Inner labia lumps

Hi , I'm 40 years old and this year I have had around 6/7 small painful lumps on my inner labia close to the vaginal entrance. They are never much bigger than a pea and I only ever get one at once, they can be at one side of the labia and the next one could be at the other side. Because of covid I haven't been examined, and the doctor seems to think they are boils, but they are not where any hair grows. I am scared that this could be something serious, when I visited the doctor last week I was given antibiotics in case I get another case and was told to make a diary of when they occur. I'm worried I could have vulvar cancer but these lumps go away after a week or two so I'm unsure. The doctor didn't seem over concerned. But when they come they are painful. Any help would be appreciated .

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear you keep getting lumps down below that are worrying you.

    It is good you have spoken to your doctor about this and they aren't concerned. The suggestion of these being boils are common and are known as bartholin cysts see here. They often settle down by themselves and rarely cause symptoms but sometimes can be painful especially if they get infected and at that stage may need the antibiotics.

    Taking warm baths or a warm compress on the area can help to ease any discomfort you feel.

    If of course they continue or worsen do let your doctor know. If at any point they think you need to be referred for more tests they can arrange this.

    All the best

    Naomi