The good news? A swollen vulva is a common issue that many women experience in their lifetime – and in most cases, it’s treatable.
However, other symptoms often accompany a swollen vulva, such as itchiness or a burning sensation around your intimate area that can be uncomfortable and disruptive. So, what can you do to help manage them?
What causes a swollen vulva?
A swollen vulva can be caused by a wide variety of factors and conditions.
Each underlying cause affects the body in different ways, so it’s helpful to pay attention to the specific symptoms you’re experiencing.
However, while your symptoms might give you an idea of what’s causing any swelling, don’t try to diagnose yourself – make sure to get medical help if you’re concerned.
Thrush
If you’ve noticed a thick white discharge along with a swollen vulva, you might be experiencing vaginal thrush – a common yeast infection that can occur when a fungus called Candida grows out of control.
In some women, Candida is naturally present in the vagina. But when it overgrows, it can cause swelling and redness to occur around the vaginal area. It may also lead to other symptoms like:
- Itching and irritation around the vaginal area (including the vulva)
- Soreness and stinging during sex or when peeing
- White vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese-like texture
These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they’re usually treatable with antifungal medication.
If you suspect thrush could be the cause of your swollen vulva, seek advice from your doctor. If your doctor confirms you have thrush, Canesten® offers a number of treatments that may help. These include external and internal creams, pessaries (which you insert into the vagina), oral capsules and convenient combination treatments.
You can learn more about all these treatment options in our dedicated guide to vaginal yeast infections, or by visiting your local pharmacist.
Irritation from toiletries or intimate health products
Sometimes, your vulva can be irritated by certain products or toiletries used around your intimate area.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry – there are several things you can do to reduce the chances of developing irritation:
- Gently wash around the vagina with water only and dry thoroughly
- Avoid using toiletries like soaps, bubble baths, shampoos, perfumes, personal deodorants and wet wipes around your intimate area
- Use fragrance-free emollient creams
- Skip fabric conditioners when washing underwear or clothes that come into contact with your vulva
- Avoid having hot baths
- Choose loose-fitting cotton clothing
- Opt for pads instead of tampons during your period
- Use condoms and lubrication during sex
There are also certain cosmetic products that may help moisturise skin and provide comfort. For example, Canescool® Soothing Cream Gel, is a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cream designed to cool and soothe the intimate area.
Sexually transmitted infections
While thrush is a common cause of a swollen vulva, certain STIs may also lead to swelling and discomfort around the vulva. These may include:
- Genital herpes – a viral STI that causes small blisters, which burst and leave red, open sores around the vaginal area
- Trichomoniasis – an STI that often causes abnormal vaginal discharge, which may be thick, thin or frothy and yellow-green in colour
- Chlamydia – Most people who have chlamydia don’t have any symptoms, but it can cause vaginal discharge that isn’t normal for you, bleeding after sex or between periods, a burning feeling when you pee or stomach pain
- Gonorrhoea – symptoms may include a yellow or greenish discharge from your vagina, burning pain when you pee, pain in your lower abdomen and bleeding between your periods
If you suspect an STI might be the cause of your symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor or visit a local sexual health clinic.
Hormonal changes
From getting your period to reaching menopause, women go through many hormonal shifts throughout their lives. Some of these changes can leave the intimate area more vulnerable to dryness, irritation and swelling.
Take menopause, for instance. The drop in oestrogen levels during this stage can cause the tissue around the vagina to become thinner and more delicate. This may lead to vaginal dryness and a condition called atrophic vaginitis. Most women will be affected to some extent by atrophic vaginitis at some stage.
If you think your swollen vulva symptoms may be linked to hormonal changes, speak to your doctor. They may recommend treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), water-based lubricants to use before sex or vaginal moisturisers to help relieve discomfort.
When should I see a doctor?
While many causes of a swollen vulva are not serious, it’s important to reach out to your doctor or local pharmacist if you’re concerned about your symptoms.
They’ll talk through your medical history and ask about the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. From there, they can help identify the root cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
A swollen vulva can be uncomfortable, but in most cases, it’s nothing to panic about – and it’s usually treatable. By understanding what might be causing your symptoms and paying close attention to any changes, you’re already taking the right steps toward relief. And if you’re ever unsure, don't hesitate to speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
