Labia at 8 months pregnant. Enlargement of the genitals during pregnancy

One of the signs of pregnancy is the moment when the labia swelled during pregnancy. The situation is associated with changes in the body, changes in hormonal levels and an increase in fetal pressure. Another cause of edema is infectious processes that adversely affect the normal development of the child.

Why do the labia swell during pregnancy?

As soon as the egg is fertilized and the fetus begins to form, the body adjusts to this process. Increased production of female hormones begins, swelling of the labia appears during pregnancy, slight itching is possible.

If the labia has increased, then the physiological reasons for such a reaction can be:

• The growth of the uterus and fetus, which put pressure on the circulatory system of the pelvic organs. Thus, there is a decrease in blood flow, causing an edematous reaction;
• Swelling due to the deposition of fat, which is the norm during pregnancy;
• A change in the hormonal background, manifested in the fact that the edema spreads to the large and small lips.

The manifestation of edema due to the physiology and formation of the fetus does not require special medical treatment. Over time, the external organs will return to normal on their own.

Infectious causes of swelling

An increase in the labia during pregnancy is accompanied by various diseases of an infectious nature. In the first days after conception, a woman's immunity decreases, a sharp restructuring of the body contributes to the development of fungi and harmful bacteria in the microflora of the vagina, which provokes the occurrence of:

1. Candidiasis or thrush, manifests itself only with a lack of the immune system. Candida fungi are always present in the vaginal mucosa, but under certain circumstances they begin to multiply intensively, which causes abundant curdled discharge, itching and swelling of the lips.
2. Gandarella, trichomanas and other pathogenic diseases manifest themselves in a weakened body. These pathologies are characterized not only by swelling, but also by itching, as well as discharge with an unpleasant odor.
3. Vulvovaginitis is caused by an inflammatory process in the vagina and is characterized by a strong burning sensation in the perineum, gray discharge and external edema.
4. Bartholinitis occurs due to inflammation of the Bartholin glands. With such a pathology, the lips not only swell, but also acquire a brown color.

If an infectious process in the vagina is suspected, urine and blood tests are prescribed, a swab is taken from the vagina. You may need to consult highly specialized endocrinologists and urologists.

How to treat swelling of the labia during pregnancy?

If a situation arises as a result of which the labia is swollen during pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor. Treatment of infectious processes involves the use of topical preparations (ointment, suppositories) to prevent the reproduction of pathogenic microflora and destroy pathogens. The use of antibiotics during gestation is not recommended, as they can harm the development of the fetus.

If left untreated, diseases lead to the development of defects in the child, and can also provoke a miscarriage or missed pregnancy. Therefore, you should not wait until the symptoms pass on their own, so as not to cause negative consequences.

Reduce swelling before visiting a medical facility folk methods it is possible with the help of baths with the addition of not a large number soda. Healing plants have an anti-inflammatory effect - chamomile flowers, string or calendula.

To prevent edema, regular intimate hygiene, compliance with the regime of rest and activity, it is worth wearing underwear only from natural fabrics so as not to irritate delicate skin.

What to do if the labia is swollen?

The external genitalia in pregnant women swell due to the following physiological reasons:

• excessive pressure of the fetal bladder on the pelvic organs, leading to stagnation of blood;
• the accumulation of a large number of fat cells in the subcutaneous fat of the intimate area;
• hormonal edema, spreading to the large and small labia.

Similar conditions caused by these reasons do not need therapy. Some time after childbirth, edema in intimate area will gradually decrease. In some cases, swelling of the external genital organs is caused by pathological causes (infection, varicose veins, hypersensitive reaction of the body to an irritant, etc.).

As a rule, varicose veins develop by the middle of the second trimester. This pathology is quite common. The main reason is increased local blood flow. In the body of a pregnant woman, another circle of blood circulation is formed, which nourishes the fetus. Accordingly, blood flow to the labia majora and labia minora increases, their increase is noted (for more details, see the article: varicose veins of the labia in a woman during pregnancy).

Symptoms of varicose veins can include:

• pain while walking;
• discomfort during intimacy;
• painful urination;
• heaviness in the groin.

With a slight severity of varicose veins, treatment is not carried out. The expectant mother needs to walk more often, spend less time in a sitting position, preferably lying down to rest. If the woman's condition causes concern, the doctor prescribes medications that improve blood flow in the problem area. Before childbirth, therapy is stopped, as the risk of bleeding is high.

After conception, the immune system of a pregnant woman is weakened, which often causes the development of fungal infections. Typical symptoms of thrush are:

• severe itching;
• burning;
• profuse curdled discharge from the vagina.

Candidiasis gives the expectant mother a lot of inconvenience, the labia constantly itch, there is a pronounced swelling. When combing on the inflamed mucosa, microtraumas and abrasions occur, which often leads to the addition of a secondary infection.

The genitals during the period of bearing a baby can change, which is explained by several reasons. This may be a hormonal restructuring of the body, an increase in body fat in the tissues associated with a general weight gain, preparing the body for childbirth. Swelling of the perineum during pregnancy can be observed in the later stages, when the uterus increases and presses on other organs of the small pelvis.

If the natural changes in the body, leading to a change in the shape of the labia, are asymptomatic, then there is no need to worry, but it will be useful to consult with a gynecologist additionally. After childbirth, the organs gradually return to their previous state.

If there is swelling of the small lips during pregnancy or the entire perineum is swollen, you should immediately consult a doctor, without waiting for a scheduled appointment. Additional tests may be required, for example, a smear, blood and urine donation. Based on the data obtained and the examination, treatment will be prescribed if there are pathological processes in the form of infection.

After fertilization of the egg, the body creates the most comfortable conditions for intrauterine formation. In the early stages, the labia majora swell somewhat and change color to a darker one. The situation is associated with hormonal metamorphoses and an increase in blood volume.

