Health Tips

Bartholin’s cyst occurs when the duct of the Bartholin’s gland is blocked and resulting in the development of a fluid-filled cyst. Bartholin glands are situated between the vagina and the vulva. They produce lubrication when stimulated and aid in sexual intercourse by reducing friction.

A woman is more likely to have a Bartholin gland cyst when she is:

• young and sexually active

• has not yet become pregnant

• has just had one pregnancy

Cysts can range in size from that of lentil to a golf ball. They usually grow slowly. Small Bartholin’s cysts may not cause any symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they usually include the following:

• a painless, small lump near the opening of the vagina

• redness near opening of the vagina

• swelling near the opening of the vagina

• discomfort during sexual intercourse, walking, or sitting

Treatment depends on the size of the cyst, your discomfort level and whether it's infected.

Treatment options include:

Sitz baths

• Soaking in a tub filled with a few inches of warm water several times a day for three or four days may help a small, infected cyst to rupture and drain on its own.

Surgical drainage

• A small incision in the cyst is made and a catheter is placed. The catheter is placed for up to six weeks to keep the incision open and allow complete drainage.

Antibiotics

• If the cyst is infected or if testing reveals that you have a sexually transmitted infection. But if the abscess is drained properly, you may not need antibiotics.

Marsupialization

• In the case of recurring cyst which bothers you, a marsupialization procedure may help. Doctor places stitches on each side of a drainage incision to create a permanent opening less than 1/4-inch (about 6-millimeter) long. An inserted catheter may be placed to promote drainage for a few days after the procedure and to help prevent recurrence.

References

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bartholin-cyst/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369981&ved=2ahUKEwiM7vXGh7LpAhXp8HMBHWz6AHgQFnoECAYQAA&usg=AOvVaw0nzpZM91JtPoTXHRN1Wb0q&cshid=1589416044197

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/bartholins-gland-cyst&ved=2ahUKEwiM7vXGh7LpAhXp8HMBHWz6AHgQFjALegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw26KXhPvOrgRRZTYzlVQtj5&cshid=1589416044197

Images

https://www.everymum.ie/my-life/health-well-being/i-have-a-bartholin-s-cyst-what-does-that-mean/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/bartholins-cyst-overview-4176350

 

Written by

Dr Veronica