What are Normal Bumps Inside Vaginal Walls?

From time to time, you may notice some lumps and bumps on the walls of your vaginal canal.

It could feel like these have cropped up suddenly, or they may have always been there.

But, what are those ridges inside vaginal walls?

And are they normal?

Let’s check it out together. 👇

In this article: 📝

What does the inside of a vagina feel like?

For something that’s such a huge part of our anatomy, it’s quite incredible to think we’ll never be able to actually see what our vagina canals look like on the inside.

But, we can get a rough idea by having a bit of a feel.

So, what do they feel like?

Generally, you wouldn’t expect your vagina to feel like a smooth surface — it has a natural texture to it, which can cause ridges, lumps, and bumps.

Think the roof of your mouth (cue rubbing a finger over it now to check 😅).

So, vaginal bumps are usually normal parts of the vaginal structure. 🤷‍♀️

But larger lumps, sores, or spots may be a sign of something you’d need to get checked out.

These may be painful, or you might not feel them at all.

But, it’s important to remember that if you have any accompanying symptoms you’ve noticed — such as persistent pain, a bump growing rapidly, bleeding, or extreme vaginal itching — it’s definitely worth a trip to the doc to get these checked over.

What is vaginal rugae?

Ever heard of a vaginal rugae?

It’s basically a term for the ridges, folds, and bumps you might feel in your vagina, formed out of supporting tissues.

Think pleats of a dress… 👗

The function of the rugae is to stretch and retract to allow for things to be inserted (e.g. tampons), or things to come out… (e.g. babies 👶).

So, basically, those bumps and ridges you may feel can actually help the vagina to stretch, giving it extra room when it needs it.

Is there supposed to be bumps inside your vagina?

So, is it normal to feel small bumps inside your vaginal walls?

Simple answer — usually, yep.

Vaginal rugae is supposed to feel bumpy, ridgy, lumpy, and everything in between.

But, if you do notice signs that something isn’t quite right down there, though, get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible to check everything over.

What does loss of rugae mean?

So, it turns out, you may experience a loss of vaginal rugae as you get older.

The loss of it is associated with estrogen deficiency — which is part-and-parcel of the menopause…

(Alongside a bunch of other symptoms… oh, the joys of being women 🙃).

But it’s perfectly normal to experience this as you get older.

If you are concerned about losing rugae, though, be sure to get in touch with your healthcare provider.

What about outside the vagina — what causes vulva bumps?

So, we now know that vaginal rugae can cause bumps and lumps on the inside of your vaginal walls... but what about the outside (also known as the vulva)? 🤔

The vulva is the area on the outside of your genitals, which includes the clitoris and the labia (the two sets of vaginal lips - the inner and outer).

You may be wondering what can cause vulva bumps, and when to go and speak to a doctor.

Infections/allergic reactions

Irritation from products such as scented pads or creams could cause minor bumps.

Always be careful when using skincare or scented products down there, as it can essentially irritate the skin, and very easily throw the pH of your vagina out of whack. 😵‍💫

Vaginal acne

Wait — did you say… acne?!

Of the vagina?

Yep, you heard us right — just like a break-out you’d experience on your face, you can also have break-outs down there, too.

Who knew?!

So, these could be red, irritated, and sometimes filled with pus.

A cause for this could be wearing tight, constrictive underwear, sweating a lot and not changing your underwear, and just generally not letting it breathe! 😮‍💨

Infected glands

There are 2 pea sized glands located in your vulva, called the Bartholi’s glands.

They secrete lubricating fluids, acting as natural lube during sex.

But if they get infected, it can cause swollen, uncomfortable bumps around your vaginal area (also known as a Bartholin’s cyst).

It is rarely dangerous, but oftentimes painful.

Vaginal skin tags

Who knew you could also get skin tags on your vagina?!

These little flaps of excess skin are generally harmless….

(Until you catch them on something and they become irritated 🥲).

If it bothers you, though, you can have vaginal skin tags removed by the doctor.

Genital warts

We know… no one wants to hear the words ‘genital warts’ when discussing their vaginal health. 🫣 

But, although they’re generally harmless, you should still seek treatment as they can be catchy little things, passed on by specific strains of the HPV virus.

Genital herpes

Again, never a fan-favorite when it comes to your vaginal health.

As a common STI, once you have genital herpes, it can take a while to shift it… 😬 it may appear dormant, but can reactivate at any time. 🦠

Syphilis

Not a very common STI, but catching syphilis could also cause small bumps or sores to develop on your vulva.

Definitely one to get checked out immediately, and start treatment for!

Something more serious

Sometimes, lumps and bumps can be associated with more serious conditions, such as vaginal cancer, or pre-cancerous cells (the ones you may find from having cervical HPV, for example).

That’s why it’s really important to keep an eye on things and if you feel like something isn’t right down there, get checked over by your doctor as soon as you can.

If you’re unsure about any lumps, bumps, or anything that feels a bit unusual inside your vagina or on the outside vulva, head straight to the doc to get it checked out.

And, remember, these personal, sensitive questions are exactly what our Community on Peanut is here for you.

We’re always here, 24/7. ❤️