Something else? Ask Aunt Vadge – bottom left of your screen!
Hi Aunt Vadge,
I have very firm bumps by my vulva – I don’t know if it’s an STI or just pimples. Some have popped, some haven’t. My clitoris is also swollen with cuts on it, and I’m really concerned.
Yours,
V.
United States
Hi V,
I can hear you’re worried, so I’ll be both honest and reassuring. This is one of the times I really do want you to get seen in person – not to scare you, but because the combination you’re describing is more than I’d want to second-guess from here.
My thinking, so it’s not a mystery: firm bumps on the vulva on their own are very often harmless – spots, blocked oil glands, or ingrown hairs, the kind of thing that pops and heals – and if that were the whole story I’d tell you not to worry.
But you’ve also got a swollen clitoris with little cuts, and that changes the picture: clustered sore bumps plus swelling plus small splits or ‘cuts’ can be the look of a herpes outbreak, which is extremely common, very treatable and nothing to be ashamed of, but does need a proper diagnosis to treat well (and antiviral treatment works much better started early).
It could also be another infection or irritation – but swelling of the clitoris itself isn’t typical of a simple spot, which is exactly why this deserves an experienced eye and a test rather than guesswork.
Until you’re seen, don’t pick or pop anything (it spreads infection and slows healing), keep the area clean with plain water, pat dry and wear loose cotton, use a cool compress for the swelling and soreness, and avoid sexual contact until you know what this is – partly to let it heal, partly to protect a partner if it turns out to be infectious.
A GP, a sexual health (GUM) clinic, or a Planned Parenthood clinic can all help. And sexual health clinics are used to exactly this: no judgement, often free, able to test and treat on the spot.
The sooner you go, the sooner you get relief and an answer, so please don’t sit on it – and if getting there is hard, ask someone you trust to help you arrange it. Whatever this turns out to be, it’s very likely treatable, and getting seen is the fast track to feeling better, not something to dread.
Write back any time if you’re stuck.
Best,
Aunt Vadge
This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
