Girlfriend
  • News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life and Advice
  • Entertainment
  • Role Model Search
  • Dolly Doctor
  • Video
Girlfriend
  • News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life and Advice
  • Entertainment
  • Role Model Search
  • Dolly Doctor
  • Video
  1. Home
  2. Dolly Doctor

Dolly Doctor: Help! I Found A Lump Down There, Should I Get A Pap Smear?

Dolly Doctor clues us up on what could be the cause. - by Dolly Doctor
  • 16 Jun 2021

Doctor Google sure has a way, doesn't it? 

One minute you're frolicking about slurping Starbucks iced-chocolates with your pals and the next your sitting in bed, laptop open and a look of horror on your face after typing 'hand cramps'. 

WATCH: Steph Claire Smith's healthy fitness advice: 

But if there's one thing we can tell you, it's this: Don't jump to conclusions. 

If any of your symptoms are persistent, we recommend you get a professional doctors advice over a desperate search on Google. 

And yes, our very own Dolly Doctor will vouch for that!

Which is why we got to thinking - if you've ever noticed a 'lump' near your vulva, you've no doubt perhaps felt alarmed or at least intrigued. 

And likely Googling this will bring up a bunch of stuff about cervical cancer - but don't be alarmed yet!

Dolly Doctor gave us a quick 411 on what might actually be going on, and what to do next, including what you might subsequently also be wondering about - pap smears.  

 

Pap-Smear

Nervous or worried? You're not alone.

(Getty)

What happens if I find a lump on my vagina/vulva?

That lump you felt may well be your cervix, Dolly Doctor tells us. 

The cervix will feel like a lump the same texture as the tip of your nose, and it sits at the top of the vagina.

Take a look at some websites with diagrams of the vagina, cervix and uterus and you will get an idea of where your cervix should be.

If this lump is lower down than the cervix (i.e. in the lower or middle part of your vagina) then what it might be depends on exactly where it is. Towards the opening of your vagina, near the vaginal lips, it could actually be a cyst or swollen gland.

If it’s right up inside the vagina (where there are no glands) it could be something quite uncommon.

girl-looking-at-phone

Hang fire on Doctor Google!

(Getty)

So what's the go on pap smears? Should I get a pap smear?

A Pap smear is a scraping of the cells from your cervix to look for pre-cancerous changes. Cancer of the cervix is related to the HPV (human papillomavirus) and only occurs once a woman has had sexual intercourse.

Fingering will not spread the HPV virus, even if you have warts on your hands (as they are a different strain of the virus).

You do not need a Pap smear until you are 18 or have started having sexual intercourse.

If you have had other sexual experiences or intercourse involving a partner then it would be worth getting a check-up.

On the other hand, regardless of your sexual experience, if you have found a lump that you’re unsure of, even if it might be a healthy cervix, it’s worth getting checked.

Have a question for Dolly Doctor? Drop us an email - dollydoctor@aremedia.com.au

  • Life and Advice
  • Dolly Doctor

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%

Recommended to you

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer
Watch 1:00

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer

{headline}

{headline}

"That's such a silly myth." Your OG Dolly Doctor Melissa Kang answers your questions about boobs

"That's such a silly myth." Your OG Dolly Doctor Melissa Kang answers your questions about boobs

Should it hurt to take out a tampon? Dolly Doctor has the answer

Should it hurt to take out a tampon? Dolly Doctor has the answer

Don't Panic! Dolly Doctor Explains What A Normal Vagina Looks Like

Don't Panic! Dolly Doctor Explains What A Normal Vagina Looks Like

Ah, This Is *Actually* Why Your Boobs Hurt During Your Period

Ah, This Is *Actually* Why Your Boobs Hurt During Your Period

{headline}

{headline}

All Your Questions About Buying Your First Bra Answered

All Your Questions About Buying Your First Bra Answered

The Important Difference Between An Anxiety Attack And Panic Attack

The Important Difference Between An Anxiety Attack And Panic Attack

Sexual Identity Dictionary: Here’s What Each Label Means

Sexual Identity Dictionary: Here’s What Each Label Means

{headline}

{headline}

Here's How To Accept A Compliment Like The Queen You Are

Here's How To Accept A Compliment Like The Queen You Are

All Your Pap Smear Questions Answered

All Your Pap Smear Questions Answered

Veiny Breasts Are Normal, The Doctor Says So

Veiny Breasts Are Normal, The Doctor Says So

When Jokes Become Bullying

When Jokes Become Bullying

This Is Why You Should NEVER Share A Razor

This Is Why You Should NEVER Share A Razor

Why You Should Never Leave Your Tampon In For Too Long

Why You Should Never Leave Your Tampon In For Too Long

Lockdown got you down? Here's how to rescue your mental health

Lockdown got you down? Here's how to rescue your mental health

Girlfriend
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Girlfriend

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%