Finding a lump down there can be worrying — especially when it appears one moment and disappears the next. 

While a non-cancerous condition often causes it, it’s still important to have it checked by your GP. 

Here are three possible causes to be aware of: 

1. Vulvar varicosity

A vulvar varicosity is a varicose vein in the outer lips of the vulva. It can become more noticeable when pressure inside your abdomen increases, such as when you squat, strain, or stand for long periods.

Common signs:

• Soft or squishy lump
• Worse during pregnancy
• May feel heavy or achy
• Skin looks normal
• Disappears when sitting or lying down

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2. Inguinal hernia

Women can develop inguinal hernias too. This happens when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the groin, creating a lump that may extend into the labia.

Common signs:

• Firmer lump
• May have a slight gurgle
• Pulling sensation in the groin
• Sudden onset
• Triggered by coughing

Seek urgent medical attention if the lump suddenly becomes very painful, stays out, or can’t be pushed back in, as this could be a strangulated hernia, which requires immediate treatment. 

3. Bartholin’s cyst

Bartholin’s glands produce lubrication near the vaginal opening. If one of the ducts becomes blocked, fluid builds up and forms a Bartholin’s cyst.

You may notice it more:

• Around ovulation
• Before your period
• After sex

Common signs:

• Soft, smooth lump near the vaginal opening
• Usually painless or mildly uncomfortable
• Skin appears normal

If the lump becomes hot, swollen, very painful, or is accompanied by a fever, it may have developed into a Bartholin’s abscess and should be assessed the same day.

When should you see a doctor?

Although these lumps are often benign, every new lump should be examined by a healthcare professional.

Seek prompt medical attention if the lump:

• Stops disappearing
• Becomes hard or irregular
• Changes colour or starts bleeding
• Develops a sore that won’t heal
• Is associated with unexplained weight loss or persistent pain

When you see your GP, explain when the lump appears and disappears, whether it’s painful, and whether you’ve noticed any skin changes. These details can help your doctor identify the cause more quickly.

Key takeaway

A lump that comes and goes is often linked to changes in pressure, fluid, or hormones rather than cancer. Common causes include vulvar varicosities, inguinal hernias, and Bartholin’s cysts.

While these conditions are often not serious, they should still be assessed by a healthcare professional. Paying attention to when the lump appears, how it behaves, and whether it changes over time can help your GP make the right diagnosis and ensure you receive appropriate care.

More Reading

• Vaginal Lump: 7 Causes and When to See a Doctor
• Revealing 12 Fascinating Insights into Bartholin’s Abscess Development
• That Vaginal Lump Probably Isn’t a Wart — A GP Walks You Through 6 Real Possibilities
• Found a Bump Down There? A GP Explains 7 Types of Vulval Lumps — and the Red Flags That Can’t Wait
• Is That Bump Down There Dangerous? A GP Decodes 7 Types — From Ingrown Hair to Lichen Sclerosus

⚠️ Important Disclaimer — Always discuss any new, persistent, or changing lump in the vulva or vaginal area with your doctor. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional.