Philadelphia, PA - Genital lumps and bumps are common complaints among women, especially during the reproductive years. These can be caused by various factors, ranging from genetics to infections and even cancer.
What You Should Know About Genital Lumps And Bumps
The good news is that genital lumps and bumps are often not dangerous. However, if you notice one on your body, it's essential to have it checked out by a medical professional to make sure it's not a sign of something more serious. Lumps and bumps on your genitals can be alarming, but they're relatively common. Here are some of the lumps and bumps you might encounter and what you should know about them:
1. Pearly Penile Papules
Pearly penile papules (PPP) are small, raised bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. The exact cause of PPP is unknown, but researchers believe that genetics plays a large part in developing this condition. They appear to run in families, so if you have family members who have them, there’s an increased chance that you will too.
Although pearly papules are not contagious and present no health risks, some men find them distressing. Hence, they opt to have the bumps removed. Common treatments include cryosurgery and laser surgery. However, these procedures may carry risks, such as bleeding, scarring, and infection.
Another method that can remove pearly penile papules is by using a PPP kit talk about it with someone and seek advice before using it.
2. Cysts
Genital cysts are small, painless lumps that develop on the genitals. They may be located around the clitoris, vaginal wall, scrotum, and testicles. They're commonly caused by infection or trauma on the vaginal walls. Genital cysts can be found in both men and women, although they're more common in women.
Genital cysts may be caused by the following:
- Chlamydia Trachomatis: This sexually transmitted infection, which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility, may cause a genital cyst.
- Syphilis: Another possible cause of genital cysts is syphilis, a bacterial infection spread through sexual activity that usually causes sores on the mouth or genitals.
- Lymphogranuloma Venereum: This sexually transmitted disease, which causes lesions around the anus and genitals, may also cause a genital cyst.
Most genital cysts don't require any treatment, but some will need to be removed to prevent pain or other complications. Surgery is often used to remove a genital cyst, but other treatments are available for certain types of genital cysts.
3. Herpes
Herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease that can be spread by skin-to-skin contact with the infected area. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which has two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both types can cause genital herpes, but they're most commonly found in the mouth, lips, face, and other parts of the body.
There are different symptoms of genital herpes, but the most common ones include painful blisters or sores on the genitals or buttocks, which may last for several weeks before going away on their own. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause these symptoms. However, HSV-2 produces more severe symptoms than HSV-1.
Although there's no cure for genital herpes, there are medications available to treat symptoms as well as reduce the risk of transmission from one person to another. If you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), you should talk to your doctor before taking any drug or supplement because some medications can make it worse.
4. Warts
Genital warts are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They're caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that can infect the genital area, mouth, and throat. There are more than 200 strains of the virus, but only a few can cause genital warts.
Genital warts are small bumps that can appear on the skin around your genitals. They can be pink or flesh-colored, although they may have white centers. The bumps may be flat or raised from the skin's surface. They can vary in size from tiny to more than an inch across.
In some cases, genital warts will go away on their own within two years without treatment, but many people seek medical help to get rid of them faster. Treating genital warts early helps prevent spreading them to others and reduces your risk of cancer.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself with a genital lump or bump at any point in your life, have it evaluated by a medical professional.
Remember that most bumps are not serious and can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medications or home remedies.
If you have any questions about your genital lump or bump, don't hesitate to contact your doctor, who can help you determine if you need further testing or treatment.
