Raised Dark Bump on Labia
I’m a 31-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 130 pounds, and I do not smoke. In May 2025, I discovered a small bump on my labia, which I initially considered to be a developing mole or freckle. I had forgotten about it until the week of July 15, when I noticed that it resembled a tick at first glance; however, I recalled observing it a few months ago and noted that it seemed about a millimeter larger than it previously was. The bump is neither painful nor inflamed, and it hasn’t produced any pus. Out of curiosity, I squeezed it in hopes of encouraging it to drain, heal, and diminish in size. To my surprise, it bled more than I anticipated, leaving me startled for a few minutes. I had my last STI test conducted in the fall of 2024. This week, I have scheduled a visit to my healthcare provider regarding this issue. Any additional information or advice regarding what I might be experiencing would be greatly valued! Thank you. Currently, I am using a Liletta IUD as my form of birth control.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 1:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's good to hear that you've scheduled a visit with your healthcare provider regarding the bump. Here’s a brief overview of potential considerations and some actionable advice.
Key Points:
- The bump on your labia might be a benign growth, such as a cyst or skin tag, but it's important to get it evaluated since it has changed in size.
- Since you bled upon squeezing the bump, it's crucial to avoid further manipulation to prevent irritation or potential infection.
Explanation:
The bump you described could represent a variety of conditions. Common possibilities include:
- Sebaceous Cyst: These are non-cancerous lumps that occur when sebaceous glands become blocked. They are usually painless.
- Skin Tags: These are benign and often appear similar to moles. They can grow and may become more noticeable.
- Warts or Other Growths: Sometimes viral infections may result in growths that resemble bumps.
Bleeding can occur if the bump is traumatized, so it’s wise to leave it alone. The fact that there is no pain or inflammation is reassuring, but any changes in skin lesions should be assessed by a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
Next Steps:
- Avoid Manipulation: Try not to squeeze or poke the bump any further to minimize irritation or risk of infection.
- Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on the bump for any changes in shape, size, color, or if new symptoms develop, such as itching or increased bleeding.
- Health Care Visit: During your scheduled visit, share all details including its size, changes over time, and any other symptoms. This will assist your provider in making a more informed diagnosis.
- Maintain Hygiene: Keep the area clean and dry, using mild soap and water.
If you notice any drastic changes or develop symptoms like fever or severe discomfort before your appointment, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider sooner. It’s great that you’re taking proactive steps to understand your health better! Let me know if you need further clarification or have more questions.
Related Questions
Sternal Region Bone Inflammation without Bacterial Origin
For the past several months, I've been experiencing persistent discomfort and tenderness centered around my sternum, radiating towards the upper left rib area. This began in October. I am a 26-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism since 2016, currently on a regimen of levothyroxine (75) and liothyronin (15). Additionally, I deal with IBS and overactive bladder, for which I take tolterodine daily, alongside a battle with chronic hives. I have access to health services in two different countries, and both medical professionals suggested that my symptoms might be linked to tightness in my back, with one speculating that it could be Tietze syndrome or costochondritis. Initial tests, including an X-ray and EKG, yielded no significant findings. After consulting a physiotherapist who noted my excellent range of motion and could not identify any issues that could be addressed, I was prescribed pain relief that proved ineffective. During a recent trip to Brazil, I sought the expertise of a thoracic surgeon, who ordered an MRI. While his investigations ruled out conditions like Tietze syndrome and SAPHO, he did identify "bone edema and inflammation in the sternum area." He prescribed me pregabalin for 30 days and a short course of prednisolone (7 days), also allowing me to use dipyrone as needed for pain relief. He advised me to follow up with a rheumatologist upon returning home. Despite adhering to the prescribed medications for several weeks, my discomfort has only intensified. I've chosen not to take the painkillers regularly, reserving them for acute episodes. I have an upcoming appointment in three weeks with a doctor who may refer me to a rheumatologist. I've been informed they might request another MRI to compare findings, although I still possess the imaging and notes from Brazil. Despite nearly nine months of enduring this issue, I have yet to experience any improvement. Initially, the pain was severe and felt akin to a heart attack; it later transitioned to a more constant soreness, with sharp pain episodes occurring sporadically. Currently, it feels as though my sternum is being compressed in a v-shape, causing immense discomfort that often leaves me on the verge of tears, particularly in the mornings, although the pain’s intensity varies throughout the day. I attempted to take a break from physical activities, but that did not yield any positive changes. While I still engage in couple's dancing—an activity that doesn't provoke pain—upper body workouts and my practice in Japanese jiu-jitsu do trigger discomfort. I’ve taken a hiatus from martial arts but fear returning due to the growing severity of my pain, which I desperately miss. I'm grappling with apprehensions regarding whether my condition will improve or be acknowledged seriously. I worry about potential spread or persistence of the pain. Are there effective treatment options or relief strategies I can implement? I feel somewhat isolated in my situation, and my understanding of bone inflammation is limited. The thoracic surgeon hinted at the possibility of an autoimmune disorder but deemed it more plausible that it stemmed from an unrecognized trauma. He suggested that arthritis is unlikely since that condition typically involves migratory symptoms instead.
Concerns After First Anal Experience
Hello, I'm a 36-year-old woman weighing 150 pounds and I'm reaching out again to express my concerns. I previously shared my experience, but unfortunately, the link I posted was non-functional. I wanted to provide an update on my situation, as there hasn't been significant improvement since then. Recently, I engaged in anal intercourse for the first time, and afterward, my anal area feels and appears different than it did prior. We made sure to use ample lubrication, and I didn't experience much discomfort during the activity. However, now it feels tender, and using a bidet causes a slight stinging sensation. I'm uncertain if what I'm seeing are just skin tags, lingering hemorrhoids, or if there’s a more serious issue at play. I'm contemplating whether it might be wise to consult with a healthcare professional. Thank you for your understanding.
