Question: Hi, I'm 17 and I am not sexually active...but is it normal to have little bumps near the top part of the clitoris? They don't hurt, burn, itch, or anything...they are just there...do you know what they can be? IS it normal?

Answer: There are numerous oil producing glands in the area of your genitals. I suspect that is what you have noticed. I am not sure of the location of these bumps. Are they located on your clitoral glans, clitoral hood, or pubic mound? Do not squeeze them as that will irritate them.

Follow-up 1: No, they're not on the clitoral gland....see if you look at the clitoris they're on the left and right sides of it. I guess kind of on the inside of the outer lips...they don't bother me at all there just there and I was kind of wondering what they were...there like little clear bumps.

Answer: I believe these are the oil glands I mentioned. I mention on the page about the Anatomy of the Vulva that there are numerous oil and sweat glands in this area. White pasty material called sebum may accumulate in the folds and this is not a problem and is actually beneficial. Rinse your vulva only with plain water so that you do not irritate these glands or the delicate mucous membranes.

Follow-up 2: Thanks for helping me understand what it could be...I just have one more question ...do these oil glands ever go away and could you do anything to make them go away ...and also do you have any pictures of what they may look like?

Answer: I am afraid I do not have any pictures. I have just made an educated guess based on your anatomy and what you describe, and what other women have mentioned. Whether they do go away probably depends on your own body and if your skin is naturally oily. If you have facial acne then I would not be surprised if your oil glands are active everywhere on your body. Your sexual partners probably will not even notice, or believe they are a reason for concern if they do. If you are still concerned about them, you should talk to your doctor.


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