Are Bartholin cysts common?

The glands are active from puberty until their function reduces later in life. A blocked gland duct can form a cyst, and infection may lead to a painful abscess. How often the condition occurs does not determine whether an individual swelling needs care; symptoms and examination findings do.

A cyst typically forms on one side near the lower part of the vaginal opening. It may be a soft, smooth lump that causes no discomfort. A larger cyst can create pressure while walking, sitting or having sex. When an abscess develops, pronounced tenderness, warmth, redness and swelling can appear.

Other causes can produce vulval lumps in a similar area, so appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. A clinician considers the exact location, texture, skin surface, pain and whether the swelling has appeared before.

If a small lump is comfortable and has already been assessed, monitoring may be suitable. Warm baths can soothe mild tenderness, while loose underwear may reduce friction. Do not puncture or squeeze the area. Home drainage can introduce infection, cause bleeding and make the tissues harder to assess.

Schedule a visit when the lump is new, persists, grows or affects daily activity. Depending on the findings, care can range from observation to drainage. A catheter may keep the duct open while it heals, and marsupialisation may be considered for a cyst or abscess that returns.

Get prompt medical care if pain or swelling worsens quickly, the area drains pus, redness spreads, or fever, chills or a general feeling of illness develops. These changes can indicate infection that needs examination and possibly drainage.

A new lump after menopause, or one that feels firm, fixed or irregular, should be assessed without delay. Bleeding, an open sore or persistent skin change also warrants an appointment, regardless of whether the area is painful.

Consider asking which examination features support a Bartholin cyst, whether infection is present, and what alternatives could explain the lump. If a procedure is offered, ask how it maintains drainage, what aftercare involves and which symptoms should prompt a return visit.