Answer:
by Konstance McCaffree: (03/09/2005)
Thank you for writing this question to us. First, let me explain that the bumps on your labia (vagina lips) are not likely to be a sexually transmitted infection. If you haven't had intercourse, haven't had oral sex or nude body to genital contact with a partner, you will not have a sexually transmitted disease.
Bumps occur on our genitals, the same way they occur on other places of our body when we have a cold or other ailment such as the flu. Many people get them on their lips, or in their mouth when they are ill. The immune system of our body is working so hard to rid the body of the (flu) germs that other places on the body where there may be other germs that cause bumps or sores have an opportunity to appear. It is also possible that that bump is an allergic reaction to something you have come in contact with; Most commonly, wash soap, detergents and other perfumed substances we use for washing cause us to have bumps that appear. It could also just be a pimple.
I am sad that you learned in your sexuality education class to be frightened of sex, and that it has all these negative consequences. It can be a wonderful experience with a partner, and if you make sure that you and your partner are well protected from either a pregnancy that you might not want, or spreading disease to each other, then having a wonderful relationship that may include several different sexual behaviors can be a positive experience.
With that said, I am so glad that you are learning to take care of yourself and hopefully learning how to protect yourself until you are ready to have a child someday. Because there are many diseases out there, mostly with hidden symptoms, it is important that you not have a sexual relationship until you feel confident in your ability to protect yourself. Having sexual contact with a partner whose sexual history is known to you, and has been tested regularly for STD, and ALWAYS using latex condoms for protection is the best type of protection. Obviously not having any of that contact is the best protection for now, but later in your life you may meet someone where sexual intimacy becomes important.
Having an STD is not something you need to worry about now, even though you may have signs that were talked about in your health class. Touching yourself will not give you a sexually transmitted infection, since you need to have the infection inside of you in order to be able to spread it.
If you have more questions, please feel free to send them to us. Reviewed by: Scott Gross M. Ed.
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