Small bump on the labia majora. Prevention of the appearance of bumps on the labia. How symptoms develop

Every woman should pay attention to new formations on the genitals. The sudden appearance of a ball on the labia deserves special attention, due to the fact that this phenomenon may be a sign of a serious illness.

Ball on the labia: probable causes and methods of treatment

Even in cases where a lump in the labia does not cause a woman any discomfort, it should not be ignored. Usually this pathology requires the intervention of a doctor.

Possible causes of lumps on the labia

So-called bumps or balls can appear on both the labia minora and labia majora. They are a round-shaped compaction located under the skin or directly in the thickness of the tissue. It is very important to establish the reasons for the formation of such formations, since this is the decisive factor in prescribing treatment.

The main parameters used for diagnosis are the size, location, pain and mobility of the formation.

In some cases, to establish an accurate diagnosis, it may be necessary to conduct a histological analysis of tumor tissue samples.

An unwanted ball that forms in the labia is formed for the following reasons:

  1. As a result of blockage of the sebaceous gland, and its subsequent inflammation.
  2. The lump may be an inflamed hair follicle.
  3. With the development of pathologies of the Bartholin gland.
  4. In case of infection of the body with pathogenic organisms (this list also includes sexually transmitted infections).
  5. The lump may be a tumor.
  6. In isolated cases, a lump on the labia turns out to be a congenital pathology.

Inflammation of the hair follicles or sebaceous glands

Inflammatory processes in the sebaceous glands occur, most often, due to insufficient hygiene of the genital organs. Hair follicles in most cases become inflamed for the same reason. As a result, ideal conditions are created for the development of pathogenic bacteria.

Another risk factor is epilation of the bikini area, since inflammation often occurs at the site of ingrown hairs.

However, blockage of the sebaceous ducts can also occur for other reasons, for example, due to hormonal imbalance.

Treatment of seals on the labia in all these cases, as a rule, requires external treatment. The affected areas are treated with antiseptic agents. In particularly severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Pathologies of the Bartholin gland

The Bartholin gland performs the function of moisturizing the labia minora. It is located at the entrance of the vagina, under the layer of skin, in the lower area of ​​the labia majora. The lubricant produced by the gland is delivered to the inside of the labia minora through a special long excretory canal.

Doctors call inflammation of the Bartholin gland – bartholinitis. Inflammation occurs as a result of penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the gland. The causes of infection and the formation of lumps on the labia minora and labia majora can be:

  • hormonal imbalances;
  • decreased immunity;
  • tissue damage or injury (for example, from wearing low-quality synthetic underwear);
  • infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
  • ignoring intimate hygiene standards.

The ball formed from inflammation of the Bartholin gland can increase in size. Sometimes it can reach significant volumes. A woman usually feels pain when walking, as well as during sexual intercourse with a partner. The process is accompanied by a noticeable deterioration in general health, increased temperature, and sometimes purulent discharge.

Another common disease of the Bartholin gland is a cyst. This pathology occurs as a result of the formation of obstruction of the excretory duct. Blockage can occur due to a narrowing of the duct, infection, or excess secretion. As a result of this pathology, the fluid produced by the gland is not removed outside, but accumulates in the cavity of the gland or the canal itself. As a result, a bump appears on both small and large lips. Cystic formations, in most cases, do not cause pain in a woman, and sometimes resolve on their own. However, there is a possibility of complications. In particular, when a cyst becomes infected, purulent inflammation may begin to develop.

Treatment of pathologies of the Bartholin gland can be carried out using conservative therapy, which includes the mandatory use of antibiotics to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms. At the same time, you can carry out maintenance treatment aimed at overall strengthening of the body using folk remedies. In some cases, it becomes necessary to undergo surgery to remove contents from the ducts and capsule of the gland.

In severe recurrent forms of bartholinitis, it may be necessary to remove the gland, as well as the ducts extending from it.

