Beyond the common everyday issues women have with the vagina, you are likely to experience other vaginal problems at some point in your life. Vaginal health is an important part of women’s overall health. Vaginal problems including those that affect the clitoris can affect fertility, desire for sex, and ability to reach orgasm. Ongoing vaginal health issues can also cause stress or relationship problems and affect self-confidence.
The clitoral hood is the small flap of skin at the point where the inner lips meet. The clitoral hood surrounds and protects the sensitive tip of the clitoris. The clitoris is the main pleasure center in female sexuality and has thousands of nerve endings. It’s basically the female equivalent of the male foreskin. And just like labia, clitoral hoods come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
What Are The Possible Causes of Bump on Clitoral Hood and Vagina?
Clitorises vary in size but are usually around the size of a pea. Only the tip is visible, but the shaft has two parts that extend into the body, down both sides of the vagina, by as much as 5 inches. Bumps and lumps on your vagina and vulva can be normal, or they could be a sign of a condition that requires medical attention. This usually isn’t a cause for concern unless you begin to feel discomfort, pain, or distress. These symptoms may be due to an underlying infection or medical issue. Painful pimples on the clitoral hood are something that requires an examination by your doctor because is not a normal place for pimples, the following are 10 possible causes for changes to the skin around the area of your vagina.
Fordyce spots: Fordyce spots, or sebaceous glands, are small white or yellow-white bumps inside your vulva. These spots are also found on the lips and cheeks. They normally first appear during puberty, and you tend to get more of them as you age. Fordyce spots are painless and not harmful. Read: Blue Wafflé Disease and Bumps
Vulvar cysts: Your vulva has a number of glands, including oil glands, Bartholin’s glands, and Skene’s glands. A cyst can form if these glands become clogged. The size of cysts varies, but most feel like small, hard lumps. Cysts aren’t usually painful unless they become infected. Cysts normally go away without treatment. If a cyst becomes infected, your doctor can drain it and may prescribe antibiotics if there are signs of infection.
Varicosities: Varicosities are swollen veins that can occur around your vulva. They happen in about 10 percent of pregnancies or with aging. They appear as bluish raised bumps or round swollen veins around the labia minora and majora. You may not experience pain with hard bump on clitorial hood, but sometimes they can feel heavy, cause itching, or bleed. No treatment is usually needed for pregnant women, as varicosities usually recede about six weeks after the baby is born. They often reoccur with a subsequent pregnancy. It’s estimated that approximately 4 percent of all women will develop these. Nonpregnant women, can be embarrassing or cause discomfort with intercourse or when standing for long periods. A doctor who is a specialist in vein surgery and treatment can treat this condition. SEE: Mgen STD
Vaginal cysts: There are several types of vaginal cysts. Vaginal cysts are firm lumps on the wall of the vagina. They are normally about the size of a pea or smaller. Vaginal inclusion cysts are the most common type of vaginal cyst. They sometimes form after childbirth or injury to the vagina. Vaginal cysts usually aren’t painful. They’re rarely a cause for concern unless they result in discomfort during sex. Occasionally, vaginal cysts need to be drained or removed surgically.
Ingrown hair: Shaving, waxing, or plucking pubic hairs increases your risk for ingrown pubic hair. That can cause a small, round, sometimes painful, or itchy bump to form. The small white bump on clitorial hood may not be painful but may be filled with pus, and the skin around the bump may also become darker. Don’t try to extract the ingrown hair on your own, that can lead to infection. In most cases, it will resolve without treatment. See a doctor if it becomes inflamed. That could be a sign of infection.
Vaginal skin tags: Skin tags are small, protruding flaps of extra skin. They don’t cause harm or discomfort unless they rub or catch on something and become irritated. If the skin tags around the hard bump on clitorial hood are bothersome, you can have them removed by your doctor surgically or with a laser.
