What should I do if my labia minora is swollen?

The swelling of the labia minora may be caused by excessive sexual intercourse. If not, it is considered to be vaginal inflammation caused by bacterial infection. There are many types of vaginitis, so the specific response plan should be made after examination. Vaginitis is mostly treated with external prescriptions, and it is best for couples to treat it together.

1. Bacterial vaginosis

The principle of treatment is to use anti-anaerobic drugs, mainly metronidazole, tinidazole, and clindamycin. Caution: Disulfiram-like reactions may occur with both oral and topical metronidazole.

(1) Oral medication: Metronidazole is the first choice.

(2) Local drug treatment.

(3) Sexual partners do not require routine treatment.

2. Candidal vaginitis

(1) Eliminate the cause: If you have diabetes, you should be treated actively and stop using broad-spectrum antibiotics, estrogen and cortisol in time. Change your underwear frequently, and wash used underwear, basins, and towels with boiling water.

(2) Topical medications: miconazole suppositories, clotrimazole suppositories, and nystatin suppositories.

(3) Systemic medications (for patients with recurrent attacks or who cannot take vaginal medication): fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. Fluconazole has a lower risk of hepatotoxicity and should be used instead of ketoconazole.

(4) Sexual partners should be tested and treated for Candida albicans.

(5) Pregnancy complicated by Candida vaginitis is mainly treated with local treatment, and oral azole drugs are contraindicated.

3. Trichomonas vaginitis

(1) Local vaginal medication: Metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets or 0.75% metronidazole gel, 1% lactic acid or 0.5% acetic acid solution flushing can relieve symptoms.

(2) Systemic medication: Metronidazole can be used for initial treatment, but the medication should be discontinued if side effects are detected. Do not drink alcohol during the use of metronidazole and within 24 hours of stopping the medication, and do not drink alcohol during the use of tinidazole and within 72 hours of stopping the medication. The efficacy and side effects of metronidazole and tinidazole are similar, including possible disulfiram-like reactions. Do not breastfeed while taking medication.

(3) Sexual partners should receive treatment at the same time and avoid unprotected sexual intercourse before recovery.

4. Senile vaginitis

The principle of treatment is to supplement estrogen, enhance vaginal immunity and inhibit bacterial growth.

5. Vaginitis in young girls

The principles of treatment are to keep the vulva clean, treat symptoms, and select antibiotics targeting the pathogen.