STD Symptoms In Women: Bumps on Vagina?

When it comes to STD symptoms in women, bumps on vagina can be a common occurrence. In fact, for many sexually transmitted diseases and infections, vaginal bumps can be the first sign of potential trouble!

In today’s post, let’s explore the causes and implications of bumps on vagina.

Sometimes, Bumps on Vagina Are Normal

Let’s face it, a lot of women are not as intimately acquainted with their genital area as they probably should be. That’s totally understandable. It takes effort, and often a mirror, to get a good look down there. The fact is, bumps on vagina can be quite normal… so if you notice some, don’t panic. This may be the natural appearance of your specific vagina. They also do not necessarily mean you have an STD. In fact, they could be a result of normal everyday life.

Some common causes for non-STD-related bumps on vagina include:

• Ingrown hairs
• Infected hair follicles
• Raised or irritated areas due to shaving or clothing-related friction
• Allergic reactions to soaps, lotions, or medication

Potentially STD-Related Bumps on Vagina

Of course, the above list doesn’t mean that bumps on vagina should ignored. Truth be told, they may also very well be the sign of an STD. For women, certain common sexually transmitted infections can cause bumps in the genital region. Two examples are genital herpes and human papillomavirus, or HPV. Both of these STDs are rather common and can result in bumps that can feel painful or even itchy.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is one of the most common STDs in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years have genital herpes. That said, any sexually active person is at risk for contracting this infection. A person can catch genital herpes by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is carrying the disease.

To make matters worse, genital herpes is often asymptomatic. This means that it may not display any easily detectable symptoms. As you can probably guess, this leaves many people completely unaware of their status.

Of course, sometimes genital herpes does show physical signs of its presence. This is where bumps on vagina come into play. For women, a genital herpes outbreak may feature a batch of small, painful round bumps around (and inside) the vaginal area. These sores are filled with a clear infectious fluid. When these vaginal bumps break, genital herpes can be passed from partner to partner.

To learn more about genital herpes, please check this informational page.

HPV

Next, let’s discuss HPV! According to the CDC, HPV causes 33,700 cancers in men and women each year in the United States. In actuality, HPV is not a single infection. It’s actually a group of more than 150 related viruses. Each HPV virus in this large group is given a number, which is referred to as its “HPV type.”

First, let’s start with some good news. Nine out of 10 infections will clear up by themselves within two years. That said, HPV is still very serious business. In the HPV infections that linger, there can be terrible side effects. For women, this can include cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women.

However, in most cases, an HPV infection will never develop symptoms at all. In the cases that do show symptoms, women can expect to see some small vaginal bumps or genital warts. These are painless, flesh-colored bumps on vagina area. When these appear, they’re there to stay until properly treated. This is why it is vital that all sexually active people get tested regularly.

Testing is the Best Way To Stay Safe

As you have learned, bumps on vagina are no laughing matter. They could be meaningless… or something far more serious. When it comes right down to it, regular testing for STDs is absolutely key for maintaining good health. Fortunately, myLAB Box offers a wide variety of testing options to choose from. For individual protection, try the genital herpes home test. For women over 30 years of age, myLAB Box offers a convenient and reliable HPV testing solution.

To take total control of your sexual health, you can also try a combination test kit. The Total Box is a comprehensive 14-panel STD test kit that offers maximum peace of mind.