Progesterone is produced to maintain pregnancy, the hormone expands the walls of blood vessels and stimulates blood flow to the pelvic area. As a result of such changes, pain appears in the labia, they become larger, acquiring some puffiness and swelling.

When diagnosing a pathology, when a woman complains that her labia hurts during pregnancy, the doctor analyzes the manifestation of additional symptoms. So, important factors are compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene, the presence of synthetic underwear, possible intolerance to certain foods. These factors can provoke temporary discomfort, which is eliminated along with the disappearance of the provoking element.

The labia during pregnancy, like most other organs of a woman, change. Some of the changes are normal, physiological.

For example, in the early stages they become a different color: they darken, and sometimes turn purple and turn blue. This symptom is not a cause for concern and is rarely detected.

Another thing is if there is swelling, pain and inflammation of the labia during pregnancy. Such manifestations cannot go unnoticed, as they cause tangible discomfort. Most often this can be seen in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Against the background of hormonal changes, there is an increase in blood circulation in the pelvic organs, and the labia increase in size and become more elastic.

Labia hurt during pregnancy - norm or pathology

If the labia hurts during pregnancy, then most likely this is due to an inflammatory disease. Most often, bartholinitis and vulvovaginitis are diagnosed. Pain also occurs in infectious diseases, but in such cases, other symptoms come first.

Bartholinitis is an inflammation of specific glands located in the tissues of the labia. They produce a lubricant that protects the mucous membrane. With the disease, swelling and pain appear, the skin turns red. The symptoms are aggravated by walking and sitting for a long time.

Labia during pregnancy can hurt due to vulvovaginitis. In this disease, inflammation covers the external genitalia and part of the vagina.

The pain is moderate, aggravated during walking and sexual intercourse. There is also swelling of the labia, redness of the skin, sometimes purulent or serous discharge.

Expecting a child is a joyful, but difficult period in a woman's life. Her body is rebuilding, trying to create ideal conditions for the baby. However, some changes cannot be called the norm.

If the labia hurts during pregnancy, it is advisable to go to the doctor, this may indicate a number of diseases, it is better to identify and cure them at an early stage: vulvovaginitis, bartholinitis, genital herpes, venous varicose veins. All of these diseases threaten both the health of the mother and the child.

The labia are called folds in the perineum. Allocate large labia, protecting the vagina. Under the large ones are small ones, surrounding the vestibule of the vagina, passing into the clitoris. Most often they are bright pink.

IN interesting position a woman undergoes a complete restructuring of the body, he is preparing to bear a child, the labia also changes: they swell a little, become purple or cyanotic, which the gynecologist immediately sees upon examination. This is considered the norm, so do not worry when they swell and change color. Why is this happening, are these changes dangerous?

In a woman during this period, physiological changes begin:

• There is more of the hormone progesterone in the blood, it must prepare the body for a difficult period, to maintain the pregnancy.
• Thanks to progesterone, blood vessels dilate, blood flow to the genitals increases.
• Blood rushes to the genitals, they change: they can change color, become cyanotic, begin to swell.

Such changes are natural, therefore, do not threaten health in any way. But if during pregnancy pain appears in the intimate area, it is better to consult a doctor.

• The changes that occur in a woman's body are the norm, you should not worry about swelling, discoloration.
• However, pain may indicate the presence of a number of diseases, so it is advisable to report it to the doctor in order to immediately begin treatment.
• Sometimes discomfort, discomfort are caused by the following reasons:

• a woman forgets about the rules of intimate hygiene;
• she is going through a difficult period, and emotional and mental overstrain affects the whole body;
• does not know how to pick up underwear: buys too tight, synthetic;
• she showed an allergy to certain products, to gaskets of a certain company;
• a pregnant woman has an imbalance of the vaginal microflora.

If discomfort appeared due to the above reasons, you need to take care of comfort by buying other underwear, giving up pads or food. Unpleasant symptoms have not passed? Urgently to the gynecologist!

If there is constant pain, you should not self-diagnose, and even more so, self-medicate. It is better to immediately seek help from an experienced gynecologist, who, after the necessary tests and examination, will make an accurate diagnosis.

There are several diseases that cause genital pain during pregnancy.

Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the labia and vaginal membrane. Often occurs in women who do not monitor the cleanliness of intimate places. But it can appear due to other reasons: due to sexually transmitted infections, after sex, when it was rough and damage to the genitals occurred.

The symptoms are as follows:

• plaque appears on the labia during pregnancy;
• they itch and hurt;
• the outer shell of the vulva turns red;
• serous-purulent discharge appears.

If these signs appear, you should immediately consult a doctor - there is a risk of losing a child. If the disease appeared at a later date, at the 7th month of pregnancy, premature birth, there will be an untimely outpouring amniotic fluid which will cause fetal hypoxia. There is a risk of intrauterine infection.

Bartholinitis

Bartholinitis - inflammation of the Bartholin glands (located at the entrance to the vagina), caused by various microorganisms (enterococci, staphylococci, chlamydia).

The disease is undesirable during pregnancy, its foci are located near the uterus. If bartholinitis appeared early, that is, up to 20 weeks, the infection can lead to the death of the child.

In the later stages there is a risk of infection of the baby. Therefore, treatment cannot be delayed.

Signs:

• mucous becomes red;
• the affected area swells, the swelling grows over time;
• the labia may hurt, the pain becomes stronger with physical exertion, walking, urination, during intimate relationships;
• with a purulent form of the disease, a cavity filled with pus is formed, small seals appear near the vagina;

• lethargy, loss of strength;
• the temperature rises to 39 degrees.

What to do if during after sex or physical exertion there is pain, if the labia is swollen and reddened? It is necessary to see a doctor who will prescribe a course of antibiotics or recommend another treatment.

Genital herpes

The culprit of genital herpes is the herpes virus type 2 or 1, it is transmitted by contact: through saliva, semen, upon contact with herpes lesions on the mucous membranes.

