Bartholin’s cyst, also called a Bartholin’s duct cyst, is one of the most common cysts found in the genital area of sexually active women. The cyst can become infected and result in complications that can be very distressful at times.
What is a Bartholin’s cyst?
The Bartholin’s glands are a pair of pea-sized glands found just behind either side of the lips that surround the entrance to the vagina. They produce fluid that keeps the vagina moist.
The fluid travels to the vagina through ducts (tubes). If these ducts become blocked, fluid can back up into them. This forms a swelling — a cyst. In some cases, there are no other symptoms. The vast majority of Bartholin’s cysts are benign or non-cancerous.
Why do you get a Bartholin’s cyst?
We are still not sure why the Bartholin’s glands sometimes become blocked. In rare cases, it may be due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea or chlamydia, or other bacterial infections such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Bartholin’s cysts can occur at any age but they are most common after the age of twenty years. It is estimated that about two out of 10 women can expect to get a Bartholin’s gland cyst at some point in their life. The cysts are also uncommon after the menopause as this usually causes the Bartholin’s glands to shrink.
What are the symptoms of a Bartholin’s cyst?
You may not have any, unless the cyst is large or becomes infected. If infection develops, you will likely have extreme pain at the site of the cyst. Sex — and even walking — may hurt. If the cyst is large, it can make one side of your labia majora (the large folds of skin on the outside of your vagina) hang lower than the other. If you have these symptoms see your gynaecologist or family doctor.
Treatment
All women are strongly advised that if they have any lump or swelling in the genital region to see their doctor or gynaecologist, regardless of the size. It might be a Bartholin’s cyst or something more serious like cancer. If it turns out to be a Bartholin’s cyst then you and your doctor can decide on treatment options. If there are no other symptoms, and it does not bother you, your doctor might advice you to observe it, and if symptomatic return for further evaluation.
If the cyst is painful, your gynaecologist may recommend:
• soaking the cyst for 10 to 15 minutes in a few inches of warm water. It’s best to do this several times a day for 3 or 4 days if possible
• holding a warm compress against the area
• taking painkillers
The Bartholin’s cyst might become infected and a Bartholin’s abscess might develop. This can become very large and painful and requires treatment using a variety of procedures. Procedures for draining a Bartholin’s cyst, or a Bartholin’s abscess, can be done in the doctor’s office and often does not require hospitalization.
A number of techniques can be used to drain a Bartholin’s cyst or abscess and reduce the likelihood of it returning. Talk to your gynaecologist about these. Removing the Bartholin’s gland may be recommended if other treatments have not been effective – and you have repeated Bartholin’s cysts or abscesses.
Conclusion
Bartholin’s cyst often develops in sexually active women. We are not sure what causes the Bartholin’s duct to become blocked resulting in a cyst developing. If you have a swelling in your genital area, please see your doctor or gynaecologist to determine if it is a Bartholin’s cyst, or abscess, or something more sinister. There are effective treatments available for Bartholin’s cysts or abscesses.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-five years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
