References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Bumps on or around the vagina and vulva are common and usually not serious. Causes range from ingrown hairs and blocked glands to STIs like herpes and genital warts. Most bumps are harmless, but some need medical attention. Here’s how to tell what might be causing them.
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Common Causes
| Cause | Features |
|---|---|
| Ingrown hairs | Red bumps after shaving; can be sore |
| Folliculitis | Inflamed hair follicles; small red pustules |
| Bartholin’s cyst | Painless or painful swelling near vaginal opening |
| Fordyce spots | Small pale bumps; normal skin glands |
| Genital warts (HPV) | Flesh-coloured growths; usually painless |
| Herpes blisters | Painful cluster of blisters that burst into ulcers |
| Molluscum contagiosum | Small dome-shaped bumps with a dimple |
| Skin tags | Soft, harmless growths |
| Cysts | Firm lumps under the skin |
| Boils | Painful red swelling with pus |
When to See a Doctor
- Painful blisters or ulcers
- Bumps that grow or change
- Bumps after a new sexual partner
- Fever alongside lumps
- Bumps not healing in 2 weeks
- Any uncertainty
Self-Care
- Don’t squeeze or pop bumps
- Wear loose cotton underwear
- Avoid scented products
- Use warm compresses for cysts
Read more: Red spots and STIs | Warts vs herpes | What looks like herpes
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vaginal bumps always STIs?
No — most are harmless (ingrown hairs, cysts).
Should I test for STIs?
If bumps appeared after sexual contact, yes.
Can I treat bumps at home?
Ingrown hairs and cysts often resolve. STI-related bumps need professional treatment.
Related reading
- Common STI Symptoms in Women
- How Different STIs Affect Vaginal Discharge
- White, Yellow, Green and Brown Vaginal Discharge: What It Means
- Abnormal Genital Discharge and Chlamydia
- Asymptomatic STIs: Silent Infections Explained
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
