Women are mistaking this common issue ‘down there’ for an STI

Our bodies are all completely different and go through all kinds of varying changes, which is why it's so important to know what's 'normal' for you.

Over on Reddit, one woman had been discussing some changes she'd noticed on her genitals, explaining she wasn't sure if the 'bumps' she had seen were something harmless, or an STI.

The general consensus on the thread was that the spots were likely to be Fordyce spots, which are harmless bumps that can appear on the lips and genitals.

Other people had also experienced the same, with one person writing: "I freaked out when I first saw them."

While another said: "I thought it was something I caught, but my doctor said it was normal."

So what are Fordyce spots? And how can we tell them apart? Let's get into it.

Some people are mistaking a common issue for an STI (Getty Stock Photo)

What are Fordyce spots?

Fordyce spots appear as white or flesh-coloured bumps, usually on mucosal surfaces such as the lips and sometimes the genitals.

"They become more noticeable during or after puberty," the Cleveland Clinic explains.

"They often appear on and around your lips and sometimes on your penis and vagina. They’re a natural part of your skin, but treatments can shrink or remove them."

Fordyce spots sometimes appear in patches on both male and female genitalia; however, if you are concerned about anything unusual, it's worth seeking medical advice.

It's important not to pick or try and 'pop' Fordyce spots, as this can lead to infection and scarring.

Some people have mistaken Fordyce spots for an STI (Getty Stock Photo)

How to tell Fordyce spots apart from an STI

There are certain characteristic differences between Fordyce spots and symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection.

Dr Nikki Ramskill told Metro: "Because they can appear on the genitals and look like small bumps, people understandably worry they might be something like genital warts or another sexually transmitted infection."

However, there are key differences. Whereas Fordyce spots are often painless, STIs can have other characteristics, such as pain and discharge.

Many people mistake Fordyce spots for genital herpes, but there are some significant differences.

For example, Clarewell Clinic explain that with an STI like herpes, there will often be pain and itching, while the bumps will appear more as open sores containing fluid.

Fordyce spots are permanent, whereas herpes blisters will heal within a couple of weeks.

Of course, the biggest difference is that Fordyce spots are not contagious and therefore cannot be passed on to a sexual partner.

If you're unsure, it's worth booking a GP appointment to allow a doctor to fully assess the appearance of the bumps.