Have you ever noticed strange rashes, odors or lumps in your vaginal area and immediately assumed the worst? Don’t panic – while the majority of STDs aren’t a big deal if they’re treated properly anyway, sometimes those weird bumps and lumps in our vagina aren’t sexually transmitted.
Our sinuses are little microbiomes in their own right, and when the delicate balance of the ecosystem is disturbed, many things can happen. In addition, like the armpit, the groin also has very sensitive skin folds where plenty of sweat, bacteria and dirt accumulate, making pimples and rashes not uncommon.
You should always consult your primary care provider or gynecologist if you think something is wrong with your vagina, but just because the condition may seem a little unusual, it may not be an STD. Read on to learn more about some “weird” vaginal conditions that are not sexually transmitted.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is a general term for disorders that lead to infection or inflammation of the vagina. Symptoms include unusual discharge, itching and odor. Vaginitis refers to the inflammation of the external female genitalia as well as the internal vaginal canal.
Vaginitis can be due to sexually transmitted or non-sexual causes. For example, common chemicals found in sprays, creams, or even certain types of clothing and dyes that come into contact with this area can cause irritation with not-so-pretty results. Sometimes, vaginitis can be due to vaginal dryness due to lack of estrogen due to menopause or hormonal imbalance.
Yeast infections
At least three out of four Women have had a yeast infection at some point in their lives, and about 45 percent will have it more than once. Yeast infections are not STDs and occur when there is an overgrowth of the candida virus.
It’s normal and healthy for your vagina, mouth, and digestive system to harbor a certain amount of Candida, but when the yeast overgrows, it can cause an infection. Infections usually occur when the delicate balance of bacteria in your system is disturbed, such as when you take antibiotics, which wipe out the “friendly” bacteria that normally keep yeast in check. Other reasons include diabetes (excess sugar in the urine and vagina) and shifting hormone levels.
Bacterial Vaginitis
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in premenopausal adult women and is caused by a combination of different strains of bacteria that are normally found in your vagina. Overgrowth of these types of bacteria due to a disturbed pH balance leads to bacterial vaginitis. Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include smoking cigarettes, washing regularly, and having new or multiple sexual partners (although it is not sexually transmitted).
Vaginal pimples
You may think that vaginal pimples look annoying, but they form in the same way as pimples on your face pores clogged with bacteria, dead skin and oil. They are almost always harmless and usually clear up on their own without external intervention or additional medication. Vaginal pimples can be the result of a number of factors, including tight clothing, a reaction to soaps or fabrics, or infected hair follicles.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis refers to any reaction you may have due to something touching your skin. When your skin is irritated, it can form pimples. Contact dermatitis in the genital area is common due to sensitivity to:
- Tampons or sanitary items
- Women’s deodorants, wipes, lotions, perfumes or powders
- Specific types of fragrances in soaps, shower gels, etc.
- Detergent washing machine
- Dryer sheets
- Some topical medications
- Aphrodisiacs, spermicides and condoms
- Showers
Other irritants include vaginal secretions, perspiration, semen and urine.
Hidradenitis hypnosis (HS)
Also commonly called acne inverse, hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition where small, painful bumps form under the skin, usually in areas where the skin often rubs together, such as the groin, armpits and breasts. These bumps often take long periods to heal and may recur, resulting in scarring and tunnels under the skin. If the disease is causing physical and emotional distress, surgery and medical treatment used in combination may help.
Folliculitis
Contaminated hair follicles it can cause pimples in the genital area and is especially common since the hair in the groin is thicker and curlier than the hair on the head or other parts of your body. So, when you shave the groin, the hair can be pushed back into the skin as it grows back, resulting in irritation.
If the hair grows back into the skin and not out, you may experience ingrown hairs. Regular shaving and exercising after shaving in tight clothing can make this condition worse, so if you’re prone to folliculitis and ingrown hairs, consider waxing or laser hair removal.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that can lead to pimples anywhere on the body, including the genital area. Although treatment is not usually necessary, your doctor may remove the pimples if necessary or prescribe topical or oral medications.
Developments
Growths are a skin condition that can appear anywhere on the body, including the vaginal area.
Bartholin cysts
The Bartholin’s glands they are located on the labia on either side of the vaginal opening and secrete a lubricating fluid during intercourse to reduce friction and protect the vaginal tissue. Although uncommon, Bartholin cysts can occur near one side of the vaginal opening. If they don’t go away in a few days or cause pain, see your doctor to have them drained.
Skin tags
Skin tags are small flaps of tissue that do not pose a health threat and look like pimples. If they start to cause irritation, you can ask your doctor to remove them.
