Bartholin's Cyst: What You Need to Know

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If you have ever felt a lump near the opening of your vagina, you may have had a Bartholin's cyst. This is a common condition that affects many women, especially those of reproductive age. But what is a Bartholin's cyst, and how can you treat it? Here are some facts and tips to help you understand this condition better.

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What is a Bartholin's cyst?

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A Bartholin's cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on one of Bartholin's glands. These are two small glands located on each side of the vaginal opening. They produce mucus that helps lubricate the vagina during sexual activity.

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Sometimes, the ducts that drain the mucus from the glands can become blocked by infection, injury, or excess skin growth. This causes the fluid to build up inside the gland and form a cyst. A Bartholin's cyst can vary in size from a pea to a golf ball.

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What are the Symptoms of a Bartholin's Cyst?

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Many women with a Bartholin's cyst do not have any symptoms, except for a painless lump near the vaginal opening. However, some women may experience discomfort, swelling, redness, or tenderness in the area. If the cyst becomes infected, it can turn into an abscess, which is a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue. An abscess can cause severe pain, fever, chills, and difficulty walking or sitting.

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How is Bartholin's Cyst Diagnosed?

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A Bartholin's cyst can be diagnosed by a physical examination of the vulva. Your healthcare provider may also take a sample of the fluid or pus from the cyst to test for bacteria or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may have caused the blockage.

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How is a Bartholin's Cyst Treated?

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The treatment of a Bartholin's cyst depends on its size, severity, and whether it is infected or not. Some of the treatment options include:

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• Home remedies: If the cyst is small and painless, you may not need any treatment. You can try soaking the area in warm water (sitz bath) several times a day to help the cyst drain and heal. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs to ease any discomfort.

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• Antibiotics: If the cyst is infected or caused by an STI, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection and prevent complications.

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• Drainage: If the cyst is large, painful, or does not respond to home remedies or antibiotics, your healthcare provider may perform a minor surgery to drain the fluid from the cyst. This can be done in the office under local anaesthesia. A small incision is made on the cyst and a catheter (a thin tube) is inserted to keep the duct open and allow drainage. The catheter may stay in place for up to six weeks.

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• Marsupialization: This is another surgical procedure that involves creating a permanent opening for the drainage of the gland. A small flap of skin is stitched over the incision to prevent it from closing. This procedure may be done if you have recurrent or chronic Bartholin's cysts.

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• Gland removal: This is a rare procedure that involves removing the entire Bartholin's gland. This may be done if you have very large or complicated cysts that do not respond to other treatments. This procedure may affect your vaginal lubrication and require general anaesthesia.

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How Can I Prevent a Bartholin's Cyst?

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There is no sure way to prevent a Bartholin's cyst, but you can reduce your risk by following these tips:

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• Practise good hygiene and keep your vulva clean and dry.
• Avoid using scented products or douches that may irritate your vulva.
• Use condoms or dental dams during sexual activity to prevent STIs.
• See your healthcare provider regularly for pelvic exams and STI screenings.

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Where Can I Learn More About a Bartholin's Cyst?

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If you have any questions or concerns about Bartholin's cyst, then you should talk to us. We’re a team of women-only medical professionals strictly focused on women's healthcare.

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Sources

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- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholin%27s_cyst

- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bartholin-cyst/symptoms-causes/syc-20369976

- Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17737-bartholin-cyst