“Why are their lumps in my vaginal area?”
I have lumps in my vaginal area. It's not painful but still concerning. The lumps aren't on the surface, they are on the lips. I think it might be cysts.
Female | 14 years old
Complaint duration: 6 months
Medications: None
Conditions: None
4 Answers
Dr. Robin L. Poe-Zeigler
Virginia Beach, VA
Usually these lumps that form are Pediatric Vulvar Cysts. The vulva is the external portion of the female genitalia/sex organs. If you have a cyst, growth, rash, or other abnormalities on or around the vulva, you should see a gynecologist for an examination. Inform a parent and have them make the appointment for you.
You need to be seen to really be sure.
Dr. Victoria Mondloch
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist) | Gynecology
‘Lumps’ on the labia majora or ‘lips’ are quite commonly noted by many patients of all ages, causing consideration consternation and concern. ‘Are these STD related?’ ‘Are they contagious?’ ‘Did I cause this?’
Most of the time these ‘lumps’ are actually blocked glands that collect the usual secretions that a skin gland will normally secrete and that build up of liquid enlarges the gland, then the liquid leaves the blocked duct leaving behind the cellular debris that is more solid in nature or a ‘lump’. This process can take place over a few days to a few weeks; most of the time, usual physical activity of sitting, standing, walking and cleansing prevents these glands from blocking closed. However, sometimes these glands will appear and are usually not painful, are not trapping bacteria so they do not get infected. Exposing these ‘lumps’ to a warm soak of Epsom salts can help to open stubborn glands that will not open on their own without significant risk of injuring these sensitive tissues. What should NOT ever be done is to try to ‘pop’ these cysts as it usually causes injury to the labial tissue and can actually CAUSE an infection or bleeding.
One of the etiologies for these blocked glands occurring in the first place can be traced back to using soap which is quite drying and irritating to the very sensitive tissues of the labia. PLEASE do not use soap directly to these tissues as you hope to ‘clean’ this area; please soak in warm or hot water, with or without Epsom salts and these glands will self-resolve. Occasionally these glands blocking can be the result of hormone imbalance, but this is actually not a common etiology. If you have any concerns, please have an exam with a GYN as they are the most qualified to check and diagnose these ‘lumps’.
Most of the time these ‘lumps’ are actually blocked glands that collect the usual secretions that a skin gland will normally secrete and that build up of liquid enlarges the gland, then the liquid leaves the blocked duct leaving behind the cellular debris that is more solid in nature or a ‘lump’. This process can take place over a few days to a few weeks; most of the time, usual physical activity of sitting, standing, walking and cleansing prevents these glands from blocking closed. However, sometimes these glands will appear and are usually not painful, are not trapping bacteria so they do not get infected. Exposing these ‘lumps’ to a warm soak of Epsom salts can help to open stubborn glands that will not open on their own without significant risk of injuring these sensitive tissues. What should NOT ever be done is to try to ‘pop’ these cysts as it usually causes injury to the labial tissue and can actually CAUSE an infection or bleeding.
One of the etiologies for these blocked glands occurring in the first place can be traced back to using soap which is quite drying and irritating to the very sensitive tissues of the labia. PLEASE do not use soap directly to these tissues as you hope to ‘clean’ this area; please soak in warm or hot water, with or without Epsom salts and these glands will self-resolve. Occasionally these glands blocking can be the result of hormone imbalance, but this is actually not a common etiology. If you have any concerns, please have an exam with a GYN as they are the most qualified to check and diagnose these ‘lumps’.
They might be hair follicles or sebaceous cysts.
