Everything You Need to Know about Bartholin Cyst

Bartholin cyst refers to the condition in which a fluid-filled cyst is developed in the women’s genital region. A female vaginal opening contains two Bartholin glands on either side of the labia. These glands produce secretions for the lubrication of the vaginal opening. Bartholin’s gland can develop fluid-filled cysts, which, on getting infected, cause severe pain and discomfort to the person. The most effective treatment for Bartholin’s cyst is surgical drainage. 

What is Bartholin

Bartholin cyst is a gynaecological problem in women in which a pimple-like lump is developed on the labia minora of the vaginal opening. This lump is filled with fluidic secretions of the Bartholin gland and may often get infected with bacterial organisms. The cyst enlarges and blocks the Bartholin gland, as a result of which fluidic secretions are affected.

Types of Bartholin cyst

1. 1. Bartholin duct cyst
2. 2. Bartholin gland cyst
3.  

Bartholin duct cyst – This type of cyst blocks the duct of Bartholin’s gland and hinders the lubrication of vaginal opening.

Bartholin gland cyst: This cyst formed on the Bartholin gland get enlarged and blocks the gland, inhibiting its functioning.  

Symptoms

1. 1. painless lump
2. 2. Pain near the vaginal opening while walking
3. 3. Pain while having sexual intercourse
4. 4. Pus formed in a cyst that is painful
5.  

Diagnosis

Physical examination- The occurrence of a Bartholin cyst is generally observed on a physical examination of the vagina or in routine tests of the genitals. It can be easily diagnosed by observing through the naked eye, so no particular test is needed for further examination to confirm that it is Bartholin’s cyst. However, to confirm that the cyst is not infected or cancerous following tests are recommended after diagnosing Bartholin’s cyst.

1. 1. Biopsy of the cyst- the mass of the sample is tested for cancerous cells. 
2. 2. Microbial examination: Samples of cyst tissues are examined for the presence of any bacterial or fungal infection or any sexually transmitted disease. 
3.  

Treatments

Bartholin’s cyst can be treated through various methods, including medications and surgeries. Some of the most common treatment options to get relief from the symptoms of Bartholin’s cyst and completely remove the cyst:

1. 1. Antibiotics- For infected cysts or sexually transmitted infection
2. 2. Sitz baths- sitting in a bathtub with warm water at least thrice a day.
3.  

Surgical Treatments

1. 1. Surgical drainage- It is the surgical procedure to drain down Bartholin’s cyst by putting small incisions on the cyst to completely drain out the fluid. With the help of a catheter, a rubber tube inserted along with the incision to maintain the cyst in an open state so that the fluid inside can completely drain out in six months.
2. 2. Marsupialization- It is an invasive surgery in which the doctor makes cuts on the two sides of cyst to drain the fluid out and stitches the side skin from the sideways to maintain it in open state, for a regular drainage and to prevent blockage and other infections.
3.  

DO’s 

Maintain hygiene and keep the genital area clean and dry to avoid any infection in the cyst.

Talk to the doctor when you observe a lump over your vagina that looks like a pimple.

DONT’s

1. 1. Do not try to remove it manually without going to a doctor
2. 2. Do not ignore the cyst; take treatment as soon as possible and take precautions.
3. 3. Do not shy and be open to the doctor while she asks you questions regarding your reproductive health.
4.  

Risks and Complications

1. 1. Bacterial infections
2. 2. Blocking of Bartholy’s duct
3. 3. Blocking of Bartholy’s gland
4. 4. Prone to get a sexually transmitted disease
5. 5. Painful during sexual intercourse
6.  

If Left Untreated

Do not ignore the cyst, a proper treatment is necessary to avoid further exaggeration of the cyst and other complications arising due to cyst enlargement, some of the complications include,

1. 1. Bacterial infections
2. 2. Blocking of Bartholy’s duct
3. 3. Blocking of Bartholy’s gland
4. 4. Prone to get a sexually transmitted disease
5. 5. Painful during sexual intercourse
6.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1. What is Bartholin cyst?

