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What causes a small, painful lump on the vaginal wall?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a pea-sized lump on the right side of my vaginal wall that has been present for the past two to three days. It is slightly painful to touch and has not gone away. What should I do?

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

A small, painful lump in the vaginal wall that appears intermittently may suggest several possibilities. One common cause is a Bartholin's cyst or abscess, which forms when the Bartholin gland near the vaginal opening becomes blocked; if the area is painful, it may be infected. Another possibility is an inclusion cyst, a benign growth that can develop after minor trauma or irritation. Folliculitis or an infected gland or duct, similar to a pimple or boil, could also be responsible. Additionally, although less common, vaginal wall cysts such as a Gartner’s duct cyst might be the cause.

To manage this at home, apply a clean, warm compress to the area two to three times daily, which may help drain a minor cyst. Avoid squeezing, scratching, or using harsh soaps that might irritate the area further. Monitor the lump closely; if it increases in size, becomes red or more painful, or starts draining pus, it may indicate an infection that requires antibiotics or drainage. It is important to seek medical attention if the lump does not improve within a few days, recurs, becomes more painful, or begins to affect urination or walking. A gynecological examination is the most appropriate next step. A doctor may examine the lump and potentially order an ultrasound to better understand its nature and determine if further treatment or drainage is necessary.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 6, 2025
Reviewed At July 11, 2025

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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