Pain on the labia | Labia

Pain on the labia

Complaints or pain in the genitals are often caused by bacteria or fungi that cause inflammation in this area. These are often transmitted through sexual contact and can lead not only to inflammation but also to local swelling. A painful inflammation in the area of the labia minora is often a so-called bartholinitis.

This is an inflammation of the Bartholin glands, which are located underneath the labia majora and produce secretions during sexual arousal. This secretion can now no longer drain off. Cyst formation is possible.

This is caused by the accumulation of fluid, which is covered by a thin film of skin. If these inflammatory processes occur, touching or even sexual intercourse is very painful. Affected women usually observe a one-sided inflammation or swelling of the labia.

Pus can fill the discharge ducts, which increases the inflammation and can even lead to secondary symptoms such as fever. A clarification by a gynecologist is essential in this case. This is especially important since bartholinitis can lead to chronic progressions.

Bartholinitis itself can be treated well with antibiotic therapy. If the aforementioned formation of pus in a cyst occurs, a minor surgical procedure is necessary to remove the cyst. This removal is usually only further investigated in older women, as the development of a malignant tumor in this area is considered unlikely in young women.

However, pain is also part of the clinical picture of vulva carcinoma.This is a malignant tumor (squamous cell carcinoma) in the area of the labia majora. In some cases, the labia minora and the clitoris may also be affected. Pain in this clinical picture occurs either spontaneously, but also after the act of sexual intercourse.

Especially because of the spread of the tumor into neighboring areas such as the intestine or bladder, there is pain when urinating or spewing feces. Harmless, but still painful, is vulvitis. This is an inflammation of the vulva, which also includes the labia majora and minora.

Vulvitis is usually caused by irritation of the skin. This is caused by clothing that is too tight-fitting, whereby lingerie as well as jeans pants that are too tight-fitting are possible. But also an irritation by fragrances or intimate sprays is possible.

Furthermore, an allergic reaction to latex is possible. B by condoms is conceivable. Treatment usually consists of removing the relevant triggering factors as mentioned above.