Hello
Thanks for your query.

There are several causes of bumps or pimples on the female genitalia .

Cysts are common and can occur anywhere on the body. In the vulva (the area near the vagina) they often arise from a blocked skin gland. They often look like pimples or lumps under the skin. If fairly large or uncomfortable, it can be incised and drained by a doctor. Squeezing them on your own is NOT a good idea as it can cause the introduction of bacteria and cause infection. A few common genital cysts in women include:

1.     Skene's duct cysts. These occur on either side of the urethra (where you urinate).

2.     Bartholin cysts occur on either side of the lower part of the labia majora, the outside of the vagina. They can become very large, like the side of a walnut and are usually noticed because of rapid growth in size and pain. Treatment includes warm sitz baths and incision and drainage if needed.

Blocked hair follicles, or folliculitis is probably the most common "bump" seen in the genitalia of men and women. The bumps are often irritated and tender. They are infected and may require antibiotics and a large incision and drainage to treat.

Clogged sweat glands can occur anywhere, including the genitalia. These sweat glands can be infected. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition causes painful clogged sweat glands anywhere on the body that are infected. They leave hard scars. Usually antibiotics and other medications are needed to treat.

Fox Fordyce is a condition that causes nontender clogged sweat glands. Treatment includes steroid creams and other more specialized modalities.

Genital herpes is an STD. It usually causes itchy, burning and painful lesions that often start as a sore spot resembling a bug bite, but progresses over a few days to a blister or group of blisters and then an open ulcer. Treatment includes antiviral medications and pain meds.

Infection with subtypes 6 or 11 of the human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause genital warts. It too is a sexually transmitted disease. These "bumps" have a cauliflower like appearance. They are rough to the touch and can spread. Treatment includes applications of medications to freeze off the lesions or improve the immune system to fight the virus.

Molluscum contagiosum. This viral infection causes small, fleshy bumps on the vulva with a central indentation. They have a pearly color to them. They usually go away without treatment.

Vulval Skin tags are fleshy irregular shaped growths of normal skin that can occur on the vulva or elsewhere on the body. These are harmless and need removal only if required for cosmetic purposes.

Vaginal polyps also could feel and present in this manner.

As you can see , the list of conditions is extensive, and some of them are linked to STDs.

Without a proper diagnosis, taking self treatment might worsen your condition.
Please see a gynecologist at the earliest.
Take care, and feel free to discuss further.

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If someone were to self treat an STD with OTC medication, the infection could flare up.
An undiagnosed cyst could get infected and turn into an abscess.
And if the condition is benign, you would be unnecessarily treating it.
Certain infections can flare up, spread and worsen over time.
I think you yourself can understand how unwise it would be to self treat it.
I have had a look at the picture you recently attached.
The lesions look like genital warts to me.
However, seeing you physically and examining you and specific tests only would tell you for sure.
I again repeat and insist that you should see a gynecologist.

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You are most welcome dear.
Having had a look at the lesions, I am all the more convinced you should see a Specialist.
Please do so and get back if required.
I wish you all the best.

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Hi,


There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of venereal warts:

limit your number of sex partners;
use a male or female condom**;
carefully wash genitals after sexual relations;
if you think you are infected, avoid sexual contact and visit your local STD clinic, a hospital or your doctor;
notify all sexual contacts immediately so they can obtain examination and treatment.
** Remember that use of condoms may prevent the virus from coming in contact with susceptible skin areas. However, since HPV can infect the scrotum and vulva, transmission can occur outside condom-covered areas.

As you can see, without proper treatment, there is no guarantee that you would not affect potential partners.
And it does have an impact on childbearing since you can transmit HPV to your newborn through the lesions.

I fully empathize with you, but I see no way out for you other than seeing a doctor for the lesions.
Meddling with them by yourself would be extremely unwise.

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I would not recommend a visit to the ER, as it is by no means an " emergency ".
Schedule an appointment with a proper gynecologist, as that is more likely to yield productive results.

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