1. Community
  2. Contraception and sexual health
  3. Sexual Health

Vaginal Bump--Unsure of Cause

Posted , 7 users are following.

Guest
Guest

Hi all. I'm a 28y/o heterosexual female. Relevant sexual health information: I ended a relationship in late May and in early June I was tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis C, HSV 1 & 2, and HIV (the gonorrhea and chlamydia tests were via cervical swabs and everything else was via blood work). Negative across the board. On June 22nd I had a sexual encounter that included unprotected oral sex (received and given) and protected vaginal intercourse. On July 29th I had a second sexual encounter that included deep kissing and giving unprotected oral sex (I was on my period at the time and my male partner did not touch my genitals with either hand or mouth). 

Here's my situation: 

I recently found a small vaginal sore/bump on the right side of my inner labia minora, very close to the vaginal opening. It is not painful, but slightly tender when I examine it. I only became aware of it by chance. 

Sunday morning when I used the toilet and wiped, I felt a twinge of an ache around my vaginal opening. I didn't think anything of it--I use the vaginal ring NuvaRing as contraception and had recently put a new one in, which requires pushing and positioning in that area and can sometimes leave the vaginal opening a bit sore. On Monday, whenever I used the toilet and had contact with my genital area, the ache continued. At one point, I used a compact mirror to try to see if I had any razor burn that would be bothering me. At first I saw nothing, but when I pulled the lips back from the vaginal opening, I saw a small, red bump with a white head on the right side that looked inflamed. 

I panicked at first, thinking it was a sign of some kind of STD. But upon thinking about my recent sexual past, I realized that my last oral-to-genital contact with a partner was almost 8 weeks ago, and my most recent sexual experience did not involved my genitals at all. I reached out to the partner with whom I received oral sex and had intercourse and he informed me that he was recently tested and was clean; I specifically asked him if he'd ever experienced a cold sore and he said no. I then started researching other causes of vaginal lumps and bumps, and came across the Bartholin's Cyst. From the descriptions on a number of healthcare provider websites, the cyst forms in the spot where I found my bump, and commonly forms on either one side or the other of the vaginal opening. I read about home treatments such as sitz baths and hot compresses, and have been taking a sitz bath every night starting on Monday. When I looked at the area again this morning, I saw it was much less inflamed, though there was still a small bump with a white head. 

I'm really at a loss as to what this could be. I saw a clinic doctor yesterday morning. After a physical examination (during which I had to point out the bump to her), the doctor listed off the possibilities: pimple, cyst, early-stage HSV sore. She said that she didn't recognize it as something in particular, which I guess is good? She recommended testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and HSV 1 & 2, which I had done. Now waiting for the results, which is maddening. 

I just don't know what to think. I've never had a pimple in that area before (I've had one or two on my vulva, but didn't know pimples could show up on/within the labia), but it certainly looked (whitehead) and acted (not painful, unless I fiddled with it) like a pimple. I've had no other "classic" STD symptoms like genital pain, discharge, muscle achiness, painful urination, or spotting. Thoughts? I would appreciate anyone's input. Thanks!

1 like, 20 replies

20 Replies

Next
  • feelbroken
    feelbroken Guest

    Posted

    Ok, well first things first, lets not jump to conclusions.

    1. Most people do not realize that when they go in for a full STD panel, that herpes is not included. If the words I want to be tested for herpes do not come out of their mouth, then they won't test you. This is why so many go undiagnosed and unknowingly spread it around and are under the impression they have a clean bill of health.

    2. You don't have to ever have had a cold sore to not have the virus or sores down below. Over 80% of those w herpes do not know they have it because they are asymptomatic and/or symptoms so mild, they don't notice.

    3. Did you have genital to genital rubbing w the last partner? That's all it takes.

    4. I'd request that one partner you inquired to, to go ask for an IgG type specific Elissa blood test. There have been people who have slept w someone infected unbeknownst to them, then sleep w someone soon after before they ever experience symptoms, if they even have any and spread it to the most recent partner. Happens more than you know. It takes 4 months for antibodies to come to detectable levels in a blood test.

    5. Also, keep in mind condoms provide about 50% protection only from HSV and HPV, due to not covering the entire anogenital region where the virus can be shedding.

    6. You're already aware this can be contracted from oral. So that's covered.

    7. it is very possible it is a cyst, but it's best to have it swabbed. When a sore is present, you have to have it swabbed w in 48hrs of it appearing or risk a false negative.

    I've never heard of pimples in that area either. Did she not even bother to swab it? If she didn't, you need to find another doctor, because she's incompetent. You'd be surprised how many know very little about herpes.

    Right now I think it's jumping the gun if it's even that, but you need to wait for it to appear again, if it even does to have it swabbed or to be tested by blood w in 4 months after possible exposure if it never shows between that time again, to be swabbed.