Types of tumors

Most often, benign tumors are detected on external organs. They are formed as a result of abnormal division of tissue cells. However, sometimes malignant formations also occur. The ball inside the labia can be:

  1. Lipoma. It is one or more nodes formed from adipose tissue. It tends to grow quickly. Lipoma is dangerous due to possible complications. It can even provoke tissue necrosis. It is removed surgically. You can learn about ways to diagnose lipomas.
  2. Fibroma. The formation consists of muscle tissue. It occurs more often on large lips. Treated by surgical removal.
  3. Hidradenoma. This type of tumor is rare. It is dangerous because it can degenerate into a malignant formation.
  4. Vulvar cancer. These are malignant formations. The main difference from benign ones is that they can fester and bleed.

Measures to prevent the appearance of neoplasms

The most important thing a woman should do to prevent various types of formations from appearing on her labia is to carefully and properly care for her genitals. In the vast majority of cases, abnormal processes occur precisely because of poor hygiene.

It is advisable that a woman wear underwear and clothes that are not only beautiful, but also comfortable and of high quality. This is important for maintaining normal temperature and humidity conditions in intimate areas.

The best conditions for creating comfort in intimate areas can only be created by underwear made from natural materials.

A mobile, active lifestyle also helps maintain the health of the genital organs and the entire body as a whole. Indeed, in this case there is no congestion in the pelvis.

A woman should be extremely attentive to the health of her genital organs: observe the rules of hygiene and be sure to undergo regular gynecological examinations with a doctor. In this case, any unwanted formations on the labia can be detected in the early stages, and treatment can begin immediately.

You can learn more about bartholinitis, Bartholin gland cyst, as well as new methods of treating these diseases, from the video.

Round formations on the female genital organs can become a serious problem for the carrier. Be sure to consult a doctor as soon as necessary.

Every woman, having discovered a lump on her labia, begins to worry greatly. And first of all, immediately contact a specialist. And this is the right decision.

The lump may be painful. In any case, consulting a doctor is necessary, since the cause of this phenomenon may be different. Most often, a lump on the labia can be a symptom of bartholinitis.

Treatment most often involves surgical removal. After removal, antibacterial therapy is mandatory, thereby stopping the further development of the disease.


Sometimes it happens that a woman completely unexpectedly notices a subcutaneous lump on her labia majora or minora, most often painful.

It can be a sign of various gynecological diseases, so if you have the slightest suspicion of discomfort or foreign tumors, you should consult a doctor.

In some cases, a lump that appears on the labia may be an ordinary pimple as a local reaction to an external irritant. Over time, this compaction goes away on its own.

The main causes of seals in the labia

Approximately 8 out of 10 women who consult a gynecologist with a complaint of a lump inside the labia are diagnosed with bartholinitis.

Expert opinion

Knyazev Igor Vladimirovich

Ask a question to the doctor

In addition, such a formation may turn out to be a malignant or benign tumor. We will dwell on these diseases in more detail a little later.

However, these are not the only reasons due to which a seal may appear on the labia minora or majora. Also, a similar symptom often occurs in the following cases:

  1. in some situations, nodular fragments indicate the development of human papillomavirus in a woman’s body. HPV itself quite often passes without consequences, but in certain cases it can provoke cervical cancer, so such changes in the body should be treated very carefully;
  2. if such a defect appears with enviable regularity before your period, most likely we are talking about an enlarged sebaceous gland, which, upon palpation, is very often mistaken for a dense pimple. Such a disorder in the female body is a consequence of a surge in sex hormones. If after a few days, when the hormonal levels return to normal, the bumps and bumps disappear as suddenly as they appeared, there is nothing to worry about. Meanwhile, some women in such a situation note some discomfort in the genital area. To get rid of unpleasant sensations, try wiping the affected skin with a cotton swab, generously moistened with a soothing and antiseptic tonic. In addition, 1-2 weeks before the start of menstruation, it is useful to give up sweet and fatty foods;
  3. in rare cases, when small seals on the labia have been present for a very long time and do not bother their owner in any way, they may be the result of abnormal development of the genital organs and, in particular, the labia majora and minora, the urethra and other internal organs and systems. Such formations are not viral or infectious in nature and do not pose any danger to women;
  4. Finally, even more rarely, compaction in the area of ​​these organs can be noticed in a newborn girl. Almost always, such changes in a baby indicate that both of her parents, or at least one of them, have such a serious disease as syphilis.

Bartholinitis


It is necessary to exclude the presence of such a serious gynecological disease in a woman as bartholinitis.

Bartholinitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in a special Bartholin duct as a result of a sexually transmitted infection, less often in the case of an infection in the tonsils or dental diseases.

If a woman has a lump on her labia, a common reason for this formation is insufficient adherence to the rules of personal hygiene, as a result of which pathogenic pathogens invade the body.

Symptoms of bartholinitis


If the disease is advanced, then a hard formation on the labia can be quite painful, and a tingling and burning sensation is also felt in the area of ​​the lump.

As a rule, when you press on the seal, the pain intensifies.

In addition, the following symptoms may be observed:

  • the seal grows to the size of a chicken egg;
  • at the site of compaction, the skin is red, often has a bluish tint;
  • there is a high body temperature and fever that antipyretics cannot cope with;
  • chills;
  • there is a general loss of strength, lethargy, and apathy.

In especially severe cases, the pain reaches such a degree that the woman cannot walk normally.

If the seal on the labia does not prompt the woman to start treatment and consult a doctor, then over time the abscess may spontaneously open. In this case, the woman temporarily experiences relief. However, the disease itself remains, as a result of which relapses may occur in the future.

The disease itself can become chronic, which is more difficult to treat due to its neglect. If the disease progresses, then the formation of a cyst in the area of ​​the labia minora and majora is possible, which requires surgical intervention.

Often the presence of a cyst can make it difficult to perform physiological functions (urination, defecation).

Diagnosis of the pathological condition


A woman can often detect a lump in the labia on her own, but in order to find out the nature of such a formation, it is still necessary to contact an appropriate specialist, that is, a gynecologist.

During the history taking, the doctor must conduct a gynecological examination of the external genitalia using a special chair and a magnifying mirror.

During this procedure, the doctor evaluates the condition of the pubis, anus, labia minora and labia majora. In addition, the gynecologist pays special attention to the presence of any neoplasms and the structural integrity of the skin in the intimate area.

Expert opinion

Knyazev Igor Vladimirovich

Ask a question to the doctor

The examination is based on palpation (feeling) of the following anatomical structures: the clitoris, the external opening of the urethra, the labia minora, the entrance to the vagina, the anus and the large glands of the vestibule.

If the patient has leucorrhoea (liquid discharge), a sample is additionally taken, after which it is examined under a microscope (cytological examination). If necessary, the uterus and its appendages are examined.

Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostic methods are also used to diagnose pathological formations in the vagina. The main ones are:

  1. lymphography (studying the condition of the nodes of the lymphatic system with the aim of possibly detecting cancer cells in their structure - metastases, which can, along with the bloodstream, enter the lymphatic tissue from other internal organs). The procedure is done using intravenous injection of a contrast agent into the lymphatic vessel. Its movement is then monitored using x-rays;
  2. ultrasound examination of the pelvis. Today, ultrasound is considered the safest diagnostic technique. During its implementation, the condition of the human genitourinary system is assessed. This procedure has virtually no contraindications and therefore can be used under any circumstances. However, ultrasound scanning is not recommended during menstruation, since at this time the indicators are somewhat distorted, which will significantly complicate further diagnosis;
  3. computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic organs. Such diagnostic techniques represent layer-by-layer scanning of anatomical structures and are non-invasive (that is, they do not require direct penetration into the body of the subject through the skin or mucous membranes) and highly accurate procedures.
    In addition, if the lump on the labia is of a malignant nature, the patient will be prescribed an additional consultation with an oncologist.

Ways to combat the disease


The tactics for treating vaginal lumps completely depend on the factors that triggered the development of the pathological condition.

To establish its etiology, a sick woman needs to seek help from a qualified specialist who, after studying all the results of instrumental and laboratory studies, will prescribe the most effective treatment course.

If the reason that caused the formation of a tumor in an intimate place lies in the course of various infectious or fungal ailments, then the patient will be prescribed antibacterial and antifungal drugs. In this case, the use of antipyretic, immunomodulatory and analgesic medications is allowed.

Traditional medicine that has an anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effect (for example, ointments, infusions, baths prepared with medicinal herbs) will help relieve inflammation in the perineum.

