Swelling down there is sometimes caused by infections like yeast or bacterial vaginosis. It can also be a sign of an allergic reaction to something used during intercourse, including lubricants, condoms, or tampons.
Rough sex can also cause swelling because it creates intense friction that might even tear sensitive vulva tissues. That’s why it’s important to use enough lubrication.
1. You’re Aroused
Sexual arousal is an entirely natural response to the sights, smells, sounds and touches of your partner or the anticipation of sex. It starts in the brain and reaches the climax of orgasms, and it’s a response that both men and women experience – These data are the outcome of the website editorial team’s research sexxmoi.com. When you’re aroused, the clitoris and vagina engorge with blood as the body prepares for action, which can lead to a little puffiness up there.
For men, this arousal causes an erection. For women, it means a fuller nipple, an increase in the heart rate and breathing and swelling of the vulva’s inner lips, known as the labia majora. Sometimes the arousal lingers even after the act is over. This is a condition called persistent genital arousal disorder, or PGAD and it affects mostly women.
To reduce the swollen feeling after sex, try putting an ice pack on your vulva or vagina for about 10 minutes to bring down the inflammation and relieve pain. Also, make sure you’re using adequate lubrication during intercourse and take the time to go slow and gentle to prevent added friction that could cause a swollen vagina afterwards. If the swollen feeling persists, consult a doctor to rule out other serious reasons for it. These may include an underlying medical condition or an allergic reaction to something used during sexual activity, such as lubricants, condoms or even some fabric materials.
2. You’re Roughly Penetrated
A swollen vagina may happen after physical intimacy, especially if your partner is rough during intercourse. Vigorous thrusting and abrasion can cause labial engorgement because it rushes blood to the area, making it swell up. If the swelling is uncomfortable, your partner can help by applying light pressure and using lubrication during stimulation and penetration.
Some women get a swollen vagina after sex because they’re suffering from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you think that’s the case for you, make an appointment to see your doctor. They’ll confirm the diagnosis and prescribe you antibiotics.
Another reason you might feel swollen after sex is because of an allergic reaction to something in the vulva area, such as a condom, lubricant, or tampon. It can also be caused by a change in hormone levels. If your swollen labia are accompanied by pain, itching, or a yellowish discharge, visit your doctor for a full evaluation and treatment plan.
Contact dermatitis in the vulva or vagina is one of the most common reasons for itching, burning, or stinging. It happens when you’re exposed to a substance that irritates the skin, and it can affect people of all ages, even those who take proper precautions to prevent infection. Some common irritants include soap, bubble bath products, and harsh toilet papers. To help reduce the itch and burn, try soaking a cloth or cotton ball in plain yogurt and applying it to your skin for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
3. You’re Allergic to Something
Sometimes certain substances that come into contact with your genital area can evoke an allergic reaction. This may include lubricants, soaps, condoms, spermicides or, in rare cases, the semen itself. This condition is called allergic contact dermatitis and can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine). If your vagina becomes swollen after sexual activity, it’s worth running this possibility by a gynecologist or dermatologist.
If you’re not sure which product may be triggering your allergies, try using a hypoallergenic brand of lubricant, condoms and tampons to see if your symptoms improve. This will give you a good idea if the cause is an allergy and may help to eliminate some of your symptoms – such as a rash – for good.
Besides using the right products, you can also avoid rough intercourse and use a thicker lubricant. This will prevent unnecessary friction that can irritate the tissues of the labia minora and lead to pain during intercourse or afterward. Similarly, you can try wearing tighter clothing such as a thong or G-string to reduce friction around the labia majora. Lastly, you can make sure you’re not overdoing it during physical intimacy by taking regular breaks and switching to different positions. This will prevent overly vigorous thrusting that can damage your vulvar tissues and contribute to swelling after sex.
4. You’re Not Using Enough Lubrication
Using a lower quality lubricant or not using enough of it can increase the friction between your body and your partner, which leads to swelling. Try switching to a more lubricating lube or using condoms with added lubrication to reduce the friction during sex.
Rough sex can cause micro-abrasions in the vaginal tissue that lead to pain and swelling. These abrasions can be caused by things like pubic hair, rough or deep penetration, and sexual assault. If you are experiencing frequent pain, redness, and swelling after sex, speak to your ob-gyn.
You might be itching in the vulva area due to friction from sex, an allergic reaction to something (like a lube or latex condom), a yeast infection, or an underlying condition like endometriosis. If you are itching after sex, try applying an ice pack to the area for about ten minutes to help with the pain and inflammation.
Getting itchy down there is normal. You can use an ice pack or even a cold washcloth to soothe the irritation. You might also need to switch to a different type of lube or a hypoallergenic one, use a smaller thong or g-string, and stop practicing the habit of douching or steaming. Identifying the irritant can help you find what is causing your itching and swelling, and by eliminating the irritant, you can prevent future irritation, swelling, and itching after sex.
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