Swollen labia minora after sex

[permadusk]

I had sex with my boyfriend about two and a half hours ago, and immediately afterwards I noticed that it felt like I had cotton balls stuffed in between my legs, and was also in a lot of pain. I got home and when I went to the bathroom I saw that my labia minora (both sides, more right than left) was extremely swollen. I believe this was from too much friction and lack of lubrication (sorry if it's TMI but I was really dry). This has happened before and went away in less than 24 hours, but I want to make it go away faster because I think it looks disgusting and is very uncomfortable. Does anyone know of anything I can do to speed up the process? I've iced it a little and also put a warm, damp cloth on it and that helped a bit, but I'm not sure whether to ice it or put heat on it, etc. Please help?

[suemelee]

A related discussion, swollen labia after sex was started.

[lubbockaz]

I have had sever itching on the outside of the vagina for 5 months now. It gets really bad then will calm down. Its up and down. All the testing has came back normal, STD check, Pap, Yeast-everything. No one seems to have an answer. The itching is terrible, then the lips start to swell. I have tried all OTC meds and even tried neosporian because the itching has caused bleeding. I also have encountered boils. I have been on numerous antibiotics and nothing has helped. After sex is when my labia starts to swell. Actually the next day and its very painful. Usually goes away the next day but the outside itching is the worst. Please help. I have also changed my soaps in case of allergies.

[permadusk]

Thank you, that was very helpful.
I ended up icing myself and the swelling went down in about 3 hours, which I was very pleased about. I'm perfectly fine now, in a bit of pain but I expected as much. Thanks again!

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,

This is a common problem and most often the reason for it is a lack of lubrication during sex. This can cause excess friction, especially on the labia, and cause the pain and swelling you describe.

Many women find that they can enjoy multiple episodes of sex by using an added water-based lubricant during intercourse. Others may need more foreplay prior to the first intercourse to allow their natural lubricants to build up.

I will suggest you to avoid sexual intercourse for a few days. The use of ice pack or may be an occasional painkiller may help. I hope the swelling an pain will go away in a a day or two. If it doesn’t, will suggest you to consult a gynecologist to rule out an infection.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted. Kind Regards.