Why does herpes cause pain? Already 4 or 5 days after infection, papules form on the mucous membrane, the skin of the genital organs, they later turn into vesicles. After 2 or 3 days, the blisters open, painful erosions form at this site, the labia itches, and discharge may appear.

After 7-10 days, all symptoms disappear, but there may be relapses. In most women, the disease proceeds without severe symptoms, but it can be diagnosed with the help of special tests and analyzes. A pregnant woman must definitely undergo a course of treatment, otherwise the child will be born with signs of herpes.

Venous varicose veins

Pain symptoms are often a sign of an unpleasant disease - venous insufficiency (varicose veins). Pathology occurs in 20% of expectant mothers, appears due to physical exertion.

Knots, bumps, stars of a bluish tint are visible in the perineum. The patient is worried about excruciating pains, they are aggravated by urination, walking, having sex.

The organs become edematous, swollen, there is a feeling of heaviness, itching worries.

Pregnancy is not the period when it is worth resorting to a surgical method of treatment, even if it hurts a lot. The doctor will try to stop the development of varicose veins, reduce the symptoms. After the birth of a child, you can do laser coagulation or phlebectomy.

What to do if the labia hurts during pregnancy, left or right? Do I need to see a doctor? Yes need. The doctor will examine the patient, take tests and make an accurate diagnosis, after which you will have to undergo a course of treatment. Only a doctor should select drugs; pregnant women should not take many drugs.

What a specialist can prescribe:

• Antibiotics.
• Vitamins to mobilize the body's defenses.
• Hygienic measures, namely the treatment of problem areas with a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%).
• When an abscess ruptures (bartholinitis), Levomekol and Vishnevsky ointment can be used for treatment.
• For the treatment of genital herpes, antiviral therapy is prescribed, most often Acyclovir is used. A caesarean section is recommended for a pregnant woman to prevent infection of the child.
• With venous insufficiency, they acquire special underwear without tight details. It is recommended to do therapeutic exercises, walk more in the fresh air. Patients are prohibited from physical activity, they cannot lift weights, wear high-heeled shoes and take hot baths.

Pregnancy is a difficult period in a woman's life, her body is under severe stress. She especially needs to take care of her health, since the disease can also affect the condition of the child, lead to a miscarriage or the birth of a sick baby.

Therefore, even in the early stages of pregnancy, and better before it, you should take care of your health, do not forget about simple preventive measures:

• Personal hygiene is very important. It is necessary to wash in the morning, in the evening, after each trip to the toilet.
• As a preventive measure, use at least 2-3 times a week. special means for washing, intended for intimate hygiene.
• Buy only high-quality underwear made from natural fabrics.
• Pregnant women should avoid unprotected sex, especially when the partner is a carrier of herpes viruses or has an STD.
• To prevent the occurrence of venous varicose veins, it is advisable to wear compression underwear in advance, it promotes good blood circulation. It is important to monitor your weight, if necessary, follow a diet. Forget about high heels. Weight lifting, physical activity is contraindicated.

Conclusion

Should I be worried if my labia hurts during pregnancy? There is no need to be afraid and worry, stress will only aggravate the situation. But waiting a few months for the pain to pass is dangerous for the mother and for the child. You need to contact a specialist, tell him what exactly worries you, take tests.

The doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. If you do not delay the visit to the gynecologist, immediately start taking medications, any disease can be cured or at least suspended.

Modern medicine has advanced far ahead, so now doctors can cope with many diseases, provided that the patient seeks help in time and does not refuse traditional treatment.

anxiety symptoms

If swelling of the perineum occurs simultaneously with other symptoms, then there is a possibility of developing infectious or viral diseases. The following signs testify to this:

The above signs refer to the symptoms of gynecological diseases that require treatment, as there is a risk of complications for pregnancy. If the labia is swollen during pregnancy and at least one of the above symptoms appears, then you should immediately consult a doctor for diagnostic measures.

Causes of edema

Swelling of the labia during pregnancy may actually be an accumulation of adipose tissue in the external genitalia. This physiological mechanism facilitates the process of childbirth - it is easier for the child to pass through the birth canal.

The true swelling of the labia during pregnancy is due to circulatory disorders. They occur towards the end of the term, when the uterus compresses nearby vessels. The outflow of venous blood is worse, since the walls of these vessels are less elastic.

Itching and its possible causes

Many pregnant women often have to experience pain in the perineum, passing into the genitals. This condition is usually caused by natural causes.

Among them are:

• changes in hormone levels;
• swelling of the genitals;
• incorrect body position (long stay in a sitting position);
• improperly fitting underwear.

There are many reasons why the labia majora and labia minora can itch. This mainly occurs with the development of the following gynecological infections:

• candidiasis;
• vulvovaginitis;
• gonorrhea;
• genital herpes;
• chlamydia and others.

Against the background of an infectious-inflammatory process, a woman may experience pain in the lower abdomen. Discharge from the vagina becomes abundant, their color may be different (depending on the pathogen).

If the expectant mother has contracted genital herpes, rashes will soon appear in the intimate area, which look like small bubbles filled with liquid. After the pimples have opened, there is a burning sensation and severe itching, the female genital organs become inflamed and swell.

During pregnancy, women gain excess weight, the load on the lower extremities and perineum increases as the volume of circulating blood increases. The walls of blood vessels can not cope with the loads, they become less elastic. As a result, varicose veins develop.

The symptomatology is as follows:

• ugly stars and knots appear in the crotch;
• the appearance of cones of a bluish color;
• expansion of the veins of the labia;
• women experience severe pain during urination, sex and walking;
• pain increases in late pregnancy;
• in areas of the mucous membrane that are affected by varicose veins, the skin becomes dry and irritated, and the veins swell.

