Vaginal Bumps

On This Page: Causes | Concerns | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

What Are Vaginal Bumps?

Bumps on the vagina and vulva (the external part of your genitals) are common and can be caused by various factors. Some causes are no big deal, but others are more serious. If you’re uncertain or concerned, getting tested and talking to a doctor is the best way to know what’s going on.

Vaginal bumps can vary greatly. You may notice a single bump or a cluster of bumps. Some are painful or itchy, while others are painless. Bumps may appear on the labia (the lips of the vagina) or elsewhere in the genital area, and have different colors like white, red, or skin-colored.

What STDs Cause Vaginal Bumps?

Certain STDs can cause vaginal bumps and lumps, which can be uncomfortable and concerning. Here, we explore four common STDs that can lead to the appearance of these bumps:

• Genital herpes
• Syphilis
• HPV
• Molluscum contagiosum

Genital Herpes

This is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is characterized by the development of painful, itchy blisters or sores around the genitals, including vaginal bumps. These sores can also appear on the cervix, thighs, and buttocks. The initial outbreak of genital herpes is usually the most severe, with subsequent outbreaks typically being less severe and less frequent. There is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medications can help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency of outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmission to sexual partners.

Genital herpes can cause pain, tingling, or itching, as well as outbreaks of red bumps that turn into blisters. These blisters rupture, ooze, or bleed, making urination painful. Then, crusty scabs form as the blisters heal. Outbreaks periodically flare up and heal, only to return later.  Sometimes these signs may be mistaken for ingrown hairs or vaginal pimples.

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus. According to the CDC, more than one out of six people aged 14-49 have genital herpes.¹ Herpes is spread through infected fluids and skin-to-skin contact during oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Getting tested is the best way to know if you have herpes. Although there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medication can shorten outbreaks and lessen their severity.

Syphilis Sores

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. In its primary stage, syphilis presents as a painless sore called a chancre, which can develop on or around the vagina. While chancres are not typically described as bumps, their presence can cause concern. If left untreated, syphilis progresses through multiple stages, leading to more severe health complications. Syphilis is tricky. It goes through stages when there are no symptoms, so you or your partner(s) may not notice you have it. However, the main symptom of the first stage of syphilis is a highly contagious, firm, round, painless sore called a chancre, which is sometimes open and wet.

Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted disease. It is passed through direct contact with a syphilis sore, rash, or mucous membrane during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. If left untreated, syphilis can cause dangerous health complications, like blindness and potentially fatal organ damage, including brain damage. Getting tested regularly is important because if you catch the syphilis infection early, you can get it cured before it causes serious damage.²

Genital Warts from HPV

Genital warts can appear as a single wart or a group of warts. They are flesh-colored and can be flat or bumpy like cauliflower.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus): HPV is a group of viruses that can cause genital warts, which are small, flesh-colored, or gray bumps that grow in clusters around the vaginal area. They can be flat, raised, or shaped like cauliflower. While genital warts themselves are generally harmless, some strains of HPV are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. There is no cure for HPV, but treatments are available to remove genital warts and manage symptoms. Vaccination against HPV is recommended to prevent infection and lower the risk of cervical cancer.³

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes small, flesh-colored, dome-shaped bumps with a central indentation. These bumps can appear anywhere on the body, including the vaginal area. Molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal items like towels or clothing. While the infection is usually harmless, it can be more persistent and widespread in individuals with weakened immune systems. Treatment options include topical creams, cryotherapy, or minor surgical procedures to remove the bumps. Molluscum contagiosum is an infection that causes small, firm bumps on the skin. These bumps are usually painless, but they can be itchy or sore. You can get molluscum contagiosum through contact with infected skin, including during sex or when sharing toys or other objects.⁴

Vaginal Bumps That Aren’t Passed Sexually

Other bumps are not transmitted during sex. These include:

• Vaginal and vulvar cysts
• Skin tags
• Fordyce spots
• Ingrown hairs or razor burn

Vulvar and Vaginal Cysts 

Cysts are usually hard and painless unless they become infected. Many are small (although size can vary). Some cysts can contain pus, air, or scar tissue.  Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in or around the vaginal and vulvar area. They can vary in size and are usually painless.  

Your vulva and vagina have various types of glands, including Bartholin’s and Skene’s glands, which produce mucus and other lubricants. A vulvar cyst occurs externally when a gland gets clogged or when oil and dead skin cells accumulate under the hair follicle. A vaginal cyst occurs internally and is a sac-like pocket that projects from the ribbed vaginal wall.

Common types of vaginal and vulvar cysts include:

• Vaginal inclusion cysts– the most common type of cyst, which forms due to injury (such as during childbirth)
• Bartholin’s cysts– form on one or both sides of the vaginal opening
• Endometriosis cysts– tissue of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that starts to grow in other places like fallopian tubes, bladder, or (more rarely) the vagina and vulva
• Gartner duct cysts– form on the side walls of the vagina, typically during or after pregnancy ⁵
• Sebaceous cysts– form anywhere on the vulva and are typically white

Skin tags

Vaginal skin tags are soft, fleshy, and painless flaps on the skin that typically appear with age. These growths are noncancerous and harmless, although they can be irritated by friction.⁶  

Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-colored growths that hang off the skin’s surface. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the vaginal area. Skin tags are benign and generally harmless, but they can cause irritation or discomfort if they get caught on clothing or during sexual activity. If bothersome, skin tag vaginal bumps can be removed by a healthcare professional.

