Painful lump near clitoris

I just turned 21 and I have a marble sized hard lump(?) deep under my skin at the very top of my vagina near the clitoris on the left side. Ive had it for almost 2 yrs now..It stays the same size but its consistency sometimes changes. sometimes it will be really hard and in a tight ball, other times it will feel like its in pieces but still in 1 ball. I went to the doctor and she said it was nothing just dont touch it and see if it goes away. So I did but it didnt. Its very painful and sends shooting pains through my vagina but mainly its the spot directly that always aches. I have had Chlamydia before but it was treated. I also thought I had herpes but it came out negative..but I still get sores that im more than sure are infected ingrown hairs. Does anyone else have this or know what it is? PLEASE help! It hurts.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If the lump has been there for 2 years, it is pretty unlikely to go away on its own.  It sounds like it might be a sebaceous cyst.  If so, it could be easily lanced and drained in the office without the need for surgery.
As far as herpes goes, the lump you are describing does NOT sound like herpes.  The best test for herpes is the blood test for antibodies if you do continue to have outbreaks.
In-grown hairs are common, and increased in persons who shave that area.  I have had some luck with topical antibiotics when women were having a lot of trouble with lesions.
You might want to try getting a second opinion about your bump.
Good luck!
Dr B