During pregnancy, all chronic diseases are exacerbated in women, as the body weakens. This is due to the fact that the immune system in a normal (not suppressed) state will push the fetus out of the body.

Any symptom is a signal of the body that any organ, department or whole system is disturbed. To find out why there is pain in the genital area in a pregnant woman, you need to exclude some diseases. Make sure that the expectant mother undergoes a timely diagnosis, check with the doctors why the pain in the genital area appeared and how to quickly and effectively improve the condition of the pregnant woman.

The list of diseases and conditions in which a pregnant woman may experience pain in the genital area:

• bartholinitis;
• vulvovaginitis;
• colpitis;
• endometriosis of the vagina and perineum;
• genital trauma;
• consequences of surgical intervention;
• foreign objects in the vagina;
• malformations of the genital organs;
• pain in neighboring organs;
• tumors.

The appearance of pain in the genital area in a pregnant woman may occur due to inflammation of the Bartholin glands, which are located in front of the vagina. The disease is characterized by the formation of a seal, the contents of which gradually suppurate. Deterioration of the general condition, fever and constant pain accompany the woman.

Swelling of the genital organs, which is accompanied by additional discomfort and pain, may indicate the following diseases:

Only a doctor can analyze the symptoms and establish an accurate diagnosis, so you don’t need to delay the consultation of a gynecologist, and even more so, self-medicate.

All of the above diseases can provoke serious complications not only for health future mother but also for the development of the child. Untreated infections are transmitted at birth to the baby and getting rid of them in a newborn is much more difficult. With advanced stages, for example, genital herpes, a planned CS is prescribed.

Varicose veins of the labia

Soldatenkov Ilya Vitalievich, therapist

Varicose veins are a disease that mainly affects the vessels of the legs and is manifested by their rapid fatigue, swelling and soreness.

Violation of venous circulation in the pelvis leads to the development of varicose veins of the genital organs.

Varicose veins of the labia are a painful pathology that interferes with a full sexual life, active sports and brings a lot of unpleasant symptoms.

Usually, varicose veins of the labia develop in women in the last trimester of pregnancy. Its harbinger often becomes varicose veins of the legs.

The disease lasts until the very birth and causes discomfort and fear in expectant mothers.

In most cases, the symptoms of varicose veins disappear on their own immediately after the birth of the child. But it happens that without timely treatment, varicose veins become a problem during gestation and during childbirth.

Only a doctor will help stop the further progression of the disease by prescribing the right treatment. Thanks to this, pregnant women do not refuse natural childbirth. Pathologically altered and dilated veins can be completely restored.

Causes

Pregnancy is the main cause of varicose veins of the labia. During this crucial period for every woman, the body is under serious stress.

Significant weight gain, hormonal imbalance, physical inactivity, physical overexertion, venous dysfunction, vascular hypotension are factors that contribute to impaired venous circulation in the body of expectant mothers.

An enlarged uterus presses on the veins of the small pelvis, which leads to a violation of the outflow of blood, an increase in blood volume and an increase in the load on the vessels of the body. Veins are not as dense and elastic as arteries. That is why they are affected in the first place. In women, the perineum swells, the veins of the labia “crawl out” and thicken.

The causes of the development of the disease in a woman who has not given birth are the following:

• excess body weight,
• long-term hormone therapy
• Heredity,
• Weakness of the vascular wall,
• Insufficiency of the valvular apparatus of the veins,
• hard physical labor,
• inflammation of the pelvic organs,
• standing work,
• hypodynamia,
• constipation,
• Prolonged stay in the heat, especially being in a bath or sauna.

Symptoms

In women suffering from varicose veins of the labia, the external genitalia swell, the veins swell and often form entire conglomerates of nodes. Screeds and spider veins appear on the mucous membrane and skin.

Irritated and dry skin of the perineum itches, becomes numb or sore, there is a burning sensation, fullness and discomfort, dysuric disorders appear. These unpleasant and painful sensations intensify during intercourse, after physical exertion and going to the toilet.

Aching pain usually radiates to the sacrum and perineum. The psychological state of a woman worsens, her mood decreases, increased irritability appears.

Specialists visually detect the deformation of the veins, which are an aesthetically unpleasant sight. First, a small nodule appears on the labia, which is not clinically manifested in any way.

Gradually, there are a lot of nodules, they increase in size and interfere with normal sitting, walking, and sexual activity. Venous nodules, strands and bumps grow and are palpable on palpation. The affected dry skin of the perineum is pigmented.

In the last stages of pregnancy, the pain becomes excruciating, and the obvious signs of varicose veins are as noticeable as possible. In severe cases, patients walk and sit with great difficulty.

If clinical signs of the disease appear, you should immediately consult a doctor for additional studies and the appointment of appropriate treatment.

Complications of varicose veins of the labia are: bleeding and perineal ruptures during childbirth, as well as varicothrombophlebitis, blood clotting, pelvic vein thrombosis.

You can detect varicose veins of the perineum on your own by feeling the external genitalia. Gynecologists, phlebologists and vascular surgeons are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins of the labia.

Ultrasonography allows you to see the state of the venous wall and confirm the diagnosis of the disease.

Treatment

Treatment of pregnant women is a difficult and very responsible process. Pregnant women can completely get rid of varicose veins only after childbirth.

Effective and correct therapy will help reduce the severity of the clinical symptoms of the disease and stop the further development of the pathological process.

Appropriate and safe medicines prescribed by a doctor will noticeably improve the condition of the veins, make them less noticeable and painful.

For pregnant women suffering from varicose veins of the labia, experts give the following recommendations:

1. Do not lift objects weighing more than 3 kg,
2. Provide optimal (moderate) physical activity,
3. control the weight,
4. Regulate bowel function
5. Visit the pool
6. Do not take hot baths, use showers,
7. Wear comfortable underwear
8. Follow the rules of personal hygiene,
9. Rest in a special position: lying on the left side with knees bent and pressed to the stomach.

