A swollen vulva is a common symptom of vaginitis, which is an inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis often results from a bacterial, yeast, or viral infection or an imbalance in vaginal bacteria. Certain skin disorders or low levels of estrogen can also cause the condition to occur.
Itchy genitals can be a symptom of many conditions. These may include vaginal infections in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) or jock itch in men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Regardless of sex, itching can be caused by skin irritation, sexually transmitted infections and allergies.
There are several potential causes of an itchy vagina or vulva with no discharge. These include razor burn, eczema, and pubic lice. Some home remedies, such as wearing breathable underwear and taking an oatmeal bath, can work to relieve the symptoms.
Vulva inflammation is also known as vulvitis or vulvovaginitis. It can happen because of: allergic reactions to materials or chemicals in clothing, creams, condoms, and other products. fungal or bacterial infections, including yeast infections, scabies, and pubic lice.
Increased blood flow causes both your vulva and vagina to swell as part of the sexual response cycle, according to Tufts Medical Center. But if the sense that you're a little swollen down there persists well after you're done, rough sex might be the cause.
Fortunately, most yeast infections are not serious. Left untreated, yeast infections will usually go away on their own, but the severe itching can be hard to tolerate for some.
Redness and swelling of the vulva. Vaginal pain and soreness. Vaginal rash. Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.
Diagnosing a Yeast Infection: Signs to Look for
Thick, white discharge (the texture of cottage cheese) Burning feeling especially when peeing or having sex. Vaginal pain, redness and swelling.
Ultimately, you can't know for sure if you have a yeast infection or an STD unless you get tested by a doctor. You'll want to set up an appointment as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms: Vaginal or vulvar itching, soreness, and irritation. A burning feeling during sex or urination.
A yeast infection can happen if your skin gets damaged. Yeast can also “overgrow” in warm or humid conditions. An infection can also happen if you have a weak immune system. Taking antibiotics can also cause an overgrowth of yeast.
The best treatment to get rid of most yeast infections comes down to medicated creams or a pill. Studies show that these creams and the oral pill, fluconazole, both work more than 90% of the time. Uncomplicated yeast infections usually respond to treatment within a couple of days.
This depends on two factors: how severe the infection is and how it's treated. Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don't even require treatment. But moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.
Relieve itching with a cold pack or a cool bath. Don't wash your vaginal area more than once a day. Use plain water or a mild, unscented soap.
Garren notes that the swelling will go down as soon as the body is done fighting the infection. “Swelling should never last longer than seven days if treated correctly.”
Complications of untreated yeast infections
If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.
There may be an odor, such as a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex. Yeast infections produce a thick, white discharge from the vagina that can look like cottage cheese. The discharge can be watery and often has no smell. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and vulva to become itchy and red.
Yeast Infections After Sex
If a man has balanitis caused by yeast, his sexual partner may develop their own yeast infection. During anal or vaginal sex, the yeast on the penis may transfer to a partner's genitals. 5 The vagina and the anus are both sites where yeast can overgrow.
Is a yeast infection an STD? No, a vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease. A yeast infection is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida and is not an STI. However, if you have a yeast infection, you could pass it to your partner.
For home STD testing, you collect a urine sample or an oral or genital swab, and then send it to a lab for analysis. You can collect the sample in the privacy of your home without the need for a pelvic exam or office visit.
An STI can be indicated by pain or a burning sensation during urination, the need to pee more frequently, or the presence of blood in the urine. Abnormal vaginal discharge. The look and consistency of vaginal discharge changes continually through a woman's cycle or even in the absence of a cycle.