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Hi there Aunt Vadge,
I’m 18 and have fissures that have caused lumps of skin around the lower part of my vulva, and it’s affecting my sex life. I’m not sure if they’re infected. They don’t itch or hurt, but I’m terrified. What should I do, and what could be the reason? Could they have formed because I have a rough, active sex life and don’t let them heal? If I stop having sex, will they go away? And how do I stop them happening again?
Best,
Lumpy
Dear Lumpy,
First, the reassuring part: lumps that don’t itch or hurt are very unlikely to be infected, so you can let go of that particular fear. What you’re describing — firm lumps building up where you keep getting fissures from rough, frequent sex — does sound like a real thing worth getting looked at, rather than worrying about alone.
One possibility, given your age and the constant inflammation, is keloid-type scarring, where skin that’s repeatedly injured and not allowed to heal lays down extra tissue and forms raised lumps. It could also be other benign changes from chronic friction — but the only way to know is a proper look.
So, two things. First, ease right off the rough sex and let the area fully heal — ongoing inflammation is the engine driving this, and not letting cuts close just keeps feeding it. Give it a proper break, and when you do have sex again, go gentle, use plenty of lube, and make sure you’re aroused so the tissue doesn’t tear.
Second, please book a doctor or vulval clinic appointment for a proper diagnosis. Whatever it is, you want to know — partly for peace of mind, and partly because continuing to injure the area could cause lasting changes. Lumps that have already formed may not simply vanish once you stop, but a clinician can tell you what they are and what, if anything, can be done.
Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge
This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
