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What are the Causes of a Soft Lump on the Labia?

The labia are part of the external female genitalia. A small lump on the labia can be due to many conditions such as a medical condition or a sexually transmitted disease.

  1. What is the Labia

    • The skin in the labia area is very thin and delicate. There are the labia majora, or outer lips of the vagina, and the labia minora, which are the inner lips.

    Genital Warts

    • Labia lumps may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease, such as genital warts. Genital warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus and are transmitted by sexual contact with someone carrying the virus. Usually the warts will go away and do not cause any pain.

    Genital Herpes

    • Genital herpes is another cause of soft lumps on the labia, but these lumps will be painful and itchy. This is another sexually transmitted disease, but there is no cure for it at this time. It can be controlled with creams.

    Bartholin's Gland

    • If the lump is in the lower part of the labia near the vaginal opening it might be the Bartholin's Glands. These glands lubricate the vagina. If the gland becomes blocked, it might develop a cyst. Usually the cyst will not be a problem, but in some cases it can become infected.

    Ingrown Hairs

    • Ingrown hairs can cause lumps on the labia. These are usually painful, red lumps.

    Sebaceous Cysts

    • Sebaceous cysts can occur on the labia when a hair follicle or sweat gland gets blocked. This is generally painless and will go away on its own.

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