Expert: Norman Solberg - 4/6/2010

Question
I am a 28 years old female, so since 2 days ago I woke up and I noticed a couple of bumps in my vaginal area, so I inspected, using a mirror, and I saw like 3 bumps together very close to the entrance of the cervix, then a little bit up there is another bump, they are a little bit painful to the touch, but not really a big deal, they also itch a little bit every once in a while, but nothing really mayor. I had my first outbreak of genital herpes last October, it was hell, extremely, so now it is the day #3 since I notice these bumps, but I really don't see anything that looks like when I had my first outbreak, I have an appointment with my gynecologist next Friday, I am a little bit nervous, I am scare of something really bad as vulgar cancer. I have to say, that the bumps I am having are all on the right side, the left side is clean. They don't hurt when I pee, or when I walk, it is just when I touch them. Can you please give me an idea of what this may be, I feel like I won't be able to sleep until next Friday, I have been with the same partner for the last 3 years, and I haven't had sex outside of my relationship

Answer
Vulvar cancer is rare at age 28, so I don't think I would worry about that.  I suspect that your bumps are a recurrence of genital herpes, but the exam will determine that.  Often when genital herpes comes back, it's much less painful and much milder that the initial outbreak.  There are other possible causes of the bumps, including genital warts, other viral infections, or sebaceous cysts.  Your doctor will figure it out.  Cancer would be one of the last things on the list.  Best regards.