If you notice an unusual round bump on your labia that causes mild discomfort, you may be dealing with a Bartholin’s cyst. In most cases, a Bartholin cyst is pain-free, and it does not require medical assistance. However, some women may experience more severe symptoms, including pain and redness, and if the side effects persist, you may need to reach out to a professional. Educate yourself about Bartholin’s cysts and learn about the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis process, and the possible treatment methods available. Of course, consulting with a trained expert is always the first thing that you should do. If you live in the area or are looking for the best professionals, we recommend Obstetrics and Gynecology in South Miami, Florida.
With that in mind, here are the must-know facts about Bartholin’s cyst. Feel more confident and at ease by uncovering these expert-approved facts.
Defining the Bartholin’s Cyst
Before explaining Bartholin’s cyst symptoms and treatment options, it is crucial to determine what this term refers to. So, what is a Bartholin cyst? In a nutshell, this is a vaginal cyst type that develops on either side of the vaginal lips or the labia near the vagina’s opening. In other words, a Bartholin cyst is also called a vulvar cyst. This cyst gets its name after the so-called Bartholin glands, two tiny glands that produce mucus or fluid that lubricates your vagina. These glands and the labia are part of a female’s vulva, and they make up the reproductive system.
If the opening of a Bartholin’s gland becomes blocked, you can experience a mucus buildup. Eventually, a lump forms. Typically, the lump appears on one or the other Bartholin’s gland.
This is a common condition that often does not require any special medical assistance. In most cases, it goes away on its own. When the cyst is infected, it can be painful, and you may need medical attention. While some cysts are tiny and painless, others can become infected, leading to the development of abscesses.
The treatment method will depend on the size of the Bartholin’s cyst, the level of pain you are experiencing, and whether or not you are dealing with infection. In some cases, you can opt for home treatment. However, surgical drainage may be necessary for some patients. If you are dealing with an infection, you may need to be treated with antibiotics.
How Does a Bartholin’s Cyst Look Like?
Patients with a blocked Bartholin’s gland will have a cyst that resembles a round bump under the labia. Often, these cysts do not cause pain, but they can be slightly tender. In some cases, the cysts can be red in color and swollen (if there is an infection). In other cases, a Bartholin cyst may be filled with fluid or pus. When it comes to size, most of these cysts are tiny, but they grow to the size of a golf ball. The cyst can also make one side of the labia look lopsided or larger than the other side.
Bartholin Cyst Risk Factors
A blocked opening of a Bartholin’s gland can happen to approximately 2 percent of women at any time during life. Usually, women of reproductive age are at the highest risk. After reaching menopause, the risk may significantly decrease.
While the exact causes of these cysts remain unknown, here are some possible explanations:
- Gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other STIs or sexually transmitted infections.
- Escherichia (E.coli) or other bacterial infections.
- Extra skin growth, irritation, or injury of the skin in the vagina’s vulvar area.
If you believe you may be at risk of getting a Bartholin’s cyst, or you notice a suspicious painless or painful bump on your genitals, consult with a healthcare professional. You can receive treatment and speed up the healing process by getting diagnosed early on.
Bartholin’s Cyst Symptoms
Here are the most common symptoms of a Bartholin’s cyst:
- Redness
- Chills or fever
- Drainage from the cyst
- Tenderness or swelling
- Pain and discomfort when walking, inserting a tampon, wiping after using the toilet, and during sexual intercourse.
- Changes in the size of the cyst (growth of the cyst)
Again, if you notice any of the mentioned Bartholin’s cyst symptoms, it is best to consult a medical expert. Even if you don’t take note of these symptoms, we recommend visiting an OB-GYN regularly. This way, you will stay on track with your health and avoid complications.
Diagnosing the Bartholin Cyst
While these cysts can be painful and sometimes life-debilitating, treatments are possible. However, before learning more about Bartholin’s cyst treatments, here are some of the facts you need to know about receiving a diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to diagnose the cyst. The professional will check the size of the cyst and see whether there are any infection signs. If the expert notices discharge emitting from the cyst, the fluid will be tested for bacterial infections or sexually transmitted infections.
Women over the age of 40 may need to undergo a biopsy. This is done to rule out vulval cancer. The expert will remove a tiny tissue sample from the bump during the biopsy and analyze it under the microscope.
If there is a chance of cancer, the cyst of the Bartholin’s gland may require surgical removal. Nevertheless, the odds of cancer developing in the gland are rare, especially if you are under 60.
Best Bartholin’s Cyst Treatments
As mentioned, depending on your symptoms and the severity of your condition, the treatments will vary. If you are dealing with a small and pain-free cyst (that is not infected), you may not require special treatment. In most cases, Bartholin’s cyst treatments are unnecessary, and the bump will disappear on its own. However, if the symptoms of the cyst persist or if the bump grows in size, you may have an infection. In the most severe situations, an abscess will require surgical drainage.
Some other Bartholin’s cyst treatments include:
- Antibiotics and over-the-counter medications: If you have an infected cyst or you have an STI, you will need to use antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the proper antibiotics for you. Alternatively, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications to manage discomfort or pain.
- Sitz baths: Taking frequent sitz baths can help ease discomfort and promote healing.
- Marsupialization: This surgical procedure involves opening and draining the cyst. This can be a good option for you if you have recurring cysts.
- Surgical draining: Patients with larger and infected cysts may need surgical draining.
- Gland removal: If the treatments are ineffective, the expert may need to surgically remove the glands.
FAQ
Is the cyst contagious?
No, the majority of these cysts are not contagious (when not infected), which means that you cannot contract them via skin-to-skin contact. However, if the cysts are caused by sexually transmitted infections, they are contagious.
Can I pop the cyst?
Never pop or squeeze a cyst. If you do this, you may spread infection and cause injury. Instead, consult with your healthcare provider.
Are the cysts caused by infections?
E.coli, sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, and different bacterial infections can cause these cysts. The gland can become clogged due to the bacteria, resulting in a cyst.
How can I prevent cysts?
Since the exact causes of the cysts remain unknown, so do the prevention methods. However, you can reduce your risk of cysts caused by sexually transmitted infections by refraining from sex, getting tested regularly, or always using a condom when having sexual intercourse.
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Regular doctor’s appointments are essential for preventing and treating various infections and diseases. If you feel concerned, frightened, or confused, we’re here to help you. Reach out to our team of friendly experts to get started.