If the factor that provoked the occurrence of compaction is a hormonal imbalance, then hormonal therapy will be used as a treatment for the disease, the main task of which is to normalize the activity of the adrenal glands and ovaries.

To eliminate a neoplasm of allergic origin, a sick woman just needs to eliminate contact with the corresponding allergen from her daily life. This could be wearing underwear made from synthetic materials, using low-quality personal hygiene products, and so on.

If the main reasons for the development of a tumor on the labia lie in the course of malignant processes, then chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, that is, surgical removal of the malignant formation, will be used.

Induration of any etiology in the area of ​​a woman’s reproductive organs cannot be left without due attention; it is important to begin treatment as quickly as possible!

Sources: zdravskin.com; silaledi.ru; aginekolog.ru; womanadvice.ru; mjusli.ru

The only remedy for papillomas, warts and their prevention, recommended by our readers!

A lump that appears on the labia is medically called bartholinitis. This disease is an inflammatory process that occurs in the Bartholin gland, located in the vestibule of the vagina.

The gland is a paired organ located in the tissues of the labia majora. Its main function is to produce a transparent viscous lubricant necessary for comfortable sexual intercourse. It begins to be produced under excitement and mechanical influence. Immature girls do not suffer from inflammation of the Bartholin gland, since it is still underdeveloped in them.

Types of disease

Bartholinitis is classified into several types of disease course and its level of damage. Depending on how the disease progresses, it is divided into:

  • Acute bartholinitis, characterized by clearly defined symptoms and increased body temperature;
  • Bartholinitis is chronic, characterized by a long period of occurrence with alternating improvements and deteriorations.

In the chronic form of the disease, the gland becomes clogged and hardened. The accumulation of secretory fluid forms a cyst, which at the initial stage does not cause discomfort or pain. If the contents of the cyst become infected, an abscess is formed in which purulent contents form in the cavity.

Depending on the level of damage, the following forms of the disease are distinguished:

  • Canaliculitis, in which mild pain is felt, the channel that removes secretions is not blocked. The inflammatory process affects only the excretory duct of the gland;
  • A false abscess, in which the gland duct is completely blocked and pus accumulates. The tissues themselves remain undamaged;
  • A true abscess, in which infection of the contents causes damage to the gland tissue. With this form, severe pain with pulsation is felt, discomfort occurs when in contact with clothing, during sexual intercourse and when walking.

Only a specialist who can prescribe effective treatment can determine what stage the disease is at.

Causes of lumps on the labia

Gynecologists identify many reasons that cause the appearance of lumps inside the labia majora or minora. Among them, it is worth highlighting the most common:

  • Infections of various types;
  • Systematic failure to comply with intimate hygiene rules (using other people's towels);
  • Autoimmune disorders;
  • The presence of pathogenic microorganisms, bacteria, infections (Escherichia coli, staphylococci, streptococci, gonococci, etc.);
  • Frequent change of sexual partners;
  • Venereal diseases;
  • Wearing tight underwear;
  • Diseases of the genitourinary system of an inflammatory nature;
  • Vaginal dysbiosis;
  • Hypothermia, etc.

Any of the reasons can cause a blockage of the Bartholin gland, leading to the accumulation of fluid inside and the formation of a lump inside the labia.

Clinical picture of the disease

The first manifestations of the inflammatory process in the Bartholin gland are a feeling of tingling and burning during sexual intercourse. Naturally, a woman rarely pays attention to this and attributes the occurrence of such sensations to insufficient lubrication or excessive friction.

Typically, a woman notices that a lump has appeared on the external genitalia only at the next stage of the development of bartholinitis, when swelling and redness of the tissues appear. At this stage, the disease may subside and not manifest itself in any way, but will soon make itself felt with renewed vigor.

If you turn to a specialist at this stage, you can completely forget about the disease and the troubles associated with it. Otherwise, the lump may develop and become large in size. By delaying a visit to the gynecologist, the disease reaches a stage where the woman has difficulty moving, and her body temperature rises significantly. Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area are also possible.

Thus, the clinical manifestations of bartholinitis directly depend on the stage of the disease. If treatment is not started on time, the lump can become chronic.

