It is important to maintain an honest and open dialogue with your partner on such issues, so that your sexual experiences are smooth and enjoyable. (Representational Image: Shutterstock / File)
While the body’s normal response to sexual activity and usually not a cause for alarm, many people experience vaginal swelling after vigorous thrusting, trauma to the vulvar tissues, or a reaction to the lubricant or condom used during the act.
Sex may be pervasive in our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends.
To address the widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is running a weekly sex column titled ‘Let’s Talk Sex’. Through this column, we hope to start a conversation about sex and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance.
In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of vaginal swelling after intercourse and give some tips to find relief.
You’ve just finished having sex, yet you still feel like something isn’t right. As a woman, you may experience vaginal swelling after intercourse. This is your body’s normal response to sexual activity and is usually not a cause for alarm.
This is the body’s way of protecting itself from possible infection or irritation. It is important to understand that inflammation can occur at different levels of intensity, from mild to severe. In some cases, this may be accompanied by itching and/or redness in the area around the vagina. You may also experience bloating after intercourse due to hormone imbalance or lack of lubrication during sex.
causes of vaginal swelling after intercourse
Many people experience vaginal swelling after physical intimacy, but this may not be due to any medical problem. Possible causes include pushing forcefully during intercourse, trauma to the vulvar tissue, or a reaction to the lubricant or condom used during the act. Even if your partner is gentle and uses enough lubrication, the friction from intercourse can lead to vaginal inflammation.
If your vaginal swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching or burning, it may be due to an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. Both of these infections are caused by disruption of the vaginal flora and can cause inflammation and irritation of the vaginal walls. Another cause of inflammation can be an allergic reaction to lubricants, condoms, tampons or even certain clothing materials used during sex.
If you suspect this is the case, try removing any offending material that may be causing the problem and see if that helps with the swelling. If your vaginal swelling does not improve even after making changes to your sexual routine and other lifestyle factors, you should consult your doctor for further investigation.
how to take care of your vagina after intercourse
It is not uncommon to experience vaginal swelling after intercourse, usually due to friction and overexertion. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help reduce swelling and make yourself more comfortable.
- ice packs: A cold compress can help reduce swelling and ease pain. Place an ice pack on your lower abdomen or vulva area for ten minutes at a time. Just be careful not to apply the ice pack directly to your skin, as this can cause tissue damage.
- Ways to relieve anxiety: Sometimes vaginal discomfort can be relieved by taking a warm bath or using a heating pad on the area for a short time. However, be sure not to leave the heat on for too long as it can further irritate the affected tissues.
- Over-the-counter medicines: Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help ease discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Avoid tight underwear: Tight underwear can irritate your skin and make any inflammation worse. It’s best to wear loose clothing, such as leggings or shorts without underwear, when your vagina is swollen.
- Abstaining from sex: If you find that having sex is aggravating your swollen vagina, it’s best to avoid having sex until the swelling has completely subsided – this can take several days to weeks, depending on how severe your symptoms are. Could Taking regular breaks during sexual activity may also help reduce post-sexual bloating.
- Plain Yogurt: Another great remedy is to apply plain yogurt on the affected area. The probiotics found in yogurt help fight infection and reduce inflammation, helping you feel better. All you need to do is to soak a clean cloth or cotton ball in plain yogurt and apply it on your swollen vagina for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Bloating and Discomfort
The best way to avoid any discomfort after sex is prevention. Here are some tips you can follow to make sure you are comfortable after intercourse:
- Use Lubrication: When you’re getting ready for sex, don’t forget to use lubrication – this will help reduce friction during arousal and penetration, which can help prevent inflammation.
- go slow: One way to avoid vaginal swelling is to take it slow during intercourse – gradual, gentle pressure can reduce friction and prevent any uncomfortable swelling afterwards.
- Avoid deep penetration positions: Positions that involve deep penetration may be more likely to cause inflammation than shallow penetration, so if this is something you’re trying to avoid after sex, avoid those types of positions altogether. Consider avoiding or using lube and going slow in them. Additionally, changing positions during intercourse may also help reduce vaginal swelling afterward.
When to see a doctor for swelling after intercourse
Still, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to see a doctor:
- pain or discomfort that persists after a few days
- abnormal discharge
- unusual itching or soreness
- deodorant
- blisters or sores in the vaginal area
- unusually heavy bleeding
- swelling that persists for a long time
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Your doctor can also provide peace of mind by ruling out any serious causes, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or yeast infection.
To combat swelling, it’s best to practice self-care such as getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of water, and using cold compresses if you find the discomfort unbearable. If swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, be sure to speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
It’s important to maintain honest and open communication with your partner when it comes to these issues, so that together you can ensure that your sexual experiences are comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Professor (Dr) Saransh Jain is a winner of the Swasth Bharat Ratna Award and is a certified and licensed sexologist by the American Board of Sexology. He is currently Senior Consultant at Dr SK Jain’s Burlington Clinic in Lucknow. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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