Bartholin and Gartner cysts: what is the difference?

A Bartholin cyst develops near the vaginal opening when a gland duct becomes blocked. A Gartner duct cyst develops along the vaginal wall from tissue left from development before birth.

A Bartholin cyst is usually felt as a lump on one side of the vulva, close to the lower part of the vaginal entrance. It may cause no pain when small, but infection can cause increasing tenderness, swelling, warmth, or difficulty sitting and walking.

A Gartner cyst sits within a side wall of the vagina and may be discovered during a pelvic examination. A larger cyst can cause pressure, discomfort during sex, difficulty using a tampon, or urinary symptoms. Location cannot always be judged reliably by touch at home, and other vaginal or vulval lumps can feel similar.

Arrange a routine gynaecology assessment for a new, persistent, or recurring lump. Note where it is, whether it is changing, and whether there is pain, discharge, bleeding, urinary difficulty, or discomfort during sex. Do not squeeze, puncture, or try to drain it yourself because this can injure tissue and introduce infection.

Small cysts without symptoms may only need observation after their identity is confirmed. Warm water soaks and simple pain relief may ease discomfort from a Bartholin cyst if those options are safe for you. Persistent or troublesome cysts may need drainage, creation of a lasting drainage opening, or removal, depending on their position and clinical findings.

Seek prompt care if the lump rapidly becomes more painful or swollen, drains pus, or occurs with fever, chills, spreading redness, or feeling unwell. These features can accompany an abscess and may require drainage and treatment for infection.

Get urgent help if swelling prevents urination or pain becomes severe. A new Bartholin-area lump after menopause also deserves timely examination because the clinician may recommend further assessment rather than assuming it is a simple blocked duct.

Ask which side and structure the lump arises from, whether examination alone identifies it, and whether imaging is useful. You can also ask what changes should trigger reassessment, whether observation is suitable, and how each proposed procedure affects recurrence, healing, and sexual comfort.