A finding of an unexpected lump or growth in the genital area can immediately cause worry. The complex anatomy of the vagina and vulva means that a perceived “bump” can range from a normal, expected feature to a common, treatable condition. Self-diagnosis is inherently inaccurate and potentially misleading. Any unusual internal change warrants professional medical evaluation by a healthcare provider for an accurate assessment. This information explores several common possibilities for what a vaginal bump may be, but it is not a substitute for a clinical diagnosis.
Normal Anatomical Structures That May Feel Like Bumps
The internal structure of the vagina is not uniformly smooth, which can lead to the misidentification of normal tissue as an abnormal growth. The vaginal walls possess transverse folds called rugae, creating a naturally ribbed or uneven texture. These folds allow the vagina to stretch and contract, but they can feel like small bumps or ridges upon self-examination.
At the deepest point of the vaginal canal, the cervix can often be felt as a firm, smooth, and round structure with a small central indentation. This opening to the uterus is a normal part of the internal anatomy. Palpating the front wall of the vagina may also allow some individuals to feel the firm underlying structure of the pubic bone or the urethra.
On the external vulvar area, tiny, flesh-colored projections called vestibular papillomatosis may be present. These soft, finger-like extensions of normal tissue are found around the vaginal opening and are sometimes mistaken for infectious growths like genital warts. A vaginal inclusion cyst is another benign finding, which is a small, typically painless sac that forms on the vaginal wall when surface skin cells become trapped beneath the lining.
Bumps Caused by Glandular Issues
A common source of lumps in the vulvovaginal area involves the blockage of glands responsible for lubrication. The Bartholin’s glands are a pair of small glands located slightly behind and on either side of the vaginal opening. These glands produce lubricating fluid, and if the duct becomes obstructed, the fluid builds up to form a Bartholin’s cyst.
A Bartholin’s cyst is usually a soft, fluid-filled swelling that can range in size up to a golf ball. It is often painless or causes only mild discomfort while sitting or walking. If the fluid within the cyst becomes infected, it rapidly progresses into a painful Bartholin’s abscess. An abscess presents as a tender, throbbing, and hot lump near the vaginal opening, often requiring immediate medical attention for drainage and possible antibiotic treatment.
The Skene’s glands are another set of glands located around the distal end of the urethra, within the front vaginal wall. Obstruction of these ducts can lead to the formation of a Skene’s gland cyst. These cysts are typically smaller than Bartholin’s cysts, often less than one centimeter in diameter. They are frequently asymptomatic but can sometimes cause pain during sexual activity or urination, or lead to a painful abscess or recurrent urinary tract infections.
Bumps Caused by Infections
Infectious agents can cause growths characterized by their specific appearance and associated symptoms. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV), specifically low-risk types, is responsible for causing genital warts. Genital warts may appear as small, flesh-colored or pinkish growths that can be flat, raised, or clustered together, sometimes resembling a cauliflower. They are generally painless and may occur on the vulva, in the vagina, or on the cervix.
The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), typically HSV-2, causes genital herpes and presents very differently from warts. An outbreak often begins with tingling, itching, or burning, followed by the appearance of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. These blisters rupture to form shallow, painful ulcers that eventually crust over and heal. This presentation is distinct from a solid, wart-like bump.
A third viral cause of bumps is Molluscum Contagiosum, caused by a type of poxvirus spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. The lesions are small, dome-shaped, smooth, and pearly, often with a distinctive central dimple called umbilication. These bumps are typically less than five millimeters in size and are usually painless, though they can sometimes become itchy or inflamed.
Non-Infectious Tissue Growths and Next Steps
Beyond cysts and infections, internal bumps may be caused by benign solid tissue growths. Vaginal polyps are non-cancerous growths that originate from the lining of the vagina or cervix, often attaching by a slender stalk. While often small and asymptomatic, polyps may cause irregular bleeding or discharge and are typically diagnosed during a routine pelvic examination. Other benign solid tumors, such as fibromas or lipomas, can also occur in the vaginal and vulvar tissue, presenting as painless, firm masses.
A sensation of an internal bump or mass can also be a symptom of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), which is a displacement of organs rather than a growth. This occurs when weakened pelvic floor muscles allow the bladder (cystocele) or the rectum (rectocele) to bulge into the vaginal canal. Individuals with prolapse often describe feeling pressure, fullness, or the sensation that something is falling out of the vagina.
A healthcare provider will perform a comprehensive physical and pelvic examination to determine the nature of any bump. Diagnostic tools may involve a Pap smear, cultures or swabs to test for infection, or a colposcopy with a biopsy if the growth appears suspicious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe, sudden pain
- Rapid growth of the lump
- Fever
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Unexplained bleeding