    • Guest
      Guest feelbroken

      Posted

      Thanks so much for the reply! Whenever I get tested, I specifically ask for HSV 1 & 2 testing. I've always been negative/within normal range. So as of June, I was negative for HSV 1 & 2.
    • Guest
      Guest feelbroken

      Posted

      The doc took cervical swabs for the gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, but did not swab the bump. The bump is so small, even if she did, I can't imagine it would have yielded anything.
    • feelbroken
      feelbroken Guest

      Posted

      You'd be surprised. A girl on here had a sore that was the size of a sesame seed and was shocked it tested positive, especially cause it'd been two weeks already and it was healing. it's just best practice w in 48hrs, because after that, it is a high rate of false negatives.
    • Guest
      Guest feelbroken

      Posted

      I see. From what I've read of herpes symptoms, if symptoms do appear, it's usually within the first 2-20 days of exposure. I'm going on over 50 days since the point at which I could have been exposed, and the partner had no visible sore on either mouth or genitals. And yes, I know exposure during weeping is possible, but there seem to be too many factors that don't add up in my mind; namely, the non-traditional symptom, the time line, and the one-time unlikely exposure. Do you have other suggestions of what my symptom could point to?
    • feelbroken
      feelbroken Guest

      Posted

      Unfortunately there is no one size fits all. There are people who've carried it apparently for years unbeknownst to them and then under stress, illness, etc, it popped up out of nowhere. Seen plenty of that as well.

      Most do not fit the text book symptoms. Our immune systems are as unique as our thumb prints, so that means it will be different for everyone in how the virus displays. What you read online is worst case scenarios for having an OB, which only 20% of people experience any symptoms to start.

      I think there's a chance it is a cycst, but just for good measure you should have it swabbed and take a blood test 4 months after exposure. Takes time to build antibodies that become detectable.

      I got H after one time having sex.

      What's it looking like now?

    • Guest
      Guest feelbroken

      Posted

      As of this morning, the bump is gone. Yesterday when I looked at it, it no longer had any kind of head on it, but was still slightly raised and flesh-colored. Today there's no trace of it! I'm hoping this means it was a pimple and the sitz baths I took helped to clear the pore. I haven't gotten my test results back yet; hoping for good news on that front.
    • feelbroken
      feelbroken Guest

      Posted

      Ok well those cysts don't really go away in their own, they tend to get more oil built up in them and have to be squeezed or if you bad, removed.

      Like I said, don't worry for now, but please go get tested at 4 months after possible exposure to be sure. For now, I'd just relax.

    • Guest
      Guest feelbroken

      Posted

      "Those cysts?" Are you referring to Bartholin's Cysts? Because taking baths in warm-hot water and using hot compresses absolutely helps drain them. They're caused when there's fluid back-up at the opening to the Bartholin's Gland (which sits right at the opening of the vaginal canal), so treating with warm water/ hot compress helps dissolve the back-up and clear the pathway. I don't know where you're getting your information--a number of healhcare provider websites, as well as the Bartholin's Cyst forum on this site, recommend sitz baths and compresses as home treatments that often work. If the cyst remains or gets larger, then a doctor's expertise is required. Are you a gynecologist or female? You may be knowledgable about herpes from personal experience, but I'm disinclined to believe the information you provide about vaginal conditions.
    • Guest
      Guest feelbroken

      Posted

      Additionally, after researching the topic, I've discovered that pimples can develope anywhere pores are, which includes the delicate genital skin.
    • feelbroken
      feelbroken Guest

      Posted

      Then don't ask me questions if you know the answer. Good luck w your condition.
    • Guest
      Guest feelbroken

      Posted

      I asked my question to the community, not to you specifically. You should really make clear what your expertise is before answering questions regarding anatomy you're unfamiliar with.

      Thank you for your support!

    • feelbroken
      feelbroken Guest

      Posted

      Well it shows you directly asking me about the cyst and I know plenty about it, but my job and time isn't to put every detail on here. I've told you several times not to worry about it and just for good measures, do xyz and you continued responding directly to me. I know you're stressed out and feel anger that there's a possibility of it being H, but you're projecting on the wrong person, as I tried to help. If you only want the type of answers you're looking for, you shouldn't be on a forum and should go seek medical care. Good luck and I suggest speaking to a doctor.
    • Guest
      Guest feelbroken

      Posted

      I think you're mistaken. The only question I directly asked you was "Do you have other suggestions of what my symptom could point to?" I didn't ask your for any information on Bartholin's Cysts, as I'm already familiar with them. When I said, ""Those cysts?" Are you referring to Bartholin's Cysts? Because taking baths in warm-hot water and using hot compresses absolutely helps drain them," I was seeking clarification as to which cysts you were referencing, as your information was incorrect if you were referencing Bartholin's Cysts.
  • sabrina93710
    sabrina93710 Guest

    Posted

    Are you thinking HPV not have? Hpv is human papillomavirus which is very common.

    But anyways I would just have the whole work up and if every thing comes back negative i would not stress it could be a pimple or a boil from shaving. Which is very common down there if you are getting spots on your inner lip. Which you are actually not suppose to shave because of infections and causing boils

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.