Female sex organs consist of several parts. One is the labia majora or vaginal lips, which play an important role in protecting the female area from germs or dirt. If the labia majora is affected, various complaints can occur on this part of the female sex organs.
Labia majora is a part of the female reproductive organ called the vulva. Shaped like two large folds outside the vagina. The length of the labia majora in each woman varies, but generally ranges from 2-10 cm and will be covered by pubic hair after puberty.
Health Problems in Labia Mayora
Symptoms that generally appear when the labia majora is disturbed are sore, itchy, reddened, appear fluid (vaginal discharge), swell, and pain or discomfort during intercourse.
The following are some of the health problems that can occur around the labia majora:
1. Vulvovaginitis
This condition is an inflammation that occurs in the vagina and vulva (female genital lips). Vulvovaginitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection. But sometimes, fungal, viral, parasitic infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and irritations due to exposure to chemicals can also cause women to experience this disease in the labia majora.
Symptoms of this disease can be vaginal discharge, pain or itching in the genitals, and burning when urinating or having sex.
2. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is inflammation of the glands or hair follicles in any part of the body, including pubic hair. This condition is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
There are several things that can cause folliculitis in a woman's labia majora, for example damage to the skin layer due to shaving or waxing pubic hair, as well as friction between pubic hair with tight clothing.
When experiencing folliculitis around the labia majora, a woman can feel pain, itching, or a lump filled with pus.
3. Batholin cysts
Bartholin cysts occur because there is a blockage in the channel of the Bartholin gland. This gland is located on both sides of the opening of the vagina which serves to maintain the humidity of the vaginal wall and release lubricating fluid during intercourse.
Small uninfected cysts can be treated at home with warm water compresses. However, when these cysts become infected, abscesses or pus can form which can be seen from the size of the lumps that are getting bigger, reddish, and painful. If an infection or abscess has occurred, then the condition needs to be treated by a doctor.
4. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a skin irritation that is usually caused by allergic reactions from certain chemicals in soaps, perfumes, skin cleaning products.
Dermatitis in the labia majora can be caused by the use of soap or feminine cleansers made from harsh chemicals. Symptoms that can arise from this condition include itching, tenderness, and pain in the vulva.
5. Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a type of sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. These health problems often cause no symptoms. But if it appears, symptoms that appear in the form of blisters around the vagina or vaginal lips, pain during urination, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Until now, there is no effective treatment to cure genital herpes. Treatment is only intended to relieve symptoms and prevent herpes recurrence.
6. Genital warts
Genital warts are small lumps that grow around the rectum and genital area, including the labia majora. The cause is the HPV virus. The size, shape, and color of genital warts can vary. This condition usually does not cause pain, but feels itchy and uncomfortable.
7. Vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer is cancer that attacks the outside of the female genital area. Vulvar cancer can look like lumps or sores in the vulva area and usually occurs in women entering old age.
In addition to lumps, vulvar cancer can also show several other symptoms, such as:
- Itching and pain in the pubic area.
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
- Pain or burning during urination or sexual intercourse.
- Wounds around the labia majora or vulva that do not improve after 1 month.
Apart from the diseases mentioned above, there are many health problems that can attack the labia majora, including vulvodynia (pain in the vulva) and autoimmune diseases that attack the skin around the vulva and labia majora, such as psoriasis and lichen planus.
To prevent problems that occur in the labia majora, you can take a few simple steps, such as:
- Rinse the pubic area with warm water and always keep it clean. Cleaning the vulva and vagina must also be done properly, ie from the direction of the vagina to the anus rather than vice versa.
- Avoid wearing pants or clothes that are too tight.
- Wear cotton underwear that can absorb sweat.
- Avoid the use of feminine cleansers or harsh chemicals on the vulva.
- Avoid using pads that contain fragrance.
- Don't scratch the vulva or labia majora, as this can cause further injury and infection.
Problems in the labia majora should not be underestimated. If left untreated, interference with this part of the sex organs can cause interference in other parts of the female reproductive system. Therefore, you need to maintain the cleanliness and health of the vaginal lips in the ways above.
If you experience complaints or changes in the labia majora that are accompanied by vaginal discharge, itching, or pain, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment
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