What Causes Hymenal Skin Tags? How To Get Rid Of Them?

A few simple tips can help you manage those pesky growths effortlessly.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Madhuri Agarwal Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, MBBS, MD
By Monomita Chakraborty Monomita Chakraborty • Feb 6, 2023

What Causes Hymenal Skin Tags? How To Get Rid Of Them?

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Hymenal skin tags are the tissue outgrowths at the vaginal entrance. These painless and harmless lesions can develop in any woman at any age. Most of these tags do not cause any discomfort and disappear on their own. But, sometimes, they may persist and also cause other symptoms like swelling and bleeding.

Most women consider them a deformity and wish to be free of them. But how? Here, we discuss how to identify hymenal tags, their causes, and how you may get rid of them. Continue reading.

Did You Know?

Pain and irritation may be felt during intercourse and while using tampons as a result of hymenal skin tags.

In This Article

What Are Hymenal Skin Tags?

The hymen, as we know, is a fleshy tissue at the vaginal opening. Its size and shape may vary among individuals. The skin tags that form when the hymen extends out or tears are called hymenal skin tags. These skin tags are small and usually do not cause any discomfort. But sometimes, they may lead to swelling and bleeding (1).

The first step to treating these skin tags is identifying them – as not all skin extensions at the hymen area are hymenal skin tags. Check the next section to learn more.

How To Identify Hymenal Skin Tags?

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Hymenal skin tags are located at the opening of the vagina. A skin tag can be recognized by its peduncle. They are attached to the skin by a small stalk that measures between 2 and 10 millimeters in diameter. Skin tags can be curved, round and asymmetrical, or smooth in appearance. They may appear to be flesh-colored. Their skin tone may also be paler or darker than the surrounding skin. For instance, a twisted skin tag may appear darker due to the lack of blood flow.

But why do tags form at hymen? Keep reading to know.

What Causes Hymenal Skin Tags?

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Friction may cause hymenal skin tags on the entrance of the vagina. The following are some of the most common causes (2):

Sex
Use of tampons
Friction of underwear
Masturbation
Any injuries

Other causes may include (2):

Pregnancy
Vaginal delivery
HPV
Obesity
Hormonal changes

In the next section, we discuss how hymenal skin tags are diagnosed. Keep reading.

How Are Hymenal Skin Tags Diagnosed?

Medical professional studying skin tissue

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Consult your doctor if you suspect you have hymenal skin tags. The doctor may suggest basic at-home solutions, such as an over-the-counter pain reliever or a cold compress.

Your doctor may recommend more testing for clarity on the origin of the tags. He may suggest tests like:

Pap smear
Pelvic exam
Biopsy

These tests will help the doctor determine the seriousness of the condition.

Hymenal skin tags usually disappear on their own without any need for medical treatment. But, in some cases, their removal may warrant medical assistance.

How To Get Rid Of Hymenal Skin Tags?

Doctor prescribing pain relievers for skin tags

Image: IStock

If you have swelling or other pain accompanied by the tags, your doctor may suggest the following:

To take over-the-counter pain relievers
To use cold compresses
To avoid vigorous physical activities
To avoid any sexual activities

Trivia

Health care providers cut off hymenal skin tags using surgical scissors or a scalpel. However, there is nothing to worry – as anesthesia is administered before the procedure.

If your symptoms are severe, the doctor may recommend surgical removal of the tag.

When To See A Doctor

Woman grasping her crotch due to vaginal discomfort

Image: Shutterstock

See a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Swelling
Bleeding
New vaginal lesions
Discomfort

Infographic: Reasons Behind Hymenal Skin Tags And Ways To Deal With Them

These lesions or outgrowths can develop at any time and prove to be quite painful. While they are mostly harmless and heal independently, they sometimes require extra care when they cause swelling and bleeding. Check out the infographic below to learn about causes and ways to manage these tags.

reasons behind hymenal skin tags and how to deal with them (infographic)

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Download Infographic

Most skin tags are harmless and do not affect your general health. While some may eventually fall off on their own, others may form in the same region. The tissue outgrowths near the vaginal opening are known as hymenal skin tags. Hymenal skin tags at the vaginal opening can be caused by friction and can develop in any vulva owner. They normally go away on their own without requiring medical attention. However, in some circumstances, you may require medical assistance to remove them. If you have swelling or bleeding, see your doctor right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hymenal skin tags normal?

Yes, hymenal skin tags are extremely normal and pose no health risk.

How long do hymenal tags last?

Hymenal tags may last for days, weeks, or even years. Some tags may go away on their own, while others need to be removed.

Key Takeaways

Hymenal skin tags are harmless skin tags that form on the hymen.
They are attached to the skin by a small stalk that measures between 2 to 10 millimeters in diameter.
Friction from sex, use of tampons, underwear, or masturbation may cause hymenal skin tags on the entrance of the vagina.

Sources

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