Should I Consult My Doctor About This?
Hello everyone, I apologize if my posting is a bit awkward as I’m not typically one to share online. To give you a quick overview, I'm a 19-year-old white individual assigned female at birth, 5'5" tall, and currently weigh 200 pounds, working towards weight management. For the past four years, I've been experiencing painful, swollen lumps in my armpits and groin, each about the size of my thumb. I never use aluminum-based deodorants, and I haven’t observed any correlation between these lumps and my menstrual cycle. My medications include Effexor, Wellbutrin, Metformin, an oral combination birth control, and Pantoprazole, and it’s notable that the lumps appeared before I began taking any of these. Due to financial constraints, I’m hesitant to visit a doctor, so I thought reaching out here might be a helpful alternative. I would love to share a picture, but the lumps aren't visibly red or easily detectable, making self-shot photos quite challenging. If you need any additional information that could aid in understanding my situation better, please feel free to ask! Thank you very much for your help!
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 1:56:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain about your symptoms, especially when they've been persistent for several years. The painful, swollen lumps in your armpits and groin may require medical attention to determine their cause and to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment. Here’s what you need to know and do about your situation.
Main Points:
- Potential Causes: The lumps you described may be due to various reasons, including lymph node swelling, infections, or cysts, among others. They can also result from conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa or even an allergic reaction to products on your skin.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Keeping track of any changes in your lumps and any accompanying symptoms is crucial.
- Next Steps: Focus on managing your symptoms at home first but prepare for a follow-up with a healthcare professional when you can.
Explanation:
The fact that you've had these lumps for four years and that they cause you pain warrants a closer look. While they may not be visible or red, persistent swollen areas can indicate a variety of conditions, ranging from benign to more serious. Your medication history is helpful to know but does not seem to directly affect these lumps based on your description.
Specific, Prioritized Next Steps:
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your lumps—note when they appear, any associated pain or additional symptoms, and anything that seems to trigger or relieve them. This information can be invaluable for a healthcare provider.
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Home Care: While monitoring at home, you can apply warm compresses to the lumps to help reduce discomfort. Ensure that you wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize irritation in those areas.
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Financial Considerations: Since you're concerned about the cost of visiting a doctor, look into community health centers or clinics that provide services based on income. Some may have sliding scale fees or offer financial assistance.
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Education: Research potential causes of lumps in the armpit and groin areas so you can have informed discussions when you do decide to seek medical help. Websites like the Mayo Clinic or CDC can offer reliable information.
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Reach Out When Possible: If you notice any significant changes (like increased size, fever, or severe pain), prioritize seeking medical advice sooner, as these changes may indicate a need for prompt attention.
Remember, while it's commendable to seek alternatives online, a healthcare professional can give you a definitive diagnosis through examination and possibly imaging or other tests. You deserve to feel better and to ensure that what you're experiencing is managed properly. Your health and comfort are important!
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