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The Bartholin’s glands are not as well known as some of the other parts of the vagina and vulva. They are located right inside the opening of the vagina and play an important role in your gynecological health. But these glands can also be blocked, causing Bartholin’s gland cysts.
What are Bartholin’s Gland Cysts?
The Bartholin’s gland is one of two small glands on each side of the labia minora, just outside of the opening to the vagina. During sex, this gland releases lubricating fluid. A cyst can occur when the gland becomes blocked. A blockage often occurs due to infection, inflammation, or long-term irritation.
These cysts don’t typically come with symptoms and are usually discovered during a regular exam or when a woman notices a small mass outside their vagina. If the cyst grows larger than an inch in diameter, it can cause pain or discomfort when sitting down, walking, or having sex. If it is infected, it can become swollen and quite painful.
What Causes Bartholin’s Gland Cysts?
It’s believed that the cause of Bartholin’s gland cysts is a backup of fluid. Why fluid backs up is still unknown, but it can often be brought on by infection (often an STI) or injury.
Bartholin’s cysts typically affect women ages 20-30 who are sexually active. They are much less common once you start menopause, as the glands shrink during this time.
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Bartholin’s Gland Cyst Treatment
In-office treatment may not be necessary to treat Bartholin’s gland cysts. A warm compress or sitz bath may be enough to unblock the gland, minimize the cyst, and drain an infected abscess. If you’re not experiencing any symptoms, no treatment is usually necessary. If you’re having pain or inflammation, over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications can also relieve pain and lessen inflammation.
If the cyst becomes infected and turns into an abscess with pus, it must be drained, and that must be done by your provider. To drain the abscess, we’ll numb the area and then make a small incision to release the pus. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading to other areas.
A Bartholin’s gland cyst can sometimes return even after treatment. If the cysts recur often enough, we may recommend marsupialization, where stitches are placed to create a permanent opening in the gland for continuous drainage. While rare, removing the Bartholin’s gland is an option when other treatments aren’t working.
Recovery
Recovering from Bartholin’s gland cyst treatment depends greatly on the treatment used. Draining an abscess requires much less recovery than more invasive treatment options.
Schedule A Consultation
Chances are, if you have a Bartholin’s gland cyst, you likely don’t have any symptoms. And if that’s the case, treatment is likely not needed. But if it’s bothering you or becomes infected, schedule a consultation with Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell at MAIA today! They are more than happy to build a customized treatment plan that helps you find some relief. Call our Downers Grove, IL office at 630-320-6703 or fill out our online contact form.
At MAIA, our team happily serves the Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Downers Grove communities.
