HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologyclitoris cystA hard lump on the left side of my clitoris developed after I started using a vibrator. Please help.

Can using sex toys or vibrator result in lumps near the clitoris?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

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Published At July 7, 2023
Reviewed AtApril 23, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 21-year-old female. I am not quite sure where to start, so I guess I will just go from the very beginning. About two years ago I think, I was around 18 to 19 at the time, I was having personal time, and noticed that after I used a internal vibrator that I had, which I made sure to wash well with anti-bacterial soap before and after every time I used it, and stored it in a clean place as well, that there was a small, maybe pea sized hard lump on the left side of my clitoris, like right next to it but not on it. It was not sore unless I touched it and went away after about a day. But the thing is that it keeps coming back and there is not a pattern I can find as to when it appears other than that the only times it is shown up is after I have used an internal toy, like a vibrator or dildo, but even then it does not show up every single time when I use them and usually only appears after I have been using them for a while. I would say it is more likely that it will appear if I am using a toy like that either before or after my period and maybe sometimes around when I am ovulating but other than that it seems fairly random. I have only had sexual intercourse once, about a year ago, and I did make sure the guy was clean and definitely used a condom and was just super careful all around, plus the fact that it started showing up when I was still a virgin means that it is not an STD. I will say I have searched online about it before and most answers I have seen usually say it is a cyst of some kind. I have never tried popping it because it can be very tender if I touch it too much. Other than that, I will say that it just started appearing out of nowhere, like nothing out of the ordinary was happening downstairs around the time it started and, like I said before, I have only ever noticed it show up when I have used some kind of internal stimulus but it did not show up when I did have sex, just when I have used a dildo or vibrator. I am under Vyvanse medication 60 mg daily for ADHD. I also take Melatonin 10 mg daily, iron supplements and from an year, am am under Humira injection for psoriasis.

Answered by Dr. Balakrishnan R

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

From your history, I do not think it to be due to any infection. The common condition which gives rise to the swelling is the increase in blood flow to the vagina, this increase in the blood flow during sex or periods also increases the secretions. This means the swelling is most probably a gland that is secreting too much and getting blocked, when it is congested with secretion it will cause throbbing pain, as the blood flow reduces over time the gland's mouth relaxes and the secretions flow out. There are a few sebaceous glands next to the clitoris, which are required for lubrication during sex. One more reason for these glands to get blocked could be the fat or obesity around the clitoral and pubic area. It is a retention cyst. So what I would suggest is to try a good vaginal wash every time before and after using stimulation with a toy or sex. Try to reduce the fat around the vaginal area, by doing some exercises for the hip area. Do not use tight undergarments for a while, especially during sleep. So that the secretions do not stay on and the glands are free to secrete. If the swelling is very painful, you can have a scan at the time the swelling appears and the only solution will be to remove the gland or open the collection and let it out. Then it will not recur.

Hope I have cleared your query.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

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

Dr. Balakrishnan R
Dr. Balakrishnan R

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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