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Overview
Blood collects under the skin.
Small ones heal on their own.
When to get medical care
Call 911Heavy bleeding or fainting.
Get care todayLarge or growing swelling.
See a doctor soonPain not improving.
Causes
Caused by injury or childbirth.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause painful, swollen bruise of the vulva after an injury or birth. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Vulvar hematoma (bruise and swelling)Often needs care today
A pocket of blood under the skin of the vulva from a fall onto a bar or bike (straddle injury), sex, or childbirth.
What you can do at home
- Ice it.
Medicines
Drainage if large.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Injury
The exam
A pelvic exam.
Tests
- Ultrasound
Prevention
Prevent injury.
- Protective gear
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.