Vaginal Lesions Treatment Near Richmond, VA

Experience caring and compassionate treatment for your gynecological health.

What are Vaginal Lesions?

Vaginal lesions refer to unusual growths or areas of damaged tissue on the vagina or vulvar skin. These lesions can appear in many different forms and may be benign or indicate more serious conditions. Common examples include genital sores, ulcers, and abnormal growths. Detecting and accurately diagnosing these lesions is important for determining the appropriate treatment and addressing possible complications, including infections such as genital herpes or bacterial conditions.

Why are Vaginal Lesions a Concern?

Vaginal lesions can be concerning for multiple reasons:

They may signal an underlying infection, including sexually transmitted infections, genital herpes, or bacterial infections
They can cause discomfort, pain, or vaginal bleeding, particularly during sexual activity
Certain lesions, such as squamous cell hyperplasia, may have the potential to progress to cancer if not treated
They can indicate a chronic condition, like vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia or lichen sclerosus, which requires ongoing management
Some lesions have a tendency to recur and may need targeted treatment

Who Should Be Evaluated for Vaginal Lesions in Richmond, VA?

You should consider scheduling an appointment for evaluation if you notice any of the following:

Unexplained or painful sores, ulcers, or growths on the genital area
Persistent itching, burning, or discomfort in the vaginal region
Unusual vaginal discharge, unexpected bleeding, or other unexplained changes in the female genital tract
A history of sexually transmitted infections or other gynecological conditions
Any visible alterations in the skin or tissue of the vaginal area

What are the Risks of Untreated Vaginal Lesions?

Although not all vaginal lesions are dangerous, some untreated lesions can present risks, including:

Ongoing pain or discomfort that can impact daily life and sexual activity
Potential spread of infection to other areas of the body or to sexual partners
Formation of scar tissue or structural changes in vaginal tissues, including the female genital tract
Progression to more serious conditions, such as squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer

What To Expect

If you notice any unusual changes or are experiencing symptoms in your vaginal area, seeking care is important. At The Center for Advanced Gynecology, your provider will review your symptoms and medical history thoroughly during your appointment.

The evaluation may include a physical examination of the vaginal and vulvar regions. If necessary, your provider may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy or imaging, to determine the exact nature of the lesion. Based on the results, your provider will discuss appropriate treatment options with you, which can range from monitoring the lesion to medical or surgical interventions.

Following your appointment, your provider will follow up with you to review test results and outline the next steps in your individualized care plan.

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

Founded in 2018, The Center for Advanced Gynecology is committed to supporting women’s health through expert care across a wide spectrum of gynecological services, emphasizing advanced surgical techniques when intervention is necessary.

Our clinicians specialize in non-surgical approaches for chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and discomfort affecting the vaginal, vulvar, or bladder areas.

Beyond specialized care, we have expanded our services to meet the broader health needs of our community, offering routine gynecologic exams, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopausal care, management of hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast health, contraceptive guidance, urinary incontinence treatment, and pelvic organ prolapse management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vaginal lesions can arise from numerous factors, ranging from infections to chronic skin conditions and, in some cases, more serious health issues. Common infectious causes include sexually transmitted infections, such as genital herpes or bacterial infections, which can produce sores or ulcers in the vaginal region. Chronic dermatological conditions like lichen sclerosus or squamous cell hyperplasia may also lead to abnormal growths or irritated patches on the vulvar or vaginal tissue. Additionally, trauma or injury to the genital area, whether from friction, medical procedures, or other sources, can result in lesions. In certain situations, vaginal lesions may be an early sign of malignant changes, including cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting the importance of timely medical evaluation.

Some vaginal lesions, particularly those resulting from minor infections such as yeast overgrowth or superficial trauma, may resolve independently with careful attention to hygiene and supportive care. Despite this, it is crucial to have any persistent or unexplained sores, bumps, or ulcers examined by a healthcare professional. This ensures that potentially serious conditions are not overlooked and allows for the initiation of proper medical or surgical treatment if necessary, reducing the risk of complications or progression of disease.

The diagnosis of vaginal lesions generally begins with a thorough physical examination, during which your healthcare provider carefully inspects the vaginal and vulvar tissues. Depending on the findings, additional diagnostic measures may be recommended, including a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is collected for laboratory analysis to determine the exact nature of the lesion. In some cases, blood tests or imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be performed to assess the extent of tissue involvement and help identify underlying causes. This comprehensive approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and informs the most appropriate treatment plan.

While not every vaginal lesion can be fully prevented, several proactive measures can reduce your risk. Maintaining consistent genital hygiene, practicing safe sexual activity through barrier protection, and attending regular gynecologic check-ups all play a key role in early detection and prevention. Vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) is strongly recommended, as it can prevent certain types of lesions linked to the virus and reduce the likelihood of developing pre-cancerous or cancerous changes in the vaginal and vulvar tissue.