Infections, cysts, and allergic reactions are just a few things that can cause swelling in your labia. If you find that wearing loose clothing, applying a cool compress, and using lubrication during sex does not ease the discomfort, it is best to get medical attention.

The labia are known as the “lips” of the vagina. The labia majora is a fold of skin on the outside of the vaginal area, while the labia minora is the inner lip leading to the vagina. Their function is to protect the vagina and clitoris from irritation and injury.

It’s natural for the labia to vary in size for each individual and even from one side of the labia to the other. However, infections, allergies, cysts, and other conditions can produce noticeable labia swelling and pain.

Besides inflammation of the labia, other symptoms of problems with your labia and the vagina they surround may include:

  • genital itching or burning
  • discharge from the vaginal area
  • a foul smell coming from the vagina
  • a small bump on the labia
  • pain when walking or sitting

Given the delicate tissue of the labia, it’s not surprising that both the labia majora and labia minora are susceptible to swelling. Some common causes include:

Yeast infections

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 3 out of 4 women will have a yeast infection during their lifetime. Overgrowth of yeast — the most common culprit being Candida — can cause swelling, burning, and itchiness of the entire vaginal area, including the labia.

This overgrowth can occur due to:

  • antibiotic use
  • pregnancy
  • diabetes
  • oral contraceptive use

Some people may also experience a cottage-cheese-like discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis

Much like a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This can occur because of douching, having multiple sex partners, or just normally having a low level of the “good” bacteria in your vagina, which allows the “bad” bacteria to take over.

Symptoms include a greenish, whitish, or grayish thin discharge with a foul smell and vaginal itching, although some women have no symptoms at all.

Trichomoniasis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), trichomoniasis (“trich”) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects over 2 million people. Only 30% of people develop symptoms. When symptoms do arise, they include:

  • swelling, itching, and burning of the vaginal region
  • painful urination
  • a strong vaginal odor

Allergies

When your skin comes into contact with something it’s allergic to, it’s likely to swell. So when the labia are irritated by allergens like the perfumes in soap or detergents, latex in condoms, or certain fabrics in clothing, it’s not uncommon for discoloration and inflammation to occur.

Bartholin’s cyst

About 2% of women (typically in their 20s) will develop Bartholin’s cysts. These cysts occur when the Bartholin glands, which lie just outside the vagina, become blocked.

These glands secrete moisture, helping the vagina become lubricated for sex. Many people won’t know they have a cyst unless it becomes infected. When that occurs, the cyst can cause skin around the vagina and labia to become painful and tender.

Sex without enough lubrication

The act of sex involves a lot of friction, which can cause trauma to your labia and entire vaginal area unless there’s proper lubrication. Use this guide to find the best lubrication for you.

A doctor (usually a gynecologist) will ask about your medical and sexual history as well as your symptoms and then conduct a physical exam. A swab or, less commonly, a tissue sample may be taken and sent to a lab to determine if you have an infection and, if so, whether it is bacterial, parasitic, or fungal in nature.

A doctor will also look for any abnormalities like a cyst. If there’s any suspicion of vaginal or vulvar cancer, they may perform a biopsy of the tissue.

Treatment will largely depend on what’s causing your labia to swell. If you have a yeast infection, a doctor may tell you to use over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, or they may prescribe one. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics.

Labia irritation from allergies or sex may respond to OTC or prescription hydrocortisone or steroid creams. A medical professional may need to lance, drain, or even surgically remove a particularly problematic Bartholin’s cyst.

Try the following to help treat and prevent labia swelling:

  • Apply a cool compress to the swollen area.
  • If a cyst is causing swelling and pain, try taking several warm (not hot) baths each day and taking OTC pain relievers.
  • Avoid douching. It can upset the normal balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the vagina.
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing, including tight underwear or confining pantyhose. Tight clothing generates heat and limits airflow, allowing bacteria and fungi to grow.
  • If you think you might be sensitive to perfumed detergents, soaps, and menstrual products, avoid using them.
  • If you’re allergic to latex or spermicide, consider talking with a doctor about other birth control methods.
  • Refrain from sex if it’s painful.
  • Use a lubricant to reduce friction during sex.
  • Try adding yogurt (with live active cultures) and probiotics to your diet.

Most cases of swollen labia aren’t serious. If the swelling is chronic, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as a vaginal odor, discharge, or a bump, you should make an appointment with a doctor.

Swelling of the labia isn’t uncommon, and effective treatment is available. Most people recover without any lasting consequences, although in some cases, the swelling can recur.

What does a labial cyst look like?

A labial cyst can look like bumps under the skin surrounding the vagina. The bumps can differ in size and may feel tender and firm.

How do you relieve swollen labia?

Several home remedies, such as applying a cool compress, taking a warm bath, and wearing loose underwear, can relieve swollen labia. OTC treatment options can also help if you’re experiencing symptoms like pain.

Why are my labia suddenly swollen?

There are several reasons why your labia may suddenly become swollen. Examples can include yeast infections, cysts, or allergic reactions. Speaking with a doctor can help you identify the cause and identify lifestyle measures that may help prevent future cases.

Swollen labia can have many causes, such as infections, cysts, and allergic reactions. In most cases, having swollen labia is not a serious condition and will typically disappear with lifestyle measures.

However, if changes such as wearing loose clothing and applying a cool compress do not ease the discomfort or if the pain is chronic, it is best to get medical attention.