Bartholin cyst is a gynaecological problem in women in which a pimple-like lump is developed on the labia minora of the vaginal opening. This lump is filled with fluidic secretions of the Bartholin gland and may often get infected with bacterial organisms. The cyst enlarges and blocks the Bartholin gland, as a result of which fluidic secretions are affected. Bartholin’s gland can develop fluid-filled cysts, which, on getting infected, cause severe pain and discomfort to the person. The most effective treatment for Bartholin’s cyst is surgical drainage. 

Q2. Are there different types of Bartholyn cysts?

Yes, there are two types of Bartholin cyst

1. 1. Bartholin duct cyst
2. 2. Bartholin gland cyst
3.  

Bartholin duct cyst – This type of cyst block the duct of Bartholin’s gland and hinders the lubrication of vaginal opening.

Bartholin gland cyst: This cyst formed on the Bartholin gland get enlarged and blocks the gland, inhibiting its functioning. 

Q3. How can I check if I have cysts in my ovaries?

The occurrence of a Bartholin cyst is generally observed on a physical examination of the vagina or in routine tests of the genitals. It can be easily diagnosed by observing through the naked eye, so no particular test is needed for further examination to confirm that it is Bartholin’s cyst. However, to confirm that the cyst is not infected or cancerous following tests are recommended after diagnosing Bartholin’s cyst.

1. 1. Biopsy of the cyst- the mass of the sample is tested for cancerous cells. 
2. 2. Microbial examination: Samples of cyst tissues are examined for the presence of any bacterial or fungal infection or any sexually transmitted disease. 

Q4. What should I do if I get a lump or pimple on my vagina?

1. 1. Maintain hygiene and keep the genital area clean and dry to avoid any infection in the cyst.
2. 2. Talk to the doctor when you observe a lump over your vagina that looks like a pimple.
3. 3. Do not try to remove it manually without going to a doctor
4. 4. Do not ignore the cyst; take treatment as soon as possible and take precautions.
5. 5. Do not shy and be open to the doctor while she asks you questions regarding your reproductive health.
6.  

Q5. What are the treatment options for ovarian cysts?

Bartholin’s cyst can be treated through various methods, including medications and surgeries. Some of the most common treatment options to get relief from the symptoms of Bartholin’s cyst and completely remove the cyst:

1. 1. Antibiotics- For infected cysts or sexually transmitted infection
2. 2. Sitz baths- sitting in a bathtub with warm water at least thrice a day.
3.  

Surgical Treatments

1. 1. Surgical drainage- It is the surgical procedure to drain down Bartholin’s cyst by putting small incisions on the cyst to completely drain out the fluid. With the help of a catheter, a rubber tube inserted along with the incision to maintain the cyst in an open state so that the fluid inside can completely drain out in six months.

1. 2. Marsupialization- It is an invasive surgery in which the doctor makes cuts on the two sides of cyst to drain the fluid out and stitches the side skin from the sideways to maintain it in open state, for a regular drainage and to prevent blockage and other infections.
2.  

Q6. What are the surgical methods to remove the cyst on my vagina?

Bartholin’s cyst can be treated through various methods, including medications and surgeries. Two of the most common treatment options to get relief from the symptoms of Bartholin’s cyst and completely remove the cyst

1. 1. Surgical drainage- It is the surgical procedure to drain down Bartholin’s cyst by putting small incisions on the cyst to completely drain out the fluid. With the help of a catheter, a rubber tube inserted along with the incision to maintain the cyst in an open state so that the fluid inside can completely drain out in six months.

1. 2. Marsupialization- It is an invasive surgery in which the doctor makes cuts on the two sides of cyst to drain the fluid out and stitches the side skin from the sideways to maintain it in open state, for a regular drainage and to prevent blockage and other infections.

Q7. What will happen if I don’t undergo any treatment for an ovarian cyst?

Do not ignore the cyst, a proper treatment is necessary to avoid further exaggeration of the cyst and other complications arising due to cyst enlargement, some of the complications include,

1. 1. Bacterial infections
2. 2. Blocking of Bartholin’s duct
3. 3. Blocking of Bartholin’s gland
4. 4. Prone to get a sexually transmitted disease
5. 5. Painful during sexual intercourse
6.  

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