The general picture of symptoms for bartholinitis is as follows:

  • Increased body temperature;
  • (including small ones);
  • Asymmetry of the external genitalia;
  • Pain when touching, walking, sexual intercourse and any mechanical impact;
  • Presence of purulent discharge.

Spontaneous opening of an abscess entails unpleasant consequences and danger to the woman’s health. High-quality treatment can only be carried out by a qualified gynecologist.

Diagnostics

A lump on the genitals can be easily diagnosed at home on your own. To do this, it is enough to palpate the tissue of the labia and feel the compaction. It may feel hot and red. However, having diagnosed a lump at home on your own, you should not carry out independent treatment using “grandmother’s” methods.

In a clinical setting, diagnosis is made by examination. The doctor prescribes a series of tests (colcoscopy, bacteriological culture, etc.). Such actions make it possible to identify the exact cause and causative agent of the infectious process.

Treatment of lumps on the genitals

Most often it includes taking painkillers and antibacterial drugs. When treating each patient, an individual approach is used according to the results of the tests performed and her tolerance to certain drugs.

Late stage of the disease requires surgery under local anesthesia. After such treatment, the woman should remain within the walls of the medical institution until the wound is completely healed, in order to avoid infection.

You can also take antibacterial baths and take antibiotics. In the chronic course of the disease, various physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed (paraffin, ozokeric, laser heating).

Treatment of bartholinitis at home is highly not recommended.

Preventing the appearance of lumps on the labia

The main preventive measures for bartholinitis are:

  • Maintain personal hygiene (in case of inflammation, the labia should be treated at least twice a day);
  • The use of contraception during sexual intercourse with a non-regular partner (it is necessary to use condoms);
  • Avoid hypothermia;
  • Increase the level of immunity;
  • Avoiding stress;
  • Eating healthy foods and living a healthy lifestyle;
  • Quitting bad habits (alcohol, smoking, drugs, etc.);
  • Refusal of tight clothing (underwear, jeans, etc.);
  • Regular preventive examinations by a gynecologist (at least 2 times a year);
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system.

Lumps, nodules, tubercles and other lumps on a woman’s outer labia are almost always a pathological phenomenon that requires emergency medical attention. Even if the neoplasms seem benign to you, without causing acute discomfort and pain.

Most common reasons

  • Such phenomena can be detected in childhood and be congenital. In this case, it is advisable for parents to check their blood for syphilis, since most often modifications of the genital organs in infants indicate its presence.
  • In addition, bumps may be a sign abnormal development labia, congenital defects of the urethra and other features that do not have an infectious or viral etiology. However, this is more of a special case than a healthy phenomenon.
  • We should not forget that neoplasms in the genital area can become a sign tumor processes in organism.
  • In addition, nodular fragments may indicate the development of HPV (human papillomavirus). This disease in a certain percentage of cases leads to cervical cancer.

Such deviations are not a reason to be embarrassed and ignore medical help.

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If the tubercles appear suddenly and can be easily felt under the skin or mucous membrane, immediately contact a specialist for advice and all necessary tests. Perhaps it is the early intervention of a specialist that will help you avoid terrible irreversible consequences.

Bartholinitis

Very often, bumps on the labia appear due to inflammation of the Bartholin glands. They are localized at the entrance to the vagina and are located in the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the labia majora. The Bartholin gland synthesizes a mucous secretion that forms in the vagina on the eve of sexual intercourse. Blockage of the excretory ducts of these glands leads to an inflammatory process in the organ, resulting in neoplasms in the form of small bumps. This disease often occurs in women who do not pay due attention to personal hygiene.

How do symptoms develop?

  1. The specificity of the disease is such that symptoms do not appear immediately;
  2. 1-2 weeks after the onset of the inflammatory process, a seal forms on the inside of the labia majora;
  3. The ball begins to hurt and cause discomfort, especially when wearing tight underwear;
  4. The large lips swell, there is a burning sensation and pain in the perineum;
  5. Suppuration and effusion of exudate are possible, but more often this does not happen.

Bartholinitis does not require specific treatment, however, in its complete absence, women experience frequent relapses of the inflammatory process. At the same time, a new disease begins - Bartholin's gland. In this case, surgical treatment is used, since alternative therapeutic methods become powerless. If, with bartholinitis, the lump begins to suppurate, there is a sharp deterioration in general well-being, pain during sexual intercourse, and an increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees. It should be emphasized that bartholinitis during pregnancy can provoke spontaneous abortion.

