How to Treat Vaginal Itching & Swelling
Most women experience a vaginal irritation or infection at some point. Symptoms include itching, swelling, pain and redness. You may also experience mild bleeding, unusual discharge and pain when urinating or having sexual intercourse. The longer you allow vaginal itching and swelling to persist, the more uncomfortable you will get. It is important to treat these symptoms as soon as they begin.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
See your doctor. Vaginal itching and swelling can be caused by several things, including a yeast infection, a bacterial infection, sexually transmissible diseases or hormone problems. It is important to identify what is causing your symptoms so you can treat them appropriately.
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Take medication as prescribed or recommended by your doctor. You may need an anti-fungal medication for a yeast infection. This can be a vaginal suppository or an oral medication. An antibiotic pill or cream is indicated for a bacterial infection and some sexually transmissible diseases. Hormone therapy can help vaginal itching and swelling that is caused by a hormone deficiency.
Avoid sources of irritation while you are healing. Try not to get soap in the area. Use a fragrance-free laundry detergent. Do not scratch if you can help it. All these will irritate tender tissues further and prolong healing. Scratching can also make you susceptible to a secondary infection. Abstain from sexual intercourse until you are fully healed.
Home Remedies to Stop Vaginal Itching
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Use a cool compress to reduce swelling and itching. It may help to rinse with lukewarm water after using the bathroom and avoiding toilet paper. Sleep bottomless if possible to allow air to circulate in the vaginal area.
Prevent a repeat infection or irritation. Avoid bubble baths and harsh soaps. Do not use scented tampons or pads, as these can create an allergic or sensitive reaction. Wear only cotton underwear, which will not trap heat and moisture. Always use condoms if you are not in a monogamous relationship to avoid getting a sexually transmissible disease.
Tips
If you have an infection, ask your doctor if your sexual partner needs treatment as well. It is possible to spread yeast, bacterial and viral infections back and forth even if your partner has no symptoms.
Antibiotics can cause yeast infections. If you are on an antibiotic, eat yogurt with live active cultures to stave off a yeast overgrowth. If you are prone to yeast infections, ask your doctor for an anti-fungal prescription to take at the first sign of vaginal irritation whenever you are given an antibiotic.
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References
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- Hamilton RG. (2016). Latex Allergy: Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Diagnosis. In: UptoDate, Bochner BS, (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA.
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- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. (2013). Vaginal Pain With Intercourse: Seminal Fluid Allergy?
- Hamilton RG. (2016). Latex Allergy: Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Diagnosis. In: UptoDate, Bochner BS, (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA.
- Pappas PG et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Candidiasis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2016; 62:e1.
- Sobel JD. (2016). Approach to Women With Symptoms of Vaginitis. In: UpToDate, Barbieri RL, (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA.
- Sobel JD. (2016). Patient Education: Vaginal Discharge in Adult Women (Beyond the Basics). In: UptoDate, Barbieri RL, (Ed), UptoDate, Waltham, MA.
Writer Bio
Michelle Kulas worked in the health-care field for 10 years, serving as a certified nurses' assistant, dental assistant and dental insurance billing coordinator. Her areas of expertise include health and dental topics, parenting, nutrition, homeschooling and travel.