Bartholin Cyst: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

A Bartholin cyst is a type of vaginal cyst that develops when the Bartholin glands become blocked. These glands sit in the labia near the opening of the vaginal canal and help lubricate the area, especially during sexual activity. When one of these glands is obstructed, fluid can build up inside it, leading to the formation of a cyst.

A Bartholin cyst is often painless, may not cause any symptoms, and can sometimes resolve on its own. However, if the trapped fluid becomes infected, symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain can appear, and pus may drain from the area.

Treatment is recommended when there are symptoms or signs of infection. It may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines, or antibiotics prescribed by a gynecologist, as well as home remedies, warm-water sitz baths, or surgery.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of a Bartholin cyst include:

• A lump in the vagina, near the opening of the vaginal canal;

• Pain and discomfort when walking or sitting, and during sexual intercourse;

• Redness in the area;

• A feeling of increased warmth in the area;

• Pain or swelling of the cyst;

• Pus drainage;

• Fever.

These symptoms occur when the Bartholin cyst becomes infected, because a Bartholin cyst typically does not cause symptoms. A person may notice the lump in the vagina when checking or feeling the area.

If symptoms of a Bartholin cyst occur, a gynecologist should be consulted to identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Bartholin gland inflammation during pregnancy

Bartholin gland inflammation during pregnancy is usually not concerning, because the cyst is painless and tends to go away naturally, and typically does not interfere with a vaginal delivery.

However, if the Bartholin cyst becomes infected during pregnancy, it is important to follow the treatment recommended by the doctor. This helps eliminate bacteria and reduces risk for the pregnant person and the fetus.

Confirming a diagnosis

A Bartholin cyst is diagnosed by a gynecologist through a pelvic exam, review of symptoms, and evaluation of health history, including any vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, sexually transmitted infections.

In general, tests are not needed. However, the doctor may order tests to check for sexually transmitted infections.

Read more about other causes of bumps in the vaginal area.

Possible causes

A Bartholin cyst is relatively common and can form when normal gland fluid can’t drain and builds up inside the gland. Infection is more likely after unprotected sex, because bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis can be transmitted and may enter the gland, leading to infection and inflammation.

Infection can also happen due to poor intimate hygiene, such as incorrect washing of the genital area, since bacteria from the intestinal tract can infect the gland.

The development and infection of a Bartholin cyst can be reduced by using condoms and maintaining proper intimate hygiene habits.

Treatment options

Treatment for a symptomatic inflamed Bartholin gland should be managed by a gynecologist. It generally involves anti-inflammatory medicines and pain relievers. When infection is present, antibiotics and warm-water sitz baths help relieve inflammation and drain pus.

Surgery is recommended only when a Bartholin cyst forms and may be done through drainage of the fluid from the cyst, removal of the cyst, or removal of the Bartholin glands themselves.