Bartholin Gland Cyst - Topic Overview

Topic Overview

What are the Bartholin glands?

The Bartholin glands are in a woman's genital area. They are two pea-sized organs under the skin. They are on either side of the folds of skin (labia) that surround the vagina and urethra. Normally, you cannot feel or see the Bartholin glands.

The Bartholin glands make a small amount of fluid that moistens the outer genital area, or vulva. This fluid comes out of two tiny tubes next to the opening of the vagina. These tubes are called Bartholin ducts.

What are Bartholin gland cysts?

If a Bartholin duct gets blocked, fluid builds up in the gland. The blocked gland is called a Bartholin gland cyst. (Sometimes it is called a Bartholin duct cyst.) These cysts can range in size from a pea to a large marble. They usually grow slowly. If the Bartholin gland or duct gets infected, it is called a Bartholin gland abscess.

Bartholin gland cysts are often small and painless. Some go away without treatment. But if you have symptoms, you might want treatment. If the cyst is infected, you will need treatment.

What are the symptoms of a Bartholin gland cyst or abscess?

• If a Bartholin gland cyst is not infected, you will likely feel a painless lump in the vulva area. You may have some redness or swelling. The size of a cyst can be about 0.25 in. (0.6 cm) to 1 in. (2.5 cm). You may find the cyst on your own, or your doctor may notice it during a physical exam. If a cyst gets infected, it will probably hurt a lot. An infected cyst forms an abscess. A gland is probably infected if you are in extreme pain and have trouble even walking or sitting. This abscess can get bigger over 2 to 4 days.

What causes a Bartholin gland cyst?

A Bartholin gland duct can get blocked by infection, swelling, or thick mucus.¹ When a duct gets blocked, fluid builds up and creates a cyst. The cyst can get bigger after sex because the glands make more fluid during sex.¹

Can you prevent a Bartholin gland cyst?

You cannot prevent Bartholin gland cysts.

Infected Bartholin cysts are sometimes caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You can lower your risk of infection by using a condom when you have sex.

How are Bartholin gland cysts treated?

In some cases, you may not need to treat a Bartholin gland cyst. Some cysts go away without treatment. But if you have symptoms, you might want treatment. If the cyst is infected and painful, you will need treatment. Your gynecologist or family doctor can treat a Bartholin gland cyst.

If the cyst is infected, it may break open and start to heal on its own after 3 to 4 days. Call your doctor if you have a lot of pain or a fever.

At home, you can take a nonprescription pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to relieve pain. To help healing, soak the area in a shallow, warm bath, or sitz bath. Do not have sex while a Bartholin cyst is healing.

If a Bartholin gland abscess comes back several times, your doctor may surgically remove the gland and duct.

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