Lichen sclerosis: Lichen sclerosus is an uncommon skin condition that mainly affects women who have gone through menopause. It’s most often seen on the vulva and around the anus. Symptoms may include:
- itching, often severe
- thin, shiny skin that may tear easily
- white spots on the skin that over time can become patches of thin, wrinkled skin
- bleeding or bruising
- blisters, which may or may not be filled with blood
- pain when urinating or during sex
Lichen sclerosis is usually treated with corticosteroid cream or ointment. It can return after treatment. Women who have lichen sclerosis have a slightly increased risk for cancer of the vulva.
Genital warts: Hard bumps on the clitoral hood can sometimes be linked to genital warts caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They’re spread by vaginal and anal sex. More rarely, they spread via oral sex. Many people have genital warts and don’t know it.
Genital herpes: Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes is transmitted by vaginal, oral, or anal sex. An estimated one in five Americans has genital herpes. Often, the symptoms are so mild that those with herpes aren’t aware they have the condition. Read More: Genital Herpes
Cancer: If you notice small white bumps on the clitorial hood that are not painful, you might need to get checked by your doctor. Cancers of the vulva are rare and cancers of the vagina are even more unusual. Symptoms of precancerous and cancerous conditions may include flat or raised sores or bumps on your vulva skin color that is lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. See: Herpes Outbreak On Penis
Remedies For Bump on Clitoral Hood and Vagina
Pimples or bumps on the clitoris can be painless or painful but in either case, they can be very discomforting. This could also have a dramatic impact on the sex lives of women, Canadian researchers report in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Relieving clitoral pain is possible with vaginal dilators. It is recommended by doctors and physical therapists to relieve chronic vulvar and pelvic floor pain. Some self-care measures to relieve the pain on the clitoris and vagina include:
- Rinsing the area with cool water, particularly after urination and sexual activity.
- Soaking in cool or warm sitz baths.
- Using topical ice packs wrapped in a towel.
- Heating pad use, in contrast, may help some women.
- Using mild, unscented soaps and detergent.
Best feminine hygiene products for vaginal health
Many women experience uncomfortable, vaginal infections at one time or another. The area around the entrance to the vagina can also become irritated. Steps can be taken to relieve and prevent discomfort and vaginal infections.
Not all vaginal infections are alike and home treatments can worsen some. Good feminine hygiene helps prevent an environment that’s suitable for abnormal microbial growth which can cause vaginal problems. It’s a good idea to avoid perfumed soaps, gels, and antiseptics as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina and cause irritation. Here is a list of the best feminine hygiene products that won’t irritate your vulva:
- The Honey Pot Company Normal Foaming Wash: Normal Wash is made using a gynecologist-approved, plant-based formula that is free of chemicals, parabens, carcinogens, dioxides, and sulfates. Garlic bulb extract improves circulation and aids in healing, apple cider vinegar reduces overgrowth of bad bacteria, lavender water reduces inflammation, coconut oil fights odor-causing bacteria, and grapefruit extract balances pH. This wash ensures even the most sensitive skin will be fresh, clean, and comfortable all day. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
- Rael Natural Foaming Feminine Wash: This feminine hygiene product is formulated with natural ingredients derived from coconut, basil, and sugarcane. It is made with only 8 ingredients, without harmful irritants and unnecessary fragrances. Rael Natural Foaming Feminine Wash gently cleanses and freshens up intimate areas while maintaining natural pH levels to alleviate odor and irritation. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
- Vagisil Daily Intimate Wash: Vagisil pH balance vaginal wash has Lacto prebiotic. It’s clinically proven to help maintain a healthy pH balance to fortify natural defenses. Use it every day to help support a healthy pH balance. And a balanced pH is an important step toward good feminine health. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
- Apivita Intimate Gentle Cleansing Gel: This is a gentle daily intimate gel for cleansing and prevention, specifically for healthy women of reproductive age. It cleanses and protects gently without drying, while it soothes irritations. It contains organic chamomile plus organic chamomile-infused water, allantoin, panthenol, and bioactive aloe to soothe any irritations. In addition, Propolis in this gel prevents the growth of pathogenic microorganisms while lactic acid, natural oligosaccharides, and natural lipoaminoacids help protect the natural flora of the intimate area and respect its pH. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
