Growth near the urethra that bleeds: what it could be

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Hi Aunt Vadge,

I’m 20 years old and I have some doubts I’d like to ask about. Since my first intercourse, I’ve noticed a strange growth down there, next to my urinary opening (the meatus).

It was awkward and it bled. For two days it looked like a growth, at most 1.5 cm long and no more than 2 mm across. It doesn’t hurt, but sometimes I get a strange feeling.

The colour is the same as the skin around it, and it hasn’t changed since I first saw it. The last couple of times I had slightly harder intercourse it bled a little, but only for a few hours.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Doubtful
Age 20

Dear Doubtful,

You’re right to want this looked at. The honest answer is that a growth near the urethra that bleeds does need an in-person examination – it isn’t something anyone can diagnose from a description alone. Most little growths down there turn out to be benign, though, so try not to panic while you sort it out.

Around the urethra and vaginal opening, a small skin-coloured tag like yours is often something harmless – a hymenal remnant or skin tag that’s become more noticeable, or a urethral caruncle. Because it appeared around your first intercourse, it’s also worth ruling out a genital wart, which is common, often skin-coloured, and very treatable. Only an examination can tell you which it is.

So please book in with a GP, gynaecologist, or a sexual health clinic. A sexual health clinic is a good option if you’d like it checked discreetly (and it’s often free) – they can take a quick look, swab if needed, and tell you what you’re dealing with.

The fact that it only bleeds a little with harder sex fits something small and fragile sitting right at the entrance, which is reassuring – but it still needs confirming in person rather than guessing at.

Get seen sooner if it starts bleeding heavily, grows quickly, becomes painful, or turns into a sore that won’t heal. And since harder sex is making it bleed, it’s sensible to ease off penetration until you know what it is.

These other readers had similar lumps and bumps, if they’re any comfort in the meantime: a strange little sore under the urethra and a little bud on the vulva.

Write back once you know more.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge

This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.