Why You Might Have a Swollen Vagina—and What to Do About It

The words “swollen vagina” aren’t particularly pleasant to behold, we know, but every once in a while you might notice that it’s happening to you. Don’t panic—it’s not terribly uncommon, and there are several reasons for it. Keep reading to find out why you might have a swollen vagina, and what you can do about it.

Why is my vagina swollen?

There’s not a one-size-fits all problem, and a swollen vagina could be caused by a bunch of different things. According to R. Mark Ellerkmann, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Hospital and an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, your vagina can swell due to an infection, trauma, injury, or even intense sex, among other things. Even irritation from toilet paper can contribute.

What should I do about it?

While it’s tempting to ice your vagina, Dr. Ellerkmann says sitz baths (a warm, shallow bath that’s just for your genitals) or warm compresses can be helpful, depending on what the issue is. But, if your doctor says you have an infection, you might need antibiotics.

Should I skip sex?

Yes. Dr. Ellerkmann says it’s a good idea to hold off on sex until a diagnosis is made and you’re given the green light to resume. Plus, it probably wouldn’t feel all that great anyway.

Is it ever normal for a woman’s vagina to swell?

Surprisingly, yes. It happen during pregnancy, due to the pressure caused down there from carrying a baby, Dr. Ellerkmann says.

When should I see a doctor?

It makes sense that you’d want to give it a day and wait it out, but Dr. Ellerkmann says it’s a good idea to get things checked out as soon as you can. “Anything that is not normal with your vagina (appearance, smell, pain, discharge) should require a consultation with a physician to figure out what’s going on,” he says. And above all, he says you shouldn’t panic. While it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any major issues, you—and your vagina—are probably fine.

MORE: This Is What a Healthy Vagina Looks Like