Something else? Ask Aunt Vadge – bottom left of your screen!
Hey Aunt Vadge,
I have a strange lump after my partner and I went from anal sex to vaginal sex. What is the lump, and what should I do?
Sincerely,
PW
California, USA
Dear PW,
A new lump needs looking at in person, so the most useful thing I can do is tell you what it’s likely to be and point you to the right place.
Most often, a tender lump like this is a blocked or swollen gland – your Bartholin’s gland or a Skene’s duct – which can flare up when bacteria are introduced. If bacteria get into the gland it can form a cyst or abscess, and a Bartholin abscess is much easier to deal with early, so it’s worth getting seen soon rather than waiting.
It could also be the start of an infection like BV, aerobic vaginitis or an STI, which brings us to how it likely happened.
Going from anal to vaginal without a clean-up in between moves gut bacteria into the vagina, which it really isn’t built to handle, and that’s a common cause of vaginal infections.
It’s an easy fix with no shame involved: next time, a quick soap-and-water wash for both of you (or a fresh condom) before switching from back to front keeps everything happy – worth being strict about.
For now, don’t panic, but do book a doctor or nurse to check the lump soon, especially if it’s getting bigger or more painful or you develop a fever; in the meantime, gentle warm-water rinses (no scrubbing or harsh soaps), loose breathable underwear, and skip sex until it’s sorted.
If you’ve never had a pelvic exam before, there’s a guide on how to make it more comfortable, and you can take a support person – you don’t have to do this alone.
Warmly,
Aunt Vadge
This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
