Are Genital Sores Always an STI, Or Could It Be Something Else?

Have you noticed a sore, blister, bump, or something similar that you’d rather not be developing down there? Genital sores, lesions, or bumps can develop for any number of reasons, including an STI like herpes or syphilis.

But while a newly formed bump or blister could be a sign of infection, there are several other possibilities as well. Today, we’re covering a variety of reasons you may be experiencing a sore in your genital area.

What Can Cause a Genital Sore or Bump?

Sores in the genital region can appear for a multitude of reasons, including:

Sexually Transmitted Infection

Let’s go ahead and get this one out of the way. Yes, it’s possible to have sores on your genitals because of an STI. The most common bacterial or viral infections that cause bumps or sores include:

Herpes (HSV 1 or HSV 2)

Sores that develop after a herpes infection can appear within two weeks of the infection, but others may experience symptoms for the first time months or even years after exposure. For most, the initial outbreak is the worst one in terms of pain and duration.

  • What the sores can look like: Small reddish, yellowish, or whiteish blisters that range between 1-3 millimeters in diameter and form in clusters.
  • Where the sores can form in the genital region: On or around the vulva, cervix, anus, buttocks, or thighs.
  • What the sores can feel like: Burning or tingling blisters that become painful once they open. Herpes sores are especially painful during urination.
  • How the sores heal: When herpes blisters first appear, it can take up to a week for the sores to open. After opening, it can take them a few weeks to scab over and heal completely. Overall, it can take three or four weeks to recover from a herpes outbreak without treatment.

Syphilis

The sores that develop from a syphilis infection typically appear within a week to three months after infection. In most cases, only one sore develops.

  • What the sores can look like: Small, smooth sore that can resemble a pimple or similar blemish.
  • Where the sores can form in the genital region: On or around the genital area, such as the vulva or anus.
  • What the sores can feel like: Painless, firm, and smooth (similar to a wart).
  • How the sores heal: Without treatment, syphilis sores heal within three to six weeks. Treatment speeds the healing time up. (Note that even though the sores heal on their own without treatment, that does not mean the body has gotten rid of the infection. If left untreated, syphilis can live in the body for decades and slowly destroy your organs and nervous system.)

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin disease that can be spread from person to person during sexual contact. It can also be contracted by other means, such as touching an infected object or person, and can spread to any area of the skin, including the genital region.

Molluscum contagiosum is typically a mild issue but can last for months or even years. While the bumps can be removed or may be treatable with a topical ointment or oral medication, they do not always respond to treatment but usually go away on their own over time.

  • What the bumps can look like: Small raised bumps that are pink, white, or even flesh-colored.
  • Where the bumps can form in the genital region: Anywhere on or around the genital area, including the vulva, vagina, or anus.
  • What the bumps can feel like: Can feel smooth and firm to the touch (similar to a wart) or swollen, and can be either painless or cause itchiness or soreness.
  • How the bumps heal: Molluscum bumps can be medically removed or fade on their own. A patient can take topical or oral medications, but the effectiveness of treatment varies from person to person. Treatment does not always work for everyone.

Vaginal or Vulvar Cysts

A vaginal or vulvar cyst is a fluid or pus-filled lump that can develop in the vagina or on the vulva. For many, cyst development is caused by a blocked gland, vaginal injury, or even childbirth.

There are several types of cysts a woman can develop in the genital region, including:

Inclusion Cyst

Inclusion cysts form on the walls of the vagina and tend to develop as a result of vaginal injury in childbirth or following surgery. Its formation can be a result of tissue scarring. Inclusion cysts appear as round, dome-like bumps that are flesh-colored, sometimes with a dark spot at its center.

Bartholin Gland Cyst

A Bartholin gland cyst can be fluid or pus-filled and forms on the left or right side of the vagina at the opening. It occurs when the gland that helps lubricate the vulva becomes blocked. Bartholin gland cysts can develop at any time once the patient reaches puberty.

Sebaceous Cyst

The sebaceous gland is another in the genital region that can become blocked and lead to cyst development. These glands produce oils and, when blocked, will cause a pus-filled cyst to appear on the labia.

Ingrown Hairs

Whether you wax, shave, pluck, or keep your pubic hair all-natural, you can easily experience ingrown hairs in the pubic region. The texture of pubic hair is different from most other hair on the body—it’s thicker, coarser, and curlier than the rest, which can easily cause it to become trapped under the skin as it grows. In some cases, dead skin cells can essentially smother a hair follicle, preventing the growing hair from making its way above the surface of the skin.

Once a hair becomes trapped beneath the skin, the body reacts to it like an invader, resulting in inflammation, swelling, and discoloration. Signs of an ingrown hair include:

  • Small swollen bumps
  • Bumps that look and feel like blisters
  • Bumps that are discolored
  • Bumps that can itch or sting

Razor Burn

Razor burn is a short-lived issue that can arise soon after shaving your pubic region. Razor burn can lead to issues like skin irritation and inflammation, resulting in the formation of small red bumps on the inner thighs, mons pubis, labia majora, and any other region of the area that is shaved.

Razor burn can occur for several reasons, including:

  • Shaving without cream
  • Shaving too quickly
  • Shaving with a dull razor
  • Shaving in the opposite direction of the hair’s growth pattern
  • Applying too much pressure to the area with the razor
  • Having naturally sensitive skin

Angiomas

Sometimes, a blood vessel or capillary in the genital region can become enlarged, resulting in the formation of an angioma or a bump on the surface of the skin. Sometimes, an angioma will fade on its own, and other times, it is a long-lasting or permanent development on the skin.

For the most part, angiomas are benign and harmless to a person’s health.

Types of angiomas you can develop in your genital region include:

  • Angiokeratomas – These are the most common types that develop in the genital region. Angiokeratomas often have a rough texture, are dark red, brown, black, or bluish in appearance, and range in size and shape.
  • Cherry angiomas – These are rounded, red growths that can look like moles and appear anywhere on the body.
  • Spider angiomas – These are minor, veiny blemishes on the surface of the skin, commonly affecting the face, neck, arms, and upper body.

Eczema

Genital eczema is a common skin condition affecting areas like the vulva and anus. Genital eczema can cause bumps to form, similar to eczema that develops on other areas of the skin. However, the most common symptoms of genital eczema are inflammation, swelling, and itchiness in the affected area.

Vulvovaginitis

Similar to genital eczema is vulvovaginitis, a common condition that affects girls and young women both before and after puberty. It becomes less common as a woman ages.

Vulvovaginitis is often an allergic reaction to detergents, soaps, or fabric softeners, or it can come about when there is a pH imbalance in the vaginal area. When developed, it can cause the skin to become inflamed, itchy, and irritated, and can lead to the development of bumps or sores on the skin of the vulva. These bumps most commonly appear in the form of a rash.

What to Do About a Newly Developed Sore or Bump in the Genital Region?

If you’re dealing with a sore, bump, or blister on or around your vagina or genital region, it’s essential to have it checked out by a trusted healthcare provider. It could be nothing serious, like an ingrown hair, or it could be an indication of an infection or a troublesome health issue.

The medical professionals at Women’s Clinic of Atlanta are available for a thorough STI screening.

If you have a sore in your vaginal region, schedule a low-cost STI screening with our team today. We will provide a full-panel screening to ensure you are safe from infection or to start you on effective treatment if any of the tests yield a positive result. It’s our goal to ensure you are safe, healthy, and in the know about your sexual health status.

Schedule an STI screening by texting “appointment” to 404-777-4771 today.

Women’s Clinic of Atlanta is HIPAA compliant and AAAHC accredited.

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