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I am currently in remission with Crohn's. Months ago, i went to my OBGYN when my one side of my labia was completly swollen in the morning. I stumped my OBGYN, and they brought in three others who also had no idea. I also saw a group of surgical specalists who had no idea. They said it was not cancerous, but gave me no other leads. It is still swollen, but some days more swollen than others. I am beginning to wonder if it has something to do with inflamation from crohns? But am somewhat embarrassed to ask my GI specialist. If anyone has any ideas, i would greatly appreciate it.

 Reply posted for cchambers78.

This is so interesting! For several years before I was diagnosed with crohn's, I had skin issues with the labia.... tested for every STD, skin biopsied, went to many different MDs over the years. Finally, a new GYN decided it was *Lichen planus* which is another chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. I treat it with protopic ointment (aka tacrolimus) which is a steroid used for eczema. I have had fewer & fewer outbreaks of this, with the med, and now that my crohn's is in partial remission.

 Reply posted for Writer14.

I also had issues with my labia when the Crohn's was more active.  At one point I even had an open sore (that was NOT fun). 
When I first went to the OB/GYN with this issue and he just told me I had Herpes and sent me on my way.  I have since had several tests for herpes (both blood and cultures) all which have come back negative. 
I finally got in to see my regular OB/GYN who told me she thought it was related to my Crohn's disease.  She gave me a topical steriod cream which helped that area calm down and heal.  But I noticed whenever my other Crohn's symptoms flared up, so did that.  I just used the cream to calm that area back down.
Since my Crohn's is more under control now, that issue has gone away.

But it was definitely not fun.  Good luck!

 Reply posted for Writer14.

I've been having the same problem and I just spoke with my Gastro doctor about this this morning at my appointment.

 It is related to the Chron's because the vagina and anus area are in such close relation that it can affect it. He said I need to keep a watchful eye on the area. If I experience any discharge or it becomes extremely painful I need to call him and he will help me find an obgyn to see.

He also told me that as we treat the Chron's this should go away. That he can also give me an antibiotic too if  need be. I've just been putting an ice pack on my fanny when I'm at home and it helps a lot.

Oddly, enough the swelling has gone away since I had my period.

 Reply posted for Writer14.

Hi there.  I have experienced the swelling and irritation of the vaginal area, often a milky discharge (which has been swabbed and inspected many times) and it shows nothing abnormal, but now know that it corresponds to the flareups.  My aunt had the anal fissures just last week and I didn't think about it being related to IBD, but she had been flaring up a little.  She went to the doctor who diagnosed her with a fungal infection and gave her ointment which is helping let it heal.  It does make sense fungal infections would erupt as our immune systems are so compromised.  She is taking bacid/acidolphilus and she has a vitamin and supplement regime as well.  I would definitely try that yourself as we all have a hard time getting enough nutrition.  Good luck!  Lisa (aka Swampy)

 Reply posted for Writer14.

This is happening to me too.  I've been in remission for a few years now and I have had this swollen labia problem since October :(  I went to my OBGYN and he thought it was a Bartholin Cyst, but he said those are usually painful and mine is not.  I do have weird symptoms where I go numb in that region, which really freaks me out.  I didn't think to see if it was Crohn's related.  Has anyone had theirs for this long?   

 Reply posted for Writer14.

I had this happen to me as well. Different OBGYNs told me all sorts of things, including to SHAVE! It turned out to be a fistula developing which later I had to have surgically corrected. I had had swelling for years and sometimes odd watery discharge before it was diagnosed.

Perhaps there is now something that can be done medically if it had been caught earlier.

You are in my prayers-

ak

 Reply posted for tahani.

Please excuse the accidental triple-post. I don't know why it did that, I'm sure I only clicked the button once. Hopefuly, someone in charge can delete the extras.

 Reply posted for TXSLP.

