Bartholin cyst and fever: what to do

Arrange same-day medical advice, especially when the lump is becoming larger, hotter, redder or more tender. Do not squeeze, pierce or attempt to drain it yourself.

A Bartholin cyst forms when fluid collects after the gland's drainage opening becomes blocked. If bacteria infect that trapped fluid, an abscess may develop. An abscess often causes marked one-sided vulval pain, swelling and difficulty sitting or walking; fever or chills suggest the illness is affecting more than the local area.

A clinician can examine the swelling and decide whether drainage, medication or another approach is appropriate. The cyst's size and tenderness, the surrounding skin and your general condition all guide that decision.

Rest, drink fluids and wear loose clothing that does not rub the swelling. A comfortably warm sitz bath may ease local discomfort while you wait for assessment. Use only a pain or fever medicine that is suitable for you, following its label or advice from a pharmacist.

Keep the area clean with water and pat it dry. If it drains on its own, use a clean pad, wash your hands before and after changing it, and still seek advice because fever may persist despite drainage.

Seek urgent medical care now if you feel faint, confused, very weak, short of breath or unable to keep fluids down. Rapidly spreading redness, shaking chills, severe worsening pain or reduced urination also require urgent assessment.

Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, have diabetes, take medicines that suppress immunity or recently had a procedure near the area, because these details can affect evaluation and treatment.

Ask whether the swelling appears to be an abscess, whether it needs drainage, and how to care for the area afterward. You can also ask which changes would mean returning urgently and what follow-up is needed if the lump remains or comes back.