What is bartholin gland cyst?

A Bartholin gland cyst is a pocket of fluid that builds up when the Bartholin duct gets blocked. The Bartholin glands are located near the opening of the vagina. They make fluid to lubricate the vagina and the vulva. This fluid comes out of two small tubes called Bartholin ducts.

The cysts can be as small as a pea or as big as a large marble. They usually grow slowly and are often painless.

Sometimes the cysts go away on their own. But if you have symptoms, you might want treatment. If the cyst is infected, you will need treatment.

You may not have any symptoms if the Bartholin gland cyst is small. But a large cyst or an infected cyst (abscess) can cause symptoms.

Symptoms of a cyst that is not infected include:

• A painless lump near the opening of the vagina.
• Discomfort when you walk, sit, or have sex.

Symptoms of an infected cyst include:

• Pain that gets worse and makes it hard to walk, sit, or move around.
• Swelling or redness on the vulva.
• Drainage from the cyst.
• Fever.

You may find a Bartholin gland cyst on your own, or your doctor may notice it during a physical exam. Unless it is causing symptoms, you may not know you have one.

An abscess is diagnosed based on signs of infection, such as fever or swelling, and pain in the vulva area.

In some cases, especially if you are older, your doctor may biopsy the cyst to make sure that it isn't cancer or another problem.

Sometimes, Bartholin gland cysts go away on their own. If you have mild discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen. Soaking the area in a warm bath can also help the cyst drain and heal.

If the cyst is big, infected, or very painful, your doctor may drain the cyst. You may need antibiotics.

To stop the cyst from filling up again, your doctor may put a small drainage tube with a balloon on the end inside the cyst. The balloon keeps the cyst open while it heals. Then the tube and balloon are removed. Or your doctor may make a pouch for the cyst to drain. This is done by making a cut over the cyst and stitching the sides together.

Laser treatment or silver nitrate may be used to stop the cyst from coming back. For severe cysts, you may need surgery to remove the gland and duct.

• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Sit in a few inches of warm water (sitz bath) for 15 to 20 minutes 3 times a day. Then pat the area dry. The warm water helps the area heal and eases discomfort.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Wear panty liners or pads if you have discharge from the draining cyst.
• Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.
• If you had a catheter placed in the cyst to help it drain, follow your doctor's instructions for activities until the tube comes out.