When I was first experiencing a Crohn's flare-up years ago, my Bartholin glands were swollen, but the gynecologist couldn't tell why they were. I still experience some problems with them from time to time. I also have hemerroids which sometimes itch, or hurt, depending. Like someone else said previously, a hot bath is a good thing. I like to put a little baking soda in the water, too,I believe it's supposed to be soothing.

 Reply posted for TXSLP.

When I was first experiencing a Crohn's flare-up years ago, my Bartholin glands were swollen, but the gynecologist couldn't tell why they were. I still experience some problems with them from time to time. I also have hemerroids which sometimes itch, or hurt, depending. Like someone else said previously, a hot bath is a good thing. I like to put a little baking soda in the water, too,I believe it's supposed to be soothing.

 Reply posted for TXSLP.

When I was first experiencing a Crohn's flare-up years ago, my Bartholin glands were swollen, but the gynecologist couldn't tell why they were. I still experience some problems with them from time to time. I also have hemerroids which sometimes itch, or hurt, depending. Like someone else said previously, a hot bath is a good thing. I like to put a little baking soda in the water, too,I believe it's supposed to be soothing.

 Reply posted for TXSLP.

When I was first experiencing a Crohn's flare-up years ago, my Bartholin glands were swollen, but the gynecologist couldn't tell why they were. I still experience some problems with them from time to time. I also have hemerroids which sometimes itch, or hurt, depending. Like someone else said previously, a hot bath is a good thing. I like to put a little baking soda in the water, too,I believe it's supposed to be soothing.

 Reply posted for Writer14.

I am sorry it has taken me so long to reply to my post.  My Crohn's is really flaring bad and I have been in quite a bit of pain and just haven't felt up to it.  I did speak to my Gastroenterologist and he definitely said that the labie swelling was related to my Crohn's disease.  He started me back on the dreaded prednisone and within a few days there was already improvement in the labia swelling.  Hope this gives you some encouragement to know. 

 Reply posted for chatkat576.

I too have had this happen.....more than once.........never thought about it being related to colitis...........I'll have to try and see if it happens again if I'm in a flare or coming off one...........thanks........

 Reply posted for Writer14.

Are you referring to your labia majora?... if so, I feel your pain. 

 Reply posted for shelli3625.

if he does give you an answer, i would greatly appreciate it if you could share what he says. Thank you!

 Reply posted for Writer14.

Thanks so much for the replies. It is so comforting when you know you are not alone.

 Reply posted for Writer14.

I had this several years ago and none of my doctor's figured it out. My gyno even did a punch biopsy of the labia (very painful) but it did not show anything.   I was in a Crohn's flare at the time.  After a while the swelling went away and I went  in remission with my Crohn's for a couple of years.  My Crohn's flared again about 2 months ago and lo and behold guess what has come back within the last few weeks.....the swollen labia on one side.  I almost bet it has something to do with the Crohn's disease.  I go see him again this month for a follow up and I am going to ask him.

 Reply posted for Writer14.

I have experienced this same problem as well.  It is most likely an abcess of the labia or of the Bartholin gland.  This is a common occurrence in women with IBD.  In the past, I had an abcess of the labia which required it to be drained (very painful and not a pleasant process but necessary).  I am currently suffering from an abcess in the Bartholin gland secondary to a flare up with my Chron's.  The steriods I am taking for the flare up seem to be helping with the abcess but my gyn is following up on that.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.

 Reply posted for chatkat576.

i believe it's crohn's related , i to suffer from it also i have a biol in my groin area that will not go away will be going to my doctor in the morning . also i experience a sharp pain in my clitoris like i was being stabbed and i truly believe this is all related to my illness

 Reply posted for Writer14.

I would be interested in an answer to this as well.  I had what felt like an ulcer or sore - everytime I have gone to GYN they have said yeast infection or overgrowth of lactobacillus and have treated me for those but I am quite certain that there was a sore and/or swelling.  Also am afraid ot ask GI doctor.