Genital swelling and lymphoedema (SPARC)
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Some types of cancer and cancer treatments can cause swelling of the genital areas.
Lymphoedema is a condition where there is a build-up of lymphatic fluid under the skin, which can cause swelling. This happens when the lymphatic system isn’t working properly.
For more information about lymphoedema, visit the following page lymphoedema
Skin care
Skincare is a key factor in managing genital lymphoedema to help reduce the risk of infection. Use soap substitutes and don’t be tempted to wash with strong soaps, to avoid fungal infections. Ensure that you dry the genital area thoroughly and apply moisturiser avoiding any breaks in the skin and checking for any red or inflamed areas.
Compression
Wearing well-fitting underwear can be helpful, cycling shorts or lycra shorts can apply good compression to the area which can help to reduce the swelling. Men should try to avoid wearing loose boxers or tight waistbands.
If you struggle with urination (having a wee) because of the swelling, applying pressure from a towel between your legs for a few minutes can help.
Physical activity
Try and keep your activity to a moderate level of intensity. Sweat can cause skin irritation. It is recommended to wear supportive underwear whilst being active and to shower after exercise.
We would recommend regular pelvic floor exercises and gentle movements such as pelvic tilting and hip rolls (done in lying) can be helpful to stimulate lymph flow.
Being seated for prolonged periods can aggravate genital swelling. Try to remember to get up and move around more often to help encourage lymph fluid drain into the pelvic area.
Massage
Gentle massage can be helpful to encourage working lymphatics transport fluid more effectively from the genital area. Use flat fingers with no sliding on the skin. Small and focussed circular movements on the skin to encourage flow of lymphatic fluid.
Sex and intimacy
Sexual activity can be helpful if it is not painful. It can help keep the area from becoming too fibrotic from the build-up of lymphatic fluid. Sometimes it can make the area more swollen afterwards due to the increase in blood flow, so more attention to the previous cornerstones of lymphoedema management may be needed.
Libido is often affected with genital swelling, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself this area if this is the case (see Libido for more information).
It is important to maintain good hygiene during sexual activities, ensuring your hands and fingernails are clean. A good standard of hygiene for sex toys is also advised to minimise risk of infection.
This link will take you to more information about Sex, Intimacy and Cancer.
Weight management
Being a healthy weight helps to reduce pressure on the lymphatic system. Reducing fat tissue in the abdomen (belly) will always help genital lymphoedema as this means the lymphatic system can drain easier when there is less of this tissue type. This link will take you to more information about Healthy Eating.
How you feel about your body, body image difficulties
Our Body Image is the way we see ourselves and the feelings that we have about our bodies. Genital lymphoedema can change the way your body looks. Adjusting to changes to your body can be difficult and may impact how comfortable and confident people feel about themselves, how others see them or being intimate.
It is natural to feel sadness and grief while you are adapting to the changes in your body.
Mood, stress and anxiety
People can often feel a change in their Mood, Stress or Anxiety after a cancer diagnosis, during treatment or following treatment. The Emotional and Psychological Wellbeing pages will share more information about this.
Cellulitis
This is a bacterial skin infection. Having lymphoedema increases your risk of developing cellulitis in the swollen area.
Take symptoms of cellulitis seriously and get urgent medical attention if you suspect an infection. It is helpful to take the British Lymphology Society ‘Guidelines on the management of cellulitis in lymphoedema’ with you to the GP/hospital to help guide the appropriate management.
Guidelines on the Management of Cellulitis in Lymphoedema
Cellulitis Alert Cards, available from the lymphoedema support network (LSN), are small cards which can fit into a purse or wallet. These cards contain information and links to the online guidance, so you can show your health care professionals the information easily if required.
Cellulitis Alert Card – Lymphoedema Support Network
Signs of cellulitis
- General malaise
- Increased temperature
- A clearly marked area of bright red skin
- Hot and painful to touch
- Redness can spread quickly
Resources