Bartholin cyst: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is a Bartholin cyst?

A Bartholin cyst is a swelling that occurs because the opening in the Bartholin's gland is blocked, so that fluid returns to the gland. This is one of the conditions that causes lumps around the vagina.

Bartholin's glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening. These glands secrete fluid that helps lubricate the vagina.

Bartholin's cysts are less likely to cause pain. However, if the fluid inside the cyst becomes infected, you can develop a buildup of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue, or what is known as an abscess.

Treatment of a Bartholin's cyst depends on the size of the cyst and how painful the swelling is. Sometimes, home care is all you need.

In other cases, surgical drainage of the Bartholin's cyst is more effective at treating the condition. If an infection occurs, antibiotics can help treat the infected cyst.

How common is this condition?

Women of all ages have a chance of developing Bartholin's cysts. However, women aged 20-29 years have a higher risk.

You can lower your risk of getting this disease by reducing your risk factors. Always consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a Bartholin's cyst?

A Bartholin cyst is a disease whose signs and symptoms depend on the patient's condition. The main symptoms include swelling in the area around the vagina and can cause pain if the cyst becomes infected which makes it difficult for the sufferer to walk and have sexual intercourse.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, Bartholin's cyst infection can occur in a matter of days. If the cyst becomes infected, you may experience:

A soft, painful lump appears near the vaginal opening
Discomfort when walking or sitting
Pain during intercourse
Fever

Bartholin's cyst or abscess usually occurs on only one side of the vaginal opening.

There may be signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Call your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of a Bartholin's cyst, which include:

You have a fever or a painful lump near the vaginal opening and it won't get better after two or three days.
Pus develops in the cyst

In addition, you need to contact the medical staff immediately if you find a new lump near the vaginal opening and you are over 40 years old. Although they are rare, they can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as cancer.

If you have any suggestions or questions, please consult your doctor or healthcare professional for the best answers.

Cause

What causes a Bartholin's cyst?

Experts believe that the cause of this condition is fluid reserves. Fluid can build up when the opening of the glands (ducts) becomes blocked due to infection or injury.

Bartholin's cysts can become infected and form an abscess. A number of bacteria can cause infections, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) as well as bacteria that cause infections in sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of a Bartholin's cyst?

There are many factors that can increase a person's risk of developing Bartholin's cysts, namely:

Women who are pregnant
Women who are sexually active and aged between 20-30 years
Women who have diabetes
Women who have sexually transmitted infections or engage in unsafe sex

Reporting from the public health service site in the United Kingdom, the NHS, Bartholin's cysts are not common in children because Bartholin's glands do not function until puberty. This condition is also less common after menopause because the glands start to shrink.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for a Bartholin's cyst?

Treatment depends on your condition. Cysts that are small and don't cause any symptoms can go away on their own.

Severe symptoms such as pain or infection, your doctor may order regular check-ups to monitor the development of the cyst. Your doctor will advise you to do regular check-ups if the cyst doesn't go away or if the symptoms get worse.

Infected cysts can be overcome by diligently taking warm baths, applying warm objects, and regularly taking antibiotics.

If these steps don't work, the doctor will remove the cyst. To undergo this procedure, the cyst will be cut slightly and the edges will be sutured together. This allows fluid in the cyst to escape.

What tests are usually done for this condition?

The doctor will check the vaginal area for swelling. The doctor will use a swab to get a sample for infection.

Blood tests can be done to get a more accurate diagnosis. In addition, your doctor may take a sample of vaginal fluid to test for sexually transmitted infections.

A biopsy to check for cancer cells may also be ordered from those of you who are over 40 years old. If your doctor suspects you have cancer, they may refer you to an obstetrician who specializes in cancer of the female reproductive system.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help treat a Bartholin's cyst?

Lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with this condition are:

Follow the instructions given by your doctor to monitor the progress of your symptoms as well as your health condition.
Perform treatment according to doctor's directions. Do not use drugs that are not prescribed or deliberately abandoned medication
Compress with warm water, take antibiotics, and visit the doctor again for further tests
Maintain good hygiene to prevent infection. Always try to clean the vagina from front to back after using the toilet to stop bacteria from moving around the anus to the vagina
Practice safe sex to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases
Make sure your blood sugar levels are under control if you have diabetes. High blood sugar levels will make the recovery stage more difficult and longer
If there are signs such as swelling or pain in the vagina, visit your doctor immediately to prevent progression of the disease.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to find the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.