Bartholin Cyst
A Bartholin cyst forms when a gland near the vaginal opening becomes blocked. If infected, it can become a painful abscess.
About bartholin cyst
A Bartholin cyst forms when a gland near the vaginal opening becomes blocked. If infected, it can become a painful abscess.
What can cause it?
A Bartholin cyst forms when the duct of a gland near the vaginal opening becomes blocked.
Bacteria can infect the trapped fluid and create a painful abscess.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- A lump near one side of the vaginal opening
- Discomfort with walking, sitting, or sex
- Severe pain, redness, drainage, or fever if infected
How clinicians find the cause
Diagnosis is usually made by pelvic examination. STI testing, culture, or additional evaluation may be recommended. A new Bartholin-area mass after age 40 generally needs prompt gynecologic assessment.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
A small painless cyst may only need monitoring.
- 2
A painful abscess often needs drainage with a procedure that keeps the duct open; antibiotics are used in selected cases.
- 3
Repeated cysts may require a gynecologic procedure.
Supporting recovery
- Warm sitz baths may ease discomfort while arranging care.
- Do not squeeze or puncture the lump.
- Keep the area clean and use prescribed medicine exactly as directed.
What to expect
The chance of full recovery is excellent after appropriate treatment. A small painless cyst may remain stable, while a painful abscess often improves quickly after effective drainage. Some cysts or abscesses recur and need another procedure or gynecologic follow-up.
Possible complications
- A painful abscess or infection spreading into nearby tissue
- Recurrence after drainage or spontaneous opening
- Bleeding, scarring, or infection related to a drainage procedure
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A same-day medical evaluation is recommended, especially when symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, or significant pain.
Fever, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, pregnancy, or feeling very ill warrants prompt evaluation.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- There is no guaranteed prevention.
- Condom use and STI testing may reduce some infection risk.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.