Lumps in the groin area and labia can be a sign of a tumor process in the body. Fortunately, genital tumors are often benign.

  • Fibroma- a neoplasm of benign etiology, which is localized in the connective tissue, less often - in the fascia of the parametric tissue. As a rule, it is located on the labia majora. Treatment of the tumor is exclusively surgical. Our doctors effectively treat this disease, guaranteeing a further favorable prognosis.
  • Fibroids– a tumor that does not entail tissue destruction and metastasis (also benign). It is formed from muscle fibers and appears as a lump on the labia majora. Surgical excision is mandatory.
  • Lipoma– a more severe tumor that does not have a malignant etiology. It is formed from adipose tissue and is located near the vulva. It is a nodule or several overgrown small neoplasms. Located on a dense, stable leg. The size of the nodule is usually small, but tends to grow. Such a tumor is always accessible during a traditional examination without additional diagnostic procedures. You may also be able to detect a lipoma by feeling your genitals or washing your face. If the disease is not treated, various complications are possible: hemorrhage, infection, swelling and even tissue necrosis. Our surgeons excise the lipoma and prescribe further supportive therapy.
  • Hidradenoma– a rare type of tumor neoplasm in the genital area. It develops due to the active activity of the sweat glands and some other abnormalities. In the case of this disease, hardening in the form of nodules forms on the labia, sometimes they are localized over the entire area of ​​the organ or are single. Hidradenoma must be treated in a timely manner, otherwise it may develop into a malignant tumor.
  • Oncology.(Cancer or sarcoma of the vagina, cancer of the vulva). It appears in the form of nodes and dense tubercles in the genital area. If benign tumors practically do not cause additional symptoms, oncology is always accompanied by copious discharge of pus or mucus with a pungent odor, bleeding, and diffuse infiltrates. Unfortunately, in this case, no one can give an unambiguous favorable prognosis, even with timely treatment.

Therapy in our clinic

If you notice lumps on your genitals, we recommend that you do not hesitate to contact our qualified specialists. You will be examined by our gynecologists, after which, if necessary, they will be referred to a surgeon. We will carry out the appropriate treatment, choosing the best option for you. We always strive to choose gentle techniques, but if this is not possible, our surgeon will eliminate your tumor quickly, painlessly, with a guarantee of no complications.

Many years of practice and extensive experience of our specialists allow us to vouch for the health of each patient. We recommend that you consult a doctor in a timely manner to avoid serious complications and relapses of the disease.

As a rule, a woman who has discovered a lump on her labia begins to worry very much and sometimes even panics. Indeed, such neoplasms can often be very dangerous, so such anxiety is completely justified.

However, in some cases, various seals can be successfully treated if medical help is sought promptly.

The main causes of seals in the labia area

Approximately 8 out of 10 women who consult a gynecologist with a complaint of a lump inside the labia are diagnosed with bartholinitis. In addition, such a formation may turn out to be a malignant or benign tumor. We will dwell on these diseases in more detail a little later. However, these are not the only reasons due to which a seal may appear on the labia minora or majora.

Also, a similar symptom often occurs in the following cases:

  • in some situations, nodular fragments indicate the development of human papillomavirus in a woman’s body. HPV itself quite often passes without consequences, but in certain cases it can provoke cervical cancer, so such changes in the body should be treated very carefully;
  • if such a defect appears with enviable regularity before your period, most likely we are talking about an enlarged sebaceous gland, which, upon palpation, is very often mistaken for a dense pimple. Such a disorder in the female body is a consequence of a surge in sex hormones. If after a few days, when the hormonal levels return to normal, the bumps and bumps disappear as suddenly as they appeared, there is nothing to worry about. Meanwhile, some women in such a situation note some discomfort in the genital area. To get rid of unpleasant sensations, try wiping the affected skin with a cotton swab, generously moistened with a soothing and antiseptic tonic. In addition, 1-2 weeks before the start of menstruation, it is useful to give up sweet and fatty foods;
  • in rare cases, when small seals on the labia have been present for a very long time and do not bother their owner in any way, they may be the result of abnormal development of the genital organs and, in particular, the labia majora and minora, the urethra and other internal organs and systems. Such formations are not viral or infectious in nature and do not pose any danger to women;
  • Finally, even more rarely, compaction in the area of ​​these organs can be noticed in a newborn girl. Almost always, such changes in a baby indicate that both of her parents, or at least one of them, have such a serious disease as syphilis.