Negative Strep Test: Exploring Alternative Diagnoses for Throat Pain
I am currently in the UK utilizing the NHS, which has resulted in some restrictions regarding the diagnostic tests and treatment options available to me. I am contemplating seeking private medical assistance for my ongoing health issues. I am a 34-year-old male, Caucasian, with a height of 179 cm and weighing 86 kg. I do not smoke, but I have a notably weakened immune system, which leads to frequent illnesses, far surpassing that of the average person. Additionally, I've been diagnosed with Long Covid, which brings about fatigue, cognitive fog, and post-exertional malaise. About a week ago, I began to experience severe throat discomfort that made it excruciating to eat or drink. Alongside this pain, I've faced overwhelming fatigue, excessive sweating, chills at night, and headaches, yet without any fever present. Given my history of recurrent throat infections, I delayed seeking medical attention initially, as they typically resolve within a couple of days. However, this episode intensified in pain over the following days. By the third day, I examined my throat using my phone’s camera and noted concerning symptoms. I visited my general practitioner, who performed a throat swab to test for strep throat and prescribed a five-day course of penicillin. Initially, the antibiotics didn’t seem very effective; however, I noticed slight improvement beginning yesterday. As of today, my condition appears somewhat better than it was a couple of days ago. Though my lymph nodes remain swollen, the severity has decreased since the height of my symptoms. Today marks the sixth day of my current infection, and I've received the strep test results, which were negative. The doctor mentioned that this could indicate the presence of a different bacterial infection. I requested an additional prescription for antibiotics since my current supply runs out this evening, but he informed me that they typically only prescribe a five-day course. My concern is regarding the possibility of a new bacterial infection developing resistance, potentially exacerbating my symptoms. While the physician suggested that a viral illness could be the cause, he declined to test for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) or any other viruses, stating that additional viral panels are generally reserved for children. Given my background with Long Covid, I feel anxious about the risk of acquiring an additional illness and wish to identify the issue and commence treatment swiftly. I also inquired about antiviral options, but he stated those are not prescribed. Currently, my only option appears to be to wait and hope for improvement. I have also scheduled an STD test as a precaution. I am wondering if my symptoms could align with EBV or if they might suggest other STDs such as gonorrhea or herpes. My previous testing, conducted about a month ago, did not include a throat examination, focusing instead on urine and blood samples. I plan to request a throat check during my upcoming STD testing. Since it seems the NHS may not provide the comprehensive care I need, I am eager to pursue private healthcare. What should my next steps be regarding discussions with a private physician, and how can I find one who is willing to conduct an EBV panel along with other viral tests?
Seeking Advice on Tonsillitis Relief
Hello Reddit community! I’m currently dealing with a painful bout of tonsillitis that has persisted for almost a week now. It all started last Tuesday when I noticed a sore throat. By Thursday, I sought help at urgent care, where I was tested for strep, and the results came back negative. My tonsils were noticeably swollen, bright red, and covered in white spots, which prompted my visit. The doctor suggested that a viral infection was affecting my throat and prescribed a lidocaine gargle—though, I must say, it makes me gag. Aside from the severe sore throat, my symptoms are limited; I don’t have any cold-like issues, but my lymph nodes are swollen. At this point, the pain is predominantly on one side of my throat, which, thankfully, has shown some improvement, but swallowing is still a challenge. Mornings are particularly tough, as I wake with significant discomfort. I’ve been trying various home remedies, including gargling salt water, apple cider vinegar solutions, taking oil of oregano, using pain relievers, and staying hydrated. While these methods have provided some relief, one side of my throat remains quite painful and hasn’t improved after a week. Is this duration normal? I would appreciate any advice or tips you might have to offer!
Concerns Regarding Possible Leukaemia
I visited my general practitioner last week due to persistent discomfort in my kidney region lasting over two weeks, accompanied by blood noticed during wiping, yet no urinary tract infection (UTI) was diagnosed. All urine tests conducted up to this point have returned normal results, revealing a white blood cell count of 11 and red blood cell count at 0. Despite these findings, every urine dip test has shown some blood presence. My doctor has requested urgent blood tests prompted by the blood in my urine, ongoing kidney pain, and the emergence of unexplained bruises on my body—one particularly alarming, a large, intense purple bruise that appeared with no prior trauma. I have a history of frequent infections, having undergone four courses of antibiotics since November to treat legitimate infections in my ear, throat, and tooth. The urgent blood work is set for three days from now, and I am feeling quite anxious due to my family's history of leukaemia. Approaching 30 years old and with children, I am particularly concerned. Additionally, I've experienced ovulation-related pain for the past five years, which has been assessed through ultrasounds but not through any blood tests; my smear results are normal. The kidney pain feels distinct from previous discomfort. Just last month, an ultrasound was conducted due to abdominal pain following the usage of naproxen, which ruled out gallstones based on their location. The technician conducted a comprehensive examination and described all my organs as healthy and appropriately sized. As I await the blood test results, my anxiety is escalating, especially with concerns of something more serious at play. I am seeking clarity on what specific conditions the doctor is investigating. They have expressed uncertainty regarding the cause of my pain but have nonetheless ordered these urgent tests. From the ultrasound findings, my liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and abdominal aorta appeared normal, while my spleen measured 108mm in length. Thank you for your understanding.