Conservative treatment consists of wearing compression stockings, using anesthetic creams, and using medications. It is aimed at stopping the reverse flow of blood and relieving pain symptoms.

• Patients are prescribed venotonics in the form of tablets, gels and ointments - Troxerutin, Detralex, Lyoton, Venoruton, Aescusan.
• Antiplatelet agents that prevent thrombosis - Trental, Curantil, Venolife, Aspirin.
• Wearing compression underwear helps to reduce stagnant processes, speeds up the process of blood circulation, eliminates the manifestations of pathology and improves the well-being of a pregnant woman.
• Vitamin therapy - taking vitamin C, which thins the blood and improves blood circulation, as well as vitamin E, which improves the elasticity of blood vessels.
• Remedial gymnastics will help reduce pain. To do this, you need to get on all fours and lower your head on the pillow so that the pelvis is above the head. This posture promotes the outflow of blood.
• If pregnancy is not the cause of varicose veins of the labia, symptomatic therapy is carried out. Patients are prescribed antiplatelet agents, anti-inflammatory and analgesics.
• Sclerotherapy is a medical method of getting rid of varicose veins of the labia. This is an injection technique that allows the altered veins to completely disappear. The area affected by varicose veins is cooled with air, and then a special solution is injected into the vein, which narrows it and pushes the blood, stopping the blood flow and preventing thrombosis. The affected vessel ceases to function, and the blood flows through healthy veins. After the injection, bilateral compression of the affected area is carried out for 5-7 minutes.

Sclerotherapy is the most effective and generally painless way to treat genital varicose veins, carried out on an outpatient basis and bringing a qualitative result. Labiaplasty and microthermocoagulation are also possible. But for pregnant women, these methods are categorically contraindicated.

If varicose veins of the labia do not go away after the baby is born, but continues to progress, go to surgical intervention. The main types of operations for varicose veins are classical phlebectomy, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.

Prevention

Measures to prevent the development of varicose veins of the labia:

Varicose veins of the labia is currently a completely curable disease. With the help of modern medicine, you can quickly and painlessly eliminate the symptoms of the disease and possible cosmetic defects.

To achieve this, it is necessary to identify the disease in time. Otherwise, varicose veins of the labia can bring a lot of trouble, especially for pregnant women. It is enough to follow all the recommendations and instructions of a specialist.

Self-diagnosis and self-treatment always ends badly!

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Varicose veins in the pelvis can manifest itself through moderate pain, swelling of the small and large labia, changing their color to cyanotic red. In the future, varicose veins are formed. Pain is aggravated during urination, defecation and sexual intercourse.

The cause of this disease is a violation of local blood circulation. In the early stages, it can be caused by hormonal changes, in which there is a decrease in the tone of the smooth muscles of the organs. In the later ones - a growing uterus, squeezing nearby blood vessels.

Itching in the vagina

If the labia itch during pregnancy, then this indicates the development of an infection. If this symptom is found, especially in combination with yellow or green discharge, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Most often, itching and white plaque on the labia during pregnancy causes fungal infection- candidiasis. The disease develops against the background of a woman's reduced immunity. The discharge is cheesy, with a sour smell, worse in the morning. There is also redness and irritation of the skin, mucous membranes.

The color of the labia during pregnancy

Changing the color of the labia during pregnancy is most often not a cause for concern. From week 10, they may acquire a bluish or purple hue. This is due to increased blood flow in the pelvic area.

In the later stages, the child squeezes the vessels located nearby, and venous blood stagnation occurs. In such a situation, the labia turn blue and swell a little. Both of these conditions resolve after childbirth and do not require treatment.

If there is redness of the labia in combination with itching, pain, swelling, and even more abundant discharge, then you should consult a doctor. The complex of such manifestations indicates an inflammatory and / or infectious disease.

Bartholinitis - a dangerous inflammation of the female genital organs

Bartholinitis is an inflammatory disease that develops on the eve of the vagina, and affects exclusively the female sex. Most often, the disease is unilateral, but there are cases of bilateral bartholinitis, which may be a sign of a gonorrheal infection.

The main cause of bartholinitis is insufficient intimate hygiene and weakened immunity. The disease has its own characteristic signs, the severity of which depends on the degree of its neglect.

Inflammation of the Bartholin gland has several stages of development, so the presence of symptoms depends on whether the disease is initial or already running. Also, the chronic form of pathology and recurrent form have their own characteristics in the manifestation. Let's take a closer look at the table.

Degree of development	Peculiarities	Clinical manifestations
Initial degree	A slight lesion of the Bartholin gland, or rather, its duct. This stage of development is called canalicular bartholinitis or canaliculitis.	prominent redness of the labia majora; the occurrence of pain when walking (rubbing of the affected area) and urination; the appearance of swelling in the ducts of the Bartholin gland (noticeable when probing).
The stage of appearance of a false abscess on the gland	There is a visible inflammatory process in the Bartholin gland, but there is no purulent content in the swelling yet. This degree is called catarrhal bartholinitis.	significant swelling of the labia, often reaching the vaginal area; severe soreness of the swollen labia, which becomes more acute with physical impact. severe redness at the original site of inflammation; signs of intoxication of the body.
The formation of a true purulent abscess	In the resulting abscess, there is a presence of purulent contents. If the correct treatment is started at this stage of the disease, then surgical intervention can still be avoided.	acutely pronounced intoxication (temperature reaches 40 degrees); a noticeable increase in the gland and its softening; severe soreness of the abscess.
Formation of a cyst against the background of chronic bartholinitis	The appearance of a cyst due to self-rupture of an abscess or surgical excision, after which thorough washing and adequate antibiotic therapy was not carried out. The cyst is characterized by the continuation of a purulent inflammatory process.	after healing of bartholinitis, there is a slight compaction in the gland and signs of slight inflammation are visible; during exacerbation, symptoms of a false abscess are observed, turning into a true clinic.

