Identifying Skin Tags or Warts?
User Profile: 36 years old, Female, Height: 5'2", Weight: 50 kg. Recently started birth control pills. Earlier today, while attending to personal hygiene, I discovered a soft lump situated just beneath my vaginal opening. The growth feels internal and has a white appearance that resembles a skin tag. It doesn’t cause me any pain, nor do I experience itching or burning sensations. The size of this lump is approximately 2mm, and I suspect there is a second, smaller one nearby. I was completely unaware of its presence until I accidentally touched it during washing. I’m uncertain whether it has been there for some time without my notice. In my anxiety, I sought advice from a doctor online in my home country. She reassured me that it’s unlikely to be caused by HPV and suggested it may be linked to a yeast infection. I'm feeling apprehensive about the situation and, unfortunately, the healthcare system in my current location is quite inefficient regarding appointments. Consequently, I am unsure when I will be able to consult with a sexual health specialist. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this concern.
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 7:01:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've found a small, soft lump near your vaginal opening, which is understandably concerning. While it's positive that your doctor provided some reassurance, I can help you understand what might be happening and how to manage your worries in the meantime.
Main Points
- The lump you described could potentially be a skin tag or a benign cyst and is unlikely to be harmful.
- Since it's not causing you discomfort, and considering the reassurances you've received, immediate action may not be necessary.
- Monitoring the lump and taking care of your vaginal health is important as you await further evaluation.
Explanation
Skin tags are common, harmless growths that can appear anywhere on the body, including sensitive areas. They are typically small, soft, and painless. Benign cysts can also occur in the genital area, and while they might look similar, they too are usually non-cancerous. Your new birth control pills might also influence your skin or hormone levels, resulting in changes that could manifest as small growths.
It's reassuring that you are not experiencing any pain, itching, or burning, which are often signs of infections or other issues. A yeast infection, as mentioned by your doctor, can cause discomfort but would usually present with additional symptoms like itching or unusual discharge.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the lump over the next couple of weeks. Note any changes in size, appearance, or the development of new symptoms (like pain, itching, or discharge).
-
Maintain Hygiene: Continue practicing good hygiene, but be gentle around the area to avoid irritation. If you practice vaginal douching, consider stopping as it might lead to irritation or infections.
-
Self-Examine: If you are comfortable, gently examine the area periodically. If the lumps grow significantly or new symptoms develop, take note of these changes.
-
Keep a Journal: Write down when you first noticed the lumps and any changes you observe. This will help when you are able to consult with a healthcare provider.
-
Seek Care if Needed: If you develop symptoms such as severe discomfort, unusual discharge, or if the lump changes significantly, it is important to seek medical care sooner if possible.
In the meantime, try to manage any anxiety by focusing on self-care and engaging in activities that help you relax. Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel anxious about changes in your body, but being attentive and monitoring any changes can empower you to take appropriate actions. Let me know if you have more questions or if you'd like further assistance!
Related Questions
Rash on the Dorsal Side of My Hands
A 24-year-old male, standing 5'3" and weighing 125 pounds, is not currently taking any medications. While I do not smoke, I am often exposed to secondhand smoke from those around me, and I have recently spent time in an environment where a significant amount of unpleasant smoke is produced due to casting activities. For approximately three weeks, I have been experiencing a rash on the backs of both my hands. I initially became aware of it after working on my car's engine. The rash has led to dryness and itching, and I took a photo after my shower today, highlighting the redness that has become particularly noticeable. What are some effective treatments for this condition?
Understanding Foam in Urine: When is it a Concern?
Age 24, I've observed a notable increase in the amount of foam in my urine over the past couple of years, compared to what I remember from before. About a year ago, I mentioned this to my primary care physician, who seemed somewhat dismissive of my concerns. Nonetheless, they proceeded to conduct a urinalysis, which returned normal results, indicating no elevated protein levels. I frequently undergo blood tests, and both my eGFR and creatinine levels typically fall within the normal range, although I did experience some fluctuations linked to a bout of mononucleosis a couple of years back, where my eGFR dipped near 70; it currently remains above 100. I suspect that changes in my urological function, likely from aging, are contributing to a stronger urine stream now than in my youth. The foam generally settles down after a few minutes, although occasionally it lingers longer than expected. I make a concerted effort to stay hydrated, even though I don’t always succeed, so I wonder if mild dehydration could partially account for the foaming. This concern is particularly relevant as I'm resuming strength training and planning to increase my protein consumption. I want to ensure that my kidneys are not overtaxed due to any potential underlying issues. Additionally, I have a history of taking 5 grams of creatine daily, paired with plenty of water, which makes me cautious about this, too. Is there a point at which foaming in urine is considered excessive, or does a specific threshold exist that I should be aware of?
Understanding Symptoms of Salmonella: What to Do Next
My boyfriend, who is 26, experienced a fever that peaked at approximately 99.5°F yesterday morning. Thankfully, after resting and taking NyQuil, his fever subsided by this morning. However, he has been dealing with severe abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea since last evening, which has not shown much improvement. He has been making frequent trips to the restroom, nearly every hour throughout the night and again today. While I initially thought he might be improving since the fever has decreased, I became alarmed upon noticing bright red blood in his stool and on the toilet paper after he wipes. It has been around 40 hours since the fever began, and my concern has heightened now that blood has appeared. I’ve come across some online information suggesting these symptoms might be typical for salmonella infections, and I’m uncertain whether we should seek medical attention immediately or if it’s advisable to wait another day or two to see if his condition improves. I realize that consulting a doctor as soon as possible would be the best course of action. However, he currently lacks insurance, which makes him hesitant to get checked right away. Any guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Navigating Alcohol Challenges
My partner has recently developed issues with alcohol. Over the past year, he has been consuming significant amounts—roughly two bottles of distilled spirits each week, in addition to beer. A decade ago, he struggled with inhalants and even faced near-fatal consequences, but he had maintained sobriety until he turned to drinking. He believes he has plenty of time before the effects of alcohol will manifest. How long can he continue this way before it becomes a serious problem? He is a 53-year-old male, weighing 325 pounds, standing at 5 feet 11 inches, and he is currently on medication for hypertension. Although we plan to separate later this year, it’s clear that this situation will have an impact on our three children.
Questioning Cipro for C. diff Treatment
My mother, who is 53 years old, has developed C. difficile which seems to have occurred without any recent antibiotic use, suggesting a potential viral source for the infection. In the emergency room, she was prescribed Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) taken twice daily for a week, along with Metronidazole (Flagyl) at the same dosage and duration. However, I am puzzled by the inclusion of Cipro in her treatment regimen. Isn't there a possibility that this medication could aggravate the situation? I’ve come across information indicating that Cipro might potentially lead to C. diff infections rather than help treat them. Is this correct? Would it be advisable for her to consult her primary care physician to discuss alternative antibiotic options?