- Good Clean Love Balance Moisturizing Wash and Wipes: This product gently cleanses & moisturizes and leaves you feeling clean, and refreshed pH-balancing feminine wipes are made with premium aloe and soothing botanical extracts and help to clean, refresh and reduce abnormal odor, gently & naturally by supporting a healthy vaginal ecosystem. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
- Summer’s Eve Simply Sensitive Cleansing Wash: Summer’s Eve Feminine Cleansing Wash is safe and gentle enough to use every day, it gently removes odor-causing bacteria. This gynecologist-tested wash is hypoallergenic and free from dyes and parabens. Its sensitive scent is subtly floral-fragranced for a barely-there impression. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
- Love Wellness pH Balancing Cleanser: Safe to use externally every time you wash; it will safely cleanse your most delicate parts like the vulva without disrupting vaginal flora and pH levels. The unique blend of ingredients does not disrupt the vaginal flora (good bacteria) and supports a women’s unique biology. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
- Equate Feminine Wash – Dye & Scent-Free: Equate Dye & Scent Free Feminine Wash is the perfect cleansing wash for women. The gentle and hypoallergenic feminine wash is specifically designed to cleanse while maintaining pH balance for all skin types. It is free of paraben, MIT, and DEA. Because the wash is free of synthetic dyes and fragrances, this feminine wash is gentle on the skin and suitable for daily use. The feminine wash is bottled in a white bottle that is easy to open and close for your convenience. Feel fresh and confident throughout the day with the Equate Dye & Scent Free Feminine Wash. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
- Healthy Hoohoo Gentle Feminine Foaming Cleanser: This feminine foaming cleanser rinses quickly and easily, offering a refreshing and soothing addition to your daily shower routine. The Feminine Foaming Cleanser balances Ph, it’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and glycerin-free to help your vagina keep its flora in check. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
- Zero Taboos Wash: This wash provides a noticeable decrease in body odor after 10-12 days of continuous use. Beneficial bacteria suppress odor-causing bacteria & support a healthy microbiome. Zero Taboos Wash is Sulfate-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, with no essential oils, and without herbal extracts for sensitive and allergy-prone skin. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
- Cora One Wash Balancing Body Cleanser: The Cora One Wash Balanced Body Wash improves your skin’s overall texture, functioning, and health. The all-in-one pH-balanced cleanser is suitable for the entire body, including intimate areas. The formula is loaded with red raspberry leaf, vitamins B5, B12, and E, argan oil, sunflower oil, and shea oil. See Product Reviews and Buy Here
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There are also products like Holy Yoni Adaptogenic Oil by Moon Juice with just three drops a day of this therapeutic formula, you can reap benefits such as decreased itching, dryness, and inflammation, plus protection from future yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. This product is available: Purchase on Amazon.
What about reduction?
For women who have excess tissue overhanging the clitoris that causes them increased yeast infections, discomfort during sex, or decreased sexual sensitivity, there’s a procedure called a clitoral hood reduction. This procedure also called a hoodectomy or clitoral unhooding is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the clitoral hood by removing excess tissue. The procedure is usually performed alongside a labiaplasty, which reduces the size of the labia minora. Recovery time varies from person to person. You can expect some pain and discomfort while you heal. If you’re interested in a hoodectomy or other vaginal procedure, talk to your doctor. They can answer any questions you have, discuss potential risks, and potentially refer you to a reputable surgeon in your area.
Female genital cosmetic surgery, when performed by a competent and certified plastic surgeon, has low complication rates and high patient satisfaction. A hoodectomy shouldn’t be confused with female genital mutilation (FGM). FGM refers to all procedures that involve the partial or complete removal of, or any injury to, the female genital organs. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of women and girls. Talk to your doctor. SEE: How to Get Rid Of Vaginal Fat (FUPA) Fast