What is bartholinitis?

With bartholinitis, or inflammation of the Bartholin glands, as a rule, a ball-shaped seal forms on a woman’s labia.


Most often, such tubercles are located quite deep in the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the labia majora, and they can be seen at the entrance to the vagina.

As a result of the work of the Bartholin gland, discharge is formed in the vagina before sexual intercourse. If the excretory ducts of these glands become clogged, inflammatory processes of varying severity occur in the genitals, which, in turn, lead to the formation of compactions and small bumps. The cause of bartholinitis almost always lies in the entry of an infectious agent into the female body through the external genitalia.

As a rule, this disease affects those girls who do not pay due attention to their personal hygiene, as well as women with weakened immune systems, for example, after a viral illness or long-term antibiotic therapy.

The course of the disease involves several stages, namely:

  • within 1-2 weeks, the inflammatory process develops only inside the female body, there are no external manifestations of the disease;
  • After a few days, a lump forms on the inside of one of the labia majora. In rare cases, the Bartholin glands become inflamed on both sides at once;
  • After another 3-4 days, the ball that appears begins to hurt and bring its owner a lot of discomfort. This is especially noticeable if a woman wears tight underwear;
  • a little later, the labia majora swell and swell, and pain and burning occurs in the perineum;
  • in rare cases, if untreated, a purulent abscess opens on its own, and its purulent contents spill out.

In addition, most women note that when the Bartholin gland becomes inflamed, their body temperature rises to 38 degrees or higher, as well as a feeling of weakness and general malaise.

If during bartholinitis the ball-shaped seal breaks open on its own, its symptoms disappear almost instantly, and the disease itself becomes chronic. In this case, constantly recurring exacerbations of bartholinitis will bother the woman throughout her life.

In the chronic form of this disease, its unpleasant symptoms can manifest themselves with particular force during menstruation, during the seasonal incidence of colds and flu, in any other situations in which immunity is reduced, as well as during pregnancy.


If an exacerbation of the disease occurs while expecting a child, it quite often becomes the cause of miscarriage or fetal death.

Finally, with frequent relapses of this disease, women often develop another disease - a Bartholin gland cyst, which can only be gotten rid of surgically. That is why the symptoms of the onset of bartholinitis cannot be ignored, and it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment of bartholinitis

In almost all cases, a woman who has a painful lump on her labia is admitted to a hospital hospital for a detailed examination. If the diagnosis "acute inflammation of the Bartholin gland" confirmed, gynecologists open the purulent abscess and drain it, after which they prescribe therapeutic treatment using antibiotics and sulfa drugs. In rare cases, the Bartholin gland must be completely removed through surgery.

After discharge from the hospital, in order to reduce the likelihood of a relapse of the disease, the patient must especially carefully observe personal hygiene, eat properly and regularly take a course of any multivitamin complexes. In addition, 1-2 times a week for 15-20 minutes, it is useful to take sitz baths with the addition of chamomile decoction or a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Tumor formations in the groin area

In some cases, a lump on the labia majora or minora may be a benign or malignant tumor.

Let's consider the main ones:


  • Connective tissue fibroma and fibromyoma are benign tumors that are almost always located on the labia majora. They are removed surgically and almost never cause complications;
  • lipoma is a painful small tumor that does not have a malignant etiology. It is located next to the vulva and comes from adipose tissue. A lipoma can also be removed through surgery, and this should be done as quickly as possible. If left untreated, it grows very quickly and often causes serious complications, including tissue necrosis;
  • finally, such compactions may indicate cancer or sarcoma of the vagina. Oncological diseases always have a different nature and even at the earliest stage are not always successfully treated.

If a lump suddenly appears in your labia area, consult a doctor, regardless of what additional symptoms it is accompanied by.