Fordyce spots  

Fordyce spots are yellow-white, red, or skin-colored oil glands. These painless, harmless vaginal bumps can appear on the vulva. They can also appear on your face, on the cheek and lips. Although it’s unknown why Fordyce spots appear, these bumps are natural and noninfectious, and they don’t cause any negative health effects.⁷  They do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns.

Ingrown Hairs or Razor Burn

Your hair removal method may cause painful, itchy bumps. An ingrown hair happens when a hair grows back into the skin instead of through the surface.⁸ Razor burn happens when shaving irritates the skin, especially if you shave without lubricant, shave too quickly, shave against the direction of the hair, or shave with old razors.

Should You Be Concerned?

Vaginal bumps aren’t always a cause for alarm, but the only way to know for sure is to get tested and talk to a doctor. Often, bumps may go away on their own. If your bumps persist, grow, or cause pain or any other symptoms, you may require treatment.

Diagnosis

To determine the cause of bumps or sores, doctors may ask you:

• How long ago did you notice the bumps?
• Do your bumps produce any discharge?
• Has the outbreak changed over time and if so, how?
• Are your bumps painful or itchy?
• Are you sexually active?

A doctor may perform a pelvic exam or swab a skin lesion, which can be used for a culture test. Certain STDs can be detected via blood and urine testing like ours, which don’t require you to get undressed in front of a physician. Through STDcheck.com, we provide STD testing that you can order online. Once you order your test, no appointment is needed and you can visit a lab near you for a quick sample collection.

Treatment

If bumps don’t go away on their own, your treatment options depend on what the cause is. Don’t pop or pick at the bump because that may lead to irritation or infection.

Genital Herpes

Unfortunately, there is no cure for herpes but it’s treatable. It can be stressful to hear you have herpes, but many people have it and it’s easily manageable. If you have just had your first outbreak, know that it gets better. Generally, the first outbreak is the worst, and outbreaks become less frequent and less severe over time.

If you test positive, our doctors can help you by consulting and prescribing medication. Antiviral medicines help prevent or shorten outbreaks. Since active outbreaks make herpes transmission easier, herpes treatment makes it less likely you’ll spread herpes to your sex partner(s).

Syphilis

Syphilis is easily curable with penicillin, which kills the syphilis bacterium. Early stages generally need only a single shot of penicillin, while late latent syphilis may require more doses. If the infection is caught in the early stages and treated, it won’t cause any lifelong damage.⁹

Genital Warts from HPV

Although there is no cure for HPV, genital warts can be removed by your physician using a prescription cream, laser, or surgery. Certain types of HPV are preventable through vaccination, including the ones that cause genital warts.

Molluscum Contagiosum

While some individuals may find treatment unnecessary, the CDC states treatment is usually recommended if lesions are in the genital area, since it can be spread through sexual contact. Molluscum contagiosum can be removed by your doctor through freezing, draining, or using a laser. While you have bumps, you can spread it. Once the bumps are gone, the virus is no longer in your body, but you can get it again if you are exposed in the future.

Vulvar and Vaginal Cysts

Some cysts may go away without treatment. Taking shallow, warm sitz baths just up to the hips (three times daily for several days) can help a cyst heal.  If cysts are big, if they remain for a long time, or if they become infected, talk to your doctor to see if you need antibiotics, draining/removal, and follow up.¹⁰

Skin Tags

Because skin tags are typically harmless, treatment isn’t usually necessary. That being said, some people prefer to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or to avoid rubbing and irritation against clothes. If you find a skin tag annoying, talk to your doctor about removing it. They can cut it out with a scalpel (excision), cut off the tag’s blood supply (ligation), burn the tag off (cauterization), or freeze it off (cryosurgery).

Fordyce Spots

Fordyce spots don’t need treatment, but if you want to remove the spots for aesthetic reasons, you can discuss your options with your doctor. Removal procedures include cauterization and lasers, although these methods may cause scarring.

Ingrown Hairs or Razor Burn

Ingrown hairs and razor burn usually go away on their own. Stopping hair removal and using a warm compress can help soothe the area. If an ingrown hair becomes infected, talk to your health care provider, who may prescribe ointments or antibiotics.

Prevention

While some bumps are avoidable, others occur naturally or are hard to prevent. To avoid infections or irritation which can lead to bumps, you can:

• Practice safe sex with condoms and dental dams
• Have good hygiene with regular showers
• Avoid irritating products and tight clothes
• Wear breathable underwear
• Shave in the same direction hair is growing using a sharp, clean razor

Medically Reviewed by Julie Hutchinson, MD on June 1, 2023