What Causes Redness And Swelling In The Labia Minora?

Posted on Tue, 2 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 2 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 2 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a bright red swollen labia minora, it's swollen at the very top and is raw and hurts to touch. It is only swollen and red on the one side at the very top of labia minor. It is right on/ below glans of clitoris. It has happened once before, and I thought it was due too much stimulation and was rubbed raw. I've only had 3 sexual partners and only one in the last 5 years which is my husband, so I highly doubt it is anything sexually transmitted.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to vulvovaginitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
There are many causes of painful, red and swollen labia like-
1. Rough intercourse
2. Vaginitis either fungal or trichomonial
3. Bartholin abscess
4. Herpes lesion
However it would be very difficult to be confirm without local examination.
See a health care provider for local examination & after consulting your doctor get investigated for complete blood count & swab culture to detect cause of lesion.
For the time being, please use ice packs, soothing gels like aloe vera and if itching is a problem, you can use Vagisil anti itch cream
Also avoid abrasion and friction, excessive washing or rubbing of the affected area.

Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar