Hello,

There could be some possibilities for the condition you describe. The first possibility is obviously a vaginal cyst. Now, they are of many kinds and types, so it is natural for you to be confused.

If the cyst contains fluid or air, it appears soft, otherwise, certain other debris and collected material give a hard texture to it. There are various causes of cysts, such as inclusion ( congenital ) cysts, trauma, infection etc.

The commonest is Bartholin's cyst in sexually active women. Your lump sounds very much like a non-infected Bartholin's cyst. As it is not painful, it is mostly not infected, but can be at any time.

The Bartholin's gland makes the fluid that lubricates the vagina. If the gland gets blocked, the fluid can get trapped inside and form a cyst. This is usually not painful. If the cyst gets infected, it is called an abscess and it can be very painful.

Usually, a Bartholin's gland cyst creates a smooth bulge or swelling. The lump is sometimes as large as an inch across or larger.

This bulge can appear on one side of the entrance to the vagina, where the soft moist pink tissue begins, or it can cause swelling of the skin-covered portion of the labia (the vulva) on one side. This bulge may be painless, or it may be tender.

The only way to know what kind of cyst it is, and whether it is a cyst or not, is to have a proper pelvic examination by a gynecologist. You can try and upload a picture if you want me to opine by having a look, however, nothing can replace a proper digital examination.

It could be a harmless vaginal tag or extra fold, but that would generally not feel lumpy. Please consult a Gynecologist at the earliest to have a specific diagnosis.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon