[cutedoctor]

So I am new here and just thought that I'd post something to get some feedback.

I am 25 years old and noticed that I had a bump on my anterior vagina several months ago, I didn't think anything of it until the past couple of months I have found that it has got very large and makes it difficult to insert tampons.

I have made an appointment with my GP to see what's up, but was wondering if anybody has experienced this? I have absolutely no pain and am only aware of the bump when putting in tampons just a large fleshy bump about the size of a large grape.

Any thoughts? I have tried searching on the Internet but don't seem to be able to find anything that I feel pertains to me. I just thought that I could get some ideas since I've never had a pelvic exam before and don't know if this bump is my 'normal'.

Input is appreciated!

[caterpillar79]

I might not have the info you're needing, but I decided to pop in to tell you that you need to relax no matter how hard it seems to be. Tampons seemed to have irritated you, so maybe napkins for now...

Don't wait for your GP though it is good that you have an appointment set already. I would also set an appointment with an OB-GYN. When I had my first visit, I just did it on my own - I didn't wait for the GP to refer me.

While doing the waiting for the doctors to see you, eat more fruit and veggies. Any fruit that is pear-shaped is ideal for the reproductive system - pears, avocado...and also citrus ones. Drink enough water to flush your body of toxins.

[cutedoctor]

thx for the reply.
i am not freaking out or anything because it is probably nothing. I don't have any trouble using tampons bc it doesn't hurt at all when using them, I just know the bump is there and should definitely make sure that it is nothing serious.

The only other side effect that I have is that I urinate quite frequently. So I don't know.

I have waited several months to see my GP (as I am away for school) and I cannot see an OB/GYN unless I am referred by my GP as I am not from the US.

It has been almost 9 months since I found the bump, so another week won't make that much of a difference. I am just getting to think about it more now since I have the appt so soon.

Thanks for the reply though!

[cutedoctor]

Just thought that I'd update the situation. I went to my GP today and he checked it out and it is a Skene's gland cyst. He said ideally he would like to have me get it surgically removed but I do not have time at this stage in my life so we are going to try shrinking it medically with some high dose cipro. It should work, and if it doesn't then I have to go back around Christmas break to sort it out.

[cutedoctor]

So I finished my dose and it definitely has gone down but it is still there. Now I am torn if I should go back to my GP to see what else to do. It doesn't hurt and if it is just a Skene's cyst, it could not be harmful in the least and I was told if it doesn't 'shrink down' I should make another appt.

Now for the question, Has anybody had a cyst that actually caused problems? From what I understood what I have is harmless. Just trying to justify going back to see the doctor again.

Thanks

[caterpillar79]

No experience on that...but anything to put your thread up, sweet!

What I understand is that when infected, these Skene's glands present as tender masses and must be surgically excised.

I researched more and found this, verbatim:

"Cysts may form abscesses or cause urethral obstruction and recurrent UTIs. Most cysts are < 1 cm and asymptomatic. Some are larger and cause dyspareunia. The first symptoms may be those of urinary outflow obstruction (eg, hesitancy, dribbling, retention) or of UTIs. Abscesses are painful, swollen, tender, and erythematous but usually do not cause fever."

Yours seemed under control as far as I read...but, just for your peace of mind, (and mine,) I vote for you to make another dr.
s appt. to make sure that it really had subsided.

Good luck and take care.

[cutedoctor]

thanks for the reply!

i have decided that i should make an appointment again with my GP just to be sure. i just have the hardest time thinking that i need an appointment because i don't want to go there and have him say that the medication worked well enough and then feel like i shouldn't have gone.

blah, i am such a bad patient! i am going to be a physician in a couple of years and i still have the hardest time going to the doctor for my own sake!

[cutedoctor]

So I am such a good girl and made another appt with my GP to make sure that it is fine to leave it alone although the cyst is still there.

It doesn't bother me that much, but I don't want it to cause problems in the future.

I guess it is better to be safe than sorry

[cutedoctor]

I went to my family doctor today and am happy that I went. I had reservations about going since I thought that I was over-reacting; although I was not.

Apparently the Cipro I was on should have completely eradicated the Skene's gland cyst. Although it did not significantly change the size of the cyst, it did clear up my chronic UTI that I was not aware I had.

Furthermore, he said that he has to make sure everything is kosher so, given the fact that the cyst did not clear up medically and having chronic UTIs, I am being referred to a gynaecologist to get it looked at. Most likely I will need it surgically excised. Which, according to my family doctor, it not a huge ordeal. (If somebody has had a cyst removed and would like to shed some light on the procedure/recovery, I would really appreciate it!)

Me being away at school has complicated my freedom to get an appointment. Since my cyst is not causing too much pain, just difficulty inserting tampons, we have elected to get an appointment after I am done the school year; which takes me to June.

Fingers crossed everything is fine and what appears to be a simple cyst, is actually that, a simple cyst.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone!!!!

[cutedoctor]

Greetings.

Just thought that I'd post an update. I called my gynecologist's office today and managed to get an appointment during my Spring Break (in March) instead of the June appointment that I originally had been given.

This makes me so happy to start to get some answers regarding this darn problem. The only thing that I am worried about is that I cannot be on my period. Eek! From past months it looks like it is going to be a close call in March.

I have never had any pelvic exam, pap, or anything so I am kind of anxious for this appointment. But I know that I should get things checked out because my family doctor thinks that there is something going on that requires attention sooner rather than later. Any advice for a girl who hasn't ever had a gyn exam before????