness soreness and swelling to some extent. This process can be repeated few times a day. Cool compresses are available for purchase online and can be found in local pharmacies too.
- Sitz baths: Bartholin’s cysts can be treated at home with sitz baths as it involves sitting in a bathtub filled with a few inches of warm water which can lead to ease in pain.Taking this bath few times a day for up to 4 days may encourage a small cyst to drain
- Probiotics: there is a research which suggests that probiotic supplements may treat or even prevent vaginal infections. Consuming probiotic-rich foods daily like natural yogurt can also be beneficial
- Apple cider vinegar: one might be surprised but drinking 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass full of water up to three times daily is a very popular home remedy for combating yeast infections. Apple cider vinegar is available to buy in all local supermarkets, most health stores, and of course online.
- Garlic: It’s a natural antifungal, garlic is often called as a remedy for vaginal infections not to mention more research is needed to determine its effectiveness , one study is there that did find that a vaginal cream made with garlic and thyme was as effective on yeast infections as an other antifungal medication.
- So sometimes it may be helpful to avoid sugar, processed foods like veggies sausages etc , and fruit juices while experiencing a yeast infection.
- Removing allergens and irritants: soreness of labia caused by particular substances sometimes may subside once the allergen or irritant which is causing it is removed. Shockingly these irritants can include soaps, some detergents, clothing especially polyester ones and contraceptives
What are the methods for prevention for soreness on labia majora?
There are few ways or we can say steps a person can take to prevent soreness in labia, including following:
- Practicing very good hygiene
- Using sanitary pads instead of tampons
- Wearing loose clothing and avoiding tight ones
- Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding polyester ones
- Wiping from front to back after urination
- Avoiding perfumed products like vaginal washs
- Using antibiotics only when necessary
- Taking probiotics in diet
- Using barrier contraception instead of oral
- Using lubricating products during sexual activity
Takeaway
For most women in the world , soreness of labia does not indicate a serious condition but if anyone is experiencing swelling that persists or is accompanied by some other symptoms and painful ones should see a doctor