When something is wrong with your lady parts, the world just isn’t right. If you’re currently looking down there and see a lump or bump that you didn’t see yesterday, here are a few possible explanations.
Bartholin’s cyst
Bartholin’s glands are typically pea-sized and are responsible for producing the fluid that keeps the vagina moist. But sometimes, these glands can become blocked and create an angry cyst. Symptoms of a Bartholin’s cyst include a small, sometimes tender lump near the vaginal opening. If the cyst becomes infected, the symptoms can include pain, especially when sitting or walking, painful intercourse, and fever. The cyst may also cause swelling that makes one side of the labia appear larger than the other. While the cyst may be painful, doctors can usually treat it with topical antibiotics or by having you take oral antibiotics.
Razor burn
A razor burn is when your skin gets irritated after shaving. Symptoms include small, red bumps over the skin and tenderness and itching. Treatments like cold compresses and natural solutions like apple cider vinegar, witch hazel extract, or mixing tea tree oil and water applied to the skin can help reduce the burning.
Ingrown hair
Ingrown hairs occur when the hair from a hair follicle grows sideways or back into the hair follicle. It’s slightly different from razor burns because ingrown hairs affect specific hair follicles while razor burns are more likely to affect a larger area of skin. Ingrown hairs occur as a result of shaving, plucking, or waxing. If you notice an infection, see a doctor to receive the proper antibiotics to treat it.
Swollen lymph gland
The lymph system is part of the body’s immune system that fights infection and helps filter out bacteria and viruses. When infection occurs, the areas of lymph may become swollen. This is why your doctor will often feel your neck for swollen lymph nodes when you have a cold. Different infection types can cause the lymph nodes to swell in the groin, leading to bumps. Sometimes, it’s from a skin infection from a razor burn. Other times, it’s from something more serious like a sexually transmitted infection. Rarely, cancers can cause a swollen lymph gland. But because there are so many possibilities, it’s best to go to your doctor when you have a lump in the groin. Even if the diagnosis isn’t something you want to hear, you can get started on a treatment plan.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
