Table of contents:
- Could it be that the lump on my vaginal lips is ...
- 1. Cancer of the vulva
- 2. Genital herpes
- 3. Genital warts
- 4.Mole (chancroid) ulcers
- 5. Syphilis
- 6. Molluscum contagiosum
- What else can cause boils and bumps on the lips of the vagina?
- 1. Vulvovaginitis
- 2. Dermatitis
- 3. Vaginal cysts
You may find boils or bumps on the lips of your vagina while shaving or when you shower. You are always taught to be aware that any lump in the genital area can be dangerous. You start to panic, thinking that the lump is a symptom of venereal disease. Or, you're worried that your boil might be some form of cancer. Now you truly panic, then start opening new internet tabs to search for answers to your cravings.
Sound familiar?
Let us examine your fears one by one from the worst possible to the most common causes of rashes, warts, or bumps on the lips of your vagina.
Could it be that the lump on my vaginal lips is…
1. Cancer of the vulva
Vulvar cancer is cancer that attacks the outside of the female reproductive system (vulva). This area includes the front of the vagina, vaginal lips (labia), clitoris, and skin and tissue covering the pubic bone. One sign is a wart growing on the vulva or a lump on the labia followed by a number of the following signs: bleeding after sex, vulvar pain, discoloration of the skin, and persistent itching and burning on the vulva.
It is unlikely that the lump you will find is a cancerous cell tumor. Vulvar cancer is rare, accounting for only 3-4% of total female reproductive cancer cases. This type of cancer is slow skin cancer, it takes years to develop. Precancerous changes can usually be detected and treated.
2. Genital herpes
Genital herpes in women generally does not cause signs and symptoms at all (asymptomatic). But, if any, genital herpes causes ulcers or sores, not bumps. Ulcers usually feel itchy, burn hot, and are quite painful. Ulcers start out as small, insect-like bites that turn into blisters that open and look like boils. If you have genital herpes ulcers you will quickly notice them due to the pain and discomfort they cause.
3. Genital warts
A small, solid, raised, fleshy lump with a rough surface can be a sign of genital warts. Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus or HPV. These bumps resemble cauliflower and can grow in clusters. You can get genital warts through skin-to-sex contact or even touching your genitals with hands that carry the virus.
Warts can grow on the lips of the vagina (labia), inside the vagina, on the cervix, and even around the anus. The bumps start out as a rash the size of a grain of pink or brown rice. Some warts are painless and barely noticeable, while others can grow to more than 7 cm in diameter. Some genital warts will cause itching and burning.
But on the other hand, most people who have HPV infection may not develop warts at all. If genital warts appear, they will only appear in the weeks, months, or even years after your first exposure to the virus.
4.Mole (chancroid) ulcers
Chancroid or mole ulcers are genital infections caused by the Haemophilus ducreyi bacteria. The bacteria produce open sores aka sores that appear on or near the external reproductive organs. The sores may bleed easily to the touch or produce contagious pus that can spread bacteria during oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
Chancroid can also be spread between skin contact with an infected person. Women can develop four or more red bumps on the labia, between the labia and anus, or on the thighs. After the lump becomes ulcerated, or opens up, you may experience a burning sensation or pain when urinating or defecating. The ulcer has a soft, gray to yellowish-gray center point with a sharp, defined tip.
5. Syphilis
During the primary stage of syphilis, an ulcer that is usually painful develops at the site where the bacteria entered the body. This usually occurs within 3 weeks of exposure, but can range from 10 to 90 days. In women, ulcers can appear on the outside of the vagina or inside. Ulcers are usually painless and not easily visible. You can not tell if you have an ulcer if it is growing inside the vagina or in the opening of the uterus (cervix).
Ulcers can also appear in areas of the body other than the genitals. Ulcers usually last 3 to 6 weeks, can heal on their own without treatment, and can leave thin scars. But even if the ulcer has healed, the virus is still there and you can still pass the infection on to other people.
6. Molluscum contagiosum
The growth of warts or extra mole-like skin that appears abnormally can be the result of molluscum contagiosum, a virus that is transmitted through skin contact or contamination from the exchange of personal items, such as towels. Warts are initially small, dense, dome-like, painless, pink or flesh-like in color. The wart also has a dimple in the center, looks waxy and glistens milky white. Warts will spread to all parts of the body, especially will appear a lot on the face, except on the palms of the hands and feet. Warts will turn red as soon as your body's immune system starts fighting the virus, and will usually be resistant to treatment if you have a weakened immune system.
Venereal disease is not always the cause of warts and bumps on the lips of the vagina. There are several chronic skin conditions that can produce sores and similar symptoms, such as itching, burning, and pain.
What else can cause boils and bumps on the lips of the vagina?
1. Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginitis is inflammation or infection around the vaginal lips (labia) and perineal area. This is a common condition that affects women and girls of all ages, and has a variety of causes. Candida albicans is a common fungal infection that causes vulvovaginitis. Vulvovaginitis in teenage girls can be caused by low estrogen levels.
Vulvovaginitis will affect about 75 percent of women in their lifetime. This yeast infection can cause itching and thick white discharge similar to cottage cheese. Another sign is painful urination.
2. Dermatitis
Eczema refers to a skin condition that causes skin to become inflamed, swollen, irritated, and itchy. One of the most common types of eczema is atopic dermatitis (caused by skin sensitivity to allergens) and contact dermatitis (caused by external or chemical irritants).
Symptoms associated with allergic contact dermatitis include: dry, scaly, flaky skin, hives, oozing boils or dry blisters, skin redness, dark or rough skin, a burning sensation with or without ulcers. extreme itching.
3. Vaginal cysts
Vaginal cysts usually form when skin glands or sweat ducts become blocked, causing fluid or other material to clot under the skin. Cysts often look like pimples or lumps under the skin. If it is large enough or uncomfortable, the doctor can shrink the lump. Squeezing the cyst by yourself is not a good idea as it can open the gate for bacteria to enter and cause infection and festering; usually caused by bacteria that cause sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
The causes of vaginal cysts depend on the type:
- Inclusion cysts are one of the most common types of vaginal cysts, they are usually very small and located on the lower wall of the vagina. Inclusion cysts are caused by trauma to the vaginal wall. For example, from an episiotomy (a voluntary incision to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth)
- Bartholin's cysts are fluid-filled cysts that form on the Bartholin's glands. These glands are located on either side of the opening to the vagina and are the producers of the fluid that lubricates the lips of the vagina (labia).
- Gartner's gland cysts occur when the ducts in the developing embryo don't disappear as they should when the baby is born. These remaining ducts can form vaginal cysts at a later date
- Müllerian cysts are another common type of vaginal cyst that forms from structures that are left behind when the baby develops. These cysts can grow anywhere on the vaginal wall and often contain mucus
Remember that the best thing you can do if you see or suspect a lump on the lips of your vagina or any physical changes that seem abnormal is to consult a gynecologist for a checkup and get a proper diagnosis. That way you will have peace of mind.