However, each of the stages has its own characteristics in the manifestation of symptoms, and if you are attentive to your health, then the disease can be noticed before a purulent formation appears.

Often, women who do not have a medical education confuse inflammation of the Bartholin gland with atheroma. Both ailments are quite similar to each other both visually and in pain. Therefore, in order to determine bartholinitis or atheroma, it is necessary to study the symptoms of these ailments in a little more detail, and it is best to contact a gynecologist.

Canaliculitis

Inflammation in the Bartholin gland begins with canaliculitis - the process of suppuration of the duct responsible for the secretion.

What does bartholinitis look like at the initial stage? Can it be recognized at an early stage?

At the very beginning of development, the infectious process is manifested by the following symptoms:

• the occurrence of slight reddening of the skin in the area of ​​​​the opening of the duct of the gland (you can independently see it with a mirror);
• when probing and pressing on the duct of the gland, a small amount of purulent contents is released.
• mild discomfort.

As the disease progresses, increasing swelling blocks the duct, there is a violation of the secretion secreted by the gland. This leads to an acceleration of the inflammatory process and the formation of an abscess.

chronic stage

It is also possible to recognize inflammation of the gland in the case of a chronic course, but for this you need to know the main picture of the manifestation of the disease.

Symptoms of bartholinitis in women with a chronic form of leakage:

• mild aching pain in the right or left labia (depending on the location of the lesion);
• soreness of the labia, and sometimes the vagina, during sex;
• the appearance of discomfort in the perineum during movement;
• swelling and swelling of the affected lip;
• a white head appeared on the labia, where the inflammatory process of the gland occurred;
• the development of a cyst outside the vagina, which most often bursts on its own after 3-5 days.

Symptoms of chronic bartholinitis appear as the disease worsens. More obvious signs become during a relapse.

true abscess

The stage of a true abscess of character is not only an exacerbation of symptoms, but noticeable external changes.

Common signs of true bartholinitis include:

• an increase in body temperature to 39–40 degrees;
• weakness;
• chills and headaches;
• severe throbbing pain due to the cyst.

In laboratory diagnostics during this period of bartholinitis, a significant increase in ESR and leukocytes is detected.

As for visual changes, the following changes are observed:

• on the labia there is a noticeable purulent formation;
• severe swelling of the affected labia;
• pronounced redness;
• there is a sharp pain when probing the swelling;
• enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes.

At this stage, the abscess often bursts on its own, against which the patient's condition improves: the temperature decreases, soreness subsides and swelling decreases.

In some cases of acute bartholinitis, the above symptoms are barely noticeable. The pain syndrome is not particularly disturbing, and the body temperature remains within the normal range. This nature of inflammation indicates a subacute type of disease.

The main signs of a false abscess include:

• severe pain in the affected labia;
• increasing pain during sexual intercourse, walking and urination;
• the temperature reaches 38–39 degrees;
• general lethargy and weakness;
• chills.

Visual changes have the following characteristic features:

• increased swelling (may block the entrance to the vagina);
• pronounced bright red color (see photo below);
• sharp pain when probing the edema.

Puffiness with a false abscess is hard, but if it has become softer, then we can talk about the beginning of a true abscess.

Signs of complications

Any inflammation, accompanied by suppuration, with improper treatment is fraught with serious complications. The fact is that when pus accumulates in a closed cavity (cyst, abscess, etc.), then sooner or later it will need an exit path. In the process, it begins to penetrate beyond inflammation.

The purulent content, leaving the main focus, destroys healthy areas of tissues, and when it enters the bloodstream, it negatively affects the walls of blood vessels and spreads the infection throughout the body.

So, if, with bartholinitis, the abscess spontaneously burst and the woman did not go to the doctor in time, deciding to self-medicate, then the following complications can be expected:

• the disease will turn into a chronic form, periodically manifested by relapses;
• the appearance of a fistula;
• inflammation will spread throughout the genitourinary system (vulvitis);
• urethritis;
• cystitis;
• kidney problems (pyelonephritis);
• infectious inflammation of the ovaries (adnexitis).

In addition, bartholinitis often leads to inflammation of the cervix and infertility. The most dangerous complication is the development of sepsis. Such an ailment is fraught with the appearance of diseases such as purulent meningitis, as well as endocarditis and other irreversible heart damage, which often end in death.

Do not delay and consult a doctor for the treatment of bartholinitis!

The female reproductive system is very complex and is an interconnection of many organs and continuously occurring processes. One of the most unpleasant conditions for a woman can be inflammation of the large Bartholin gland - bartholinitis, which is part of the system of external genital organs.

Bartholinitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the Bartholin glands.

The Bartholin gland (a large vestibular gland) secretes a thick, viscous secret that moisturizes the mucous membranes of the vagina and acts as a natural lubricant during sexual contact. The ducts through which the fluid flows are located inside the labia minora. Bartholin's glands are only about 2 cm in size.

Microorganisms enter the gland tissue from the urethra, genital tract, with blood or lymph flow. Inflammation leads to blockage and accumulation of fluid inside. Treatment of bartholinitis requires the mandatory intervention of specialists. But first of all, it is necessary to determine the cause of inflammation, otherwise, without proper treatment, suppuration will begin.

Inflammation of the Bartholin glands and their ducts is caused by:

• The defeat of streptococci, staphylococci and other pathogenic microbes - they can get into the genitals not only through sexual contact, but also when the infection spreads from other organs or if personal hygiene is not observed.
• Protozoal and fungal sexually transmitted infections - trichomoniasis, chlamydia, candidiasis (thrush).
• Hypothermia, decreased immunity.
• Wearing synthetic underwear in hot weather.
• Microtrauma caused by sexual intercourse with insufficient hydration of the vagina.
• Traumatic medical procedures.

