Vaginal Bump--Unsure of Cause

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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

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  • Posted

    I have a small super small hard pimple not pus filled on the same place as you described n feels exactly the way you described n looked up the same stuff did you ever find out what it was?
    • Posted

      Hi

      Did yours go away ?

      I have the same just now small hard pimple size lump under skin

      Ellie

    • Posted

      What happened to yours i just noticed mine and im very worried
    • Posted

      hi

      i went to the Gp over a week ago and she said it was a small cyst . Like you get a pimple on you face . It was sore so she thought it was infected so I got antibiotics . It is fine now.

      however I now have thrush !

      Ellie 

  • Posted

    Small flesh bumps. Kind of looks like raised skin. Directly under vaginal opening. Only burns if I shower or wipe it with a baby wipe other than that it doesnt bother me. Been there for about two months. Kind of looks like Im growning a new vaginal opening under my vaginal opening. Can anyone help?

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