The two Bartholin glands are located inside the labia minora, near the 4 and 8 o’clock positions of the vaginal opening. They produce fluid that helps lubricate the vaginal opening.
A Bartholin cyst or Bartholin gland cyst forms when the duct of a Bartholin gland becomes blocked, causing fluid to build up, and forming a cyst that appears as a small bump or larger lump near the vaginal opening.
Most Bartholin cysts are harmless. However, if a cyst becomes infected, it can develop into a Bartholin abscess, which may cause significant pain, swelling, fever and difficulty sitting, walking or having sexual intercourse.
Treatment is recommended if the cyst is painful, infected, growing larger or causing daily discomfort.
A Bartholin cyst usually develops when the duct of the Bartholin gland becomes blocked. This blockage may be caused by mucus build-up, infection, inflammation or injury.
Common causes and risk factors include:
Blocked duct: Mucus or fluid build-up can prevent normal drainage from the gland.
Infections: Bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, may inflame the gland and lead to blockage or abscess formation.
Trauma or injury: Physical irritation from sexual intercourse, childbirth or other injury may affect the gland duct.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during the reproductive years may change mucus consistency and contribute to blockage.
Chronic inflammation: Recurrent vulvovaginal irritation or inflammation may narrow the duct over time.
Symptoms depend on the size of the cyst and whether it is infected.
Small cysts may cause no symptoms and may only be found during a gynaecological examination. Possible signs include:
A small painless lump near the vaginal opening
No redness or swelling
No discomfort during daily activities
When a Bartholin cyst becomes infected, it may form an abscess or pus-filled pockets. Symptoms may include:
Pain or tenderness near the vaginal opening
Visible lump or swelling
Redness and warmth around the area
Fever
Pus accumulation
Pain during intercourse
Difficulty sitting or walking
A Bartholin cyst does not usually affect the menstrual cycle. It does not change the timing, duration or flow of menstruation.
However, some women may feel more discomfort during menstruation due to hormonal changes and increased sensitivity around the vaginal area.
A Bartholin cyst usually does not affect fertility, conception or pregnancy.
This is because Bartholin cysts develop outside the reproductive organs and do not affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes or uterus. They also do not usually affect foetal development.
However, if a cyst becomes infected or painful during pregnancy, medical treatment may be recommended to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Bartholin cysts usually do not affect fertility.
They do not affect the uterus or ovaries.
Most pregnancies continue normally.
Treatment may be needed if the cyst becomes infected, painful or forms an abscess.
Small Bartholin cysts without infection may go away on their own or drain naturally. Warm sitz baths may help relieve discomfort and encourage drainage.
However, avoid squeezing or trying to pop the cyst yourself, as this may worsen irritation or infection. See a doctor if the cyst becomes painful, infected or does not improve.
Treatment depends on the size of the cyst, whether it is infected and how much discomfort it causes. Small, painless cysts may not need treatment.
Home care may help relieve mild symptoms:
Warm compresses: May reduce discomfort and encourage natural drainage.
Sitz baths: Sitting in warm water can ease pressure and promote healing.
Over-the-counter pain relief: Medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce pain.
Good hygiene: Keeping the area clean may reduce the risk of infection.
Medical treatment may be needed if the cyst is large, painful, infected or recurrent. Treatment options may include:
Drainage: A doctor may drain an infected or painful cyst.
Word catheter: A small catheter may be inserted after drainage to keep the duct open and allow complete drainage.
Marsupialisation: A small permanent opening is created to help prevent recurrence.
Antibiotics: These may be prescribed if there is infection, systemic illness or an underlying STI.
Yes, Bartholin cysts can recur. Recurrence may happen due to:
Incomplete drainage
Persistent infection
Recurrent duct blockage
Chronic inflammation
Women with recurrent cysts or abscesses should consult a gynaecologist for personalised treatment options.
See a doctor if you experience:
Severe pain
Fever
Increasing swelling or redness
Difficulty sitting, walking or having intercourse
A lump that does not improve after several days
Recurrent Bartholin cysts
A new Bartholin gland lump after the age of 40
Prompt assessment can help confirm the diagnosis, relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Yes. Some cysts drain naturally. Avoid squeezing or attempting to pop the cyst yourself.
No. A Bartholin cyst itself is not a sexually transmitted infection, although some infections associated with abscess formation may be related to sexually transmitted organisms.
Light activity is usually acceptable if the cyst is not painful. However, strenuous exercise may increase discomfort if the cyst is swollen.
Bartholin gland cancer is rare. Women over 40 with a new Bartholin gland mass should be assessed by a doctor to determine whether further investigation is needed.
If you have symptoms of a Bartholin cyst or recurrent vaginal swelling, consult our obstetrics and gynaecology specialists at Prince Court Medical Centre for personalised assessment and treatment. Schedule a consultation today for an individualised care plan.
Be the first in line to receive the latest updates and promotions, delivered directly to your inbox.
Please enter a valid email
Thank you for subscribing!
Please verify that you are not a robot.