As a result of inflammation, the outflow of secretions becomes difficult. Its accumulation leads to the formation of a false abscess. If the disease is not treated, suppuration (a real abscess) will begin.

There are several forms of the disease:

• acute, in which inflammation, swelling and redness are expressed at the location of the excretory duct of the gland. Inflammation is accompanied by fever and pain, aggravated by movement. When examining the labia, a bean-sized tumor (or smaller) is palpated. Without treatment, the inguinal lymph nodes may become inflamed - in this case, a new disease will join - lymphadenitis.
• Subacute, in this case, the symptoms are mild. A slight soreness is noted only during movement and sexual intercourse. The temperature is not elevated, there are no pronounced edema. This form of bartholinitis can become acute or go away on its own.
• Recurrent when the illness recurs. Hypothermia and wearing tight synthetic underwear contribute to the return of the disease.
• Chronic characterized by the constant presence of inflammation and edema. The temperature is kept within 37.1-37.5 degrees, acute pain is not observed. Chronic bartholinitis is very dangerous - it can lead to vaginal cysts.

Acute bartholinitis

Principles of treatment

If a woman notices that she is pulling her lower back, her stomach hurts, her external genital organs are swollen and greatly enlarged, in order to minimize the risk of complications, she should seek qualified help as soon as possible (see also: what to do if she pulls her lower back during pregnancy ?).

At the initial examination, the doctor will take the appropriate tests. If the cause of unpleasant symptoms is an infection, treatment will be aimed at combating the infectious agent. With thrush, the patient is prescribed antimycotics, with herpes - antiviral agents.

Inflammatory processes in the vagina are stopped by douching with antiseptic solutions. If the cause of swelling and discoloration of the genitals is an allergy, it is necessary to limit contact with the allergen.

If the labia hurts during pregnancy with known disorders in the endocrine system, the patient is referred for a consultation with narrow specialists. Refusal of drug therapy can lead to serious consequences - both for the mother and for her baby.

When changes in the labia are physiological, do not cause discomfort, there is no need for treatment. It is enough to use cotton underwear, follow the rules of hygiene, and walk daily, do exercises for pregnant women (knee-elbow position, etc.), and rest lying down. This will help prevent the development of congestion in the pelvis.

If there is pain, itching, severe swelling, discharge, then you need to get a specialist consultation. If possible, the treatment of diseases is carried out by folk methods and local preparations (ointments, creams, rectal suppositories). Systemic drugs are prescribed only in severe cases, when other forms are ineffective.

During pregnancy, the labia become bluish or purple, increase in size. These changes are normal, do not cause discomfort and do not require treatment. If you experience pain, severe swelling, itching, burning, discharge and other unpleasant symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

Varicose veins of the labia: causes, symptoms, treatment

Prevention

Treatment of pain in the genital area in a pregnant woman should be handled only by a qualified specialist. Only a doctor can tell you how to treat pain in the genital area during pregnancy, how to get rid of the complications of the disease and prevent its occurrence in the expectant mother in the future.

The following doctors can answer the question of what to do if a pregnant woman has pain in the genital area:

Treatment of pain in the genital area is aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease that cause the symptom. In most cases, medical therapy with the use of antibiotics, as well as antiviral drugs, is necessary. During pregnancy, if possible, use medicines local action.

Pregnancy inevitably entails physical, emotional and hormonal changes in the female body. After conception, a larger volume of blood enters the pelvic area, and the tissues of the pubic region are filled with it to the limit. This often leads to swelling and soreness of the labia. As pregnancy progresses, discomfort may increase due to burning and itching of the perineum. What else can cause inflammation of the genitals? Why are the labia swollen, sore and itchy in pregnant women? Let's deal with the problem!

Causes of pain in the intimate area

During pregnancy, many women notice that the labia has grown in size and darkened, and the skin has become more sensitive. Doctors consider this the norm and even perceive it as an indirect confirmation of pregnancy. However, if pain is added to the discoloration and slight swelling, you should not endure it - you need to contact your gynecologist for a correct diagnosis.

Consider what may cause discomfort and pain in the area of ​​​​the large and small labia:

1. Varicose veins, which can be triggered by stagnation of blood in the pelvis. Occurs in 10% of pregnant women. Women suffering from varicose veins on the labia and inner thighs are advised to wear compression underwear and use special ointments prescribed by a phlebologist.

1. development of infection. One of the most painful manifestations of infection is genital herpes. This viral disease is accompanied by blisters, itching, fever, erosions. Treatment in this case is carried out with the help of antiviral drugs.
2. Vaginal fungus (thrush)- Another cause of swelling and itching of the external genitalia.
3. Prolonged sitting in one position.
4. The formation of a vaginal cyst. These cysts often cause painful symptoms. Formations are divided into 2 types: Bartholin's cysts that occur on both sides of the labia majora, can reach the size of a walnut, and cysts of the ducts of the glands around the opening of the urethra.

1. Folliculitis - pathological condition, which develops as a result of inflammation of the hair follicle.
2. Blockage of the sweat glands can provoke the appearance of acne and pain on the labia. This is due to the fact that a woman sweats more during pregnancy. The disease is treated with antibiotics and steroids.
3. Papillomatosis- Genital warts associated with infection with HPV (human papillomavirus) can grow even more during pregnancy.

1. molluscum contagiosum- a disease of a viral nature, which is characterized by rashes and bumps with a pearl top. Usually goes away on its own.
2. Injury to the skin of the labia and vaginal walls during intercourse or as a result of excessive grooming.

How to deal with the problem

The best way to avoid pain and swelling in the vulva is to try to avoid sitting in one position.

In order to improve blood circulation in the pelvis, pregnant women should rest more often, lying on their left side, move moderately and engage in physical activity - swim, do yoga exercises. This will help to significantly improve blood circulation and strengthen muscles.

Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections in the groin area. Wear clean cotton underwear to allow your skin to breathe freely. Do not wear too tight or synthetic underwear, as this will only increase discomfort in the affected area.

Eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables and avoid fatty and fried foods. Don't forget to drink clean water.

Pigmentation of the labia during pregnancy should not cause concern. This feature may appear in the early stages (from six to eight weeks). The skin will definitely return to its usual shade some time after childbirth.

Today, diseases that lead to swelling and soreness of the labia are successfully treated, so if you are worried about increasing pain and swelling in intimate place, do not delay a visit to a specialist!

During pregnancy, changes are observed throughout the female body. The same applies to the genitals. In some cases, change is not harmful at all, and some symptoms indicate that medical attention is needed.

Darkening of the labia or the so-called cyanosis appears already 10-12 days after conception. This process is considered by gynecologists as a sign of pregnancy, when early term it cannot yet be determined by manual examination or by ultrasound.

The reason for the darkening of the labia is that during pregnancy, blood flow in the vessels of the small pelvis increases. For more late term During pregnancy, venous blood stasis can occur due to the fact that the fetus squeezes the vessels. At the same time, the labia may acquire a brighter bluish-crimson hue and swell slightly.

Blue labia symptom pain should not cause concern, this is a completely normal condition, which itself passes after childbirth.

If, in addition to changing the color of the labia, there is pain, severe swelling, itching, a doctor's consultation is necessary. This may be a symptom of inflammation or infection.

Labia during pregnancy - swollen or sore

Quite often, women note that during pregnancy, the labia is swollen or sore. This happens for various reasons: a change in hormone levels, sitting in an uncomfortable position for a long time, improperly selected underwear, etc.

In addition, the body begins to produce relaxin - a hormone that is responsible for relaxing the ligaments of the inguinal region and prepares the body of the expectant mother for childbirth. As a result, the pressure of the fetus increases and pain, heaviness in the labia may occur.

If there is swelling of the labia during pregnancy, you need to consult a doctor. This may be the result of increased blood circulation in the pelvis. Then this process is normal and does not require any treatment.

Other causes of swelling of the labia: infectious diseases, such as genital herpes or thrush. With timely diagnosis, these problems are successfully treated, do not harm the mother and fetus. Another reason why the labia swells during pregnancy may be varicose veins.

Phlebeurysm

This symptom in most cases disappears after childbirth. During pregnancy, varicose veins may be a manifestation of already existing problems with the veins in the future mother, or may be the first sign of the disease.

Varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy occurs as a result of impaired venous circulation in the pelvis. This may be due to hormonal failure, large weight gain, vascular hypotension, venous dysfunction, physical inactivity and other factors. The uterus increases in size and presses on the veins of the small pelvis, as a result, the outflow of blood can be disturbed and the load on the vessels of the small pelvis increases.

The veins on the labia during pregnancy thicken and become embossed, protrude strongly. In addition, spider veins and screeds appear on the skin of the labia. A woman feels discomfort, burning, itching, there may be aching pain, “radiating” to the sacrum.

This condition requires medical supervision and treatment. A woman can completely get rid of varicose veins of the labia only after childbirth, but it is impossible to ignore the symptoms of this pathology of pregnancy.

Varicose veins of the labia increase the risk of perineal rupture and the development of severe bleeding during childbirth. Severe varicose veins may even be an indication for caesarean section if the doctor decides that such delivery is safer for the mother and fetus.

A pregnant woman should listen to her body. If she notices that the labia has changed during pregnancy or other unusual symptoms, it is advisable to inform the doctor about this. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe timely treatment, which will help alleviate the condition of the pregnant woman and eliminate the risks of complications.

It may seem strange to some, but during pregnancy, changes also occur with the woman's genitals, in particular the labia. And this is quite normal and natural. The change is even one of the . True, a gynecologist can rather notice such a symptom, unless the woman herself specifically checks the situation, which also often happens. And many at the same time note the darkening (cyanosis and purplishness) of these organs as early as 10-12 days after conception. But too noticeable changes with the labia, which often cause discomfort, pain and even itching to a pregnant woman, occur in the middle and second half of the term.

With the onset of pregnancy, under the influence of hormones, the blood supply to the pelvic organs increases significantly, which is provided by nature to facilitate delivery. Each organ undergoes certain changes. The small and large labia, along with other organs, increase in size (as if they swell) and become more elastic. The skin in this area (as well as around the nipples and along the midline of the abdomen) usually changes color to a darker one.

However, changes in the labia may have several other reasons. The growing fetus presses with its weight, including on the arteries, which worsens blood circulation. This can cause swelling of the labia, but usually the situation does not pose any danger. It can even come to varicose veins of the labia, which is quite common during pregnancy. Women note that veins come out on the lips or seals appear. There is no need to worry about this: after pregnancy (and often even before childbirth), the woman's condition improves, and the problem disappears on its own. Varicose veins of the labia, as a rule, are not an indication for a caesarean section, as many people think about it. In any case, the doctor decides on the method of delivery closer to childbirth.

To alleviate your condition with varicose veins, you should walk more, as well as rest, lying on your side. Sitting and standing increase congestion in the veins and pain. Choose for yourself a special compression underwear without seams. Talk to your doctor - he may prescribe you some drugs, for example, an ointment. Do not be afraid, but sometimes in such conditions it is possible to develop acute varicothrombophlebitis and rupture of altered veins, which is fraught with massive bleeding. However, in the vast majority of cases, all unpleasant phenomena disappear immediately after childbirth. And attentive obstetricians warn expectant mothers about the possible appearance of the mentioned signs in advance.

So if you are experiencing something like this, there are two pieces of news for you. The bad news is that you have to endure it. And the good thing is that there is nothing wrong with the increase and soreness of the labia during pregnancy, and everything will disappear without a trace after childbirth.

Especially for- Elena Kichak