How many days does a Bartholin cyst last?

The useful measure is the direction of change rather than the calendar alone. A small lump may become less noticeable over several days. If the gland duct stays closed, the swelling can remain for weeks. Infection can turn it into a tender abscess over a much shorter period.

Check whether the lump is growing or shrinking, whether its tenderness is easing, and whether walking, sitting or sex causes more discomfort. Warmth, marked redness, throbbing pain, fever or pus-like drainage can indicate infection rather than simple fluid retention.

A cyst that does not hurt may remain stable without being an emergency. Even so, a lump that is new, persistent or difficult to identify deserves an examination. This is particularly relevant for a new Bartholin-area mass after menopause.

Use comfortably warm baths or sitz baths, dry gently and reduce pressure from tight trousers or cycling. If you use a non-prescription pain reliever, confirm that it suits your health conditions and other medicines. Avoid scented washes on the vulva.

Leave the lump intact. Pressing or puncturing it can injure delicate tissue, introduce bacteria and create an opening that closes before drainage is complete. When spontaneous drainage occurs, use clean pads and watch for renewed swelling.

Do not wait for a chosen day if the swelling enlarges quickly, pain becomes severe, redness spreads, or fever, chills or significant illness appear. Prompt assessment can identify an abscess and provide pain relief and drainage when appropriate.

Arrange non-urgent care when improvement has stalled, the cyst keeps returning, or daily activities are affected. A clinician may discuss a small drainage catheter or marsupialisation depending on the examination, prior episodes and your preferences.

Ask what features confirm a Bartholin cyst, whether infection is suspected, what change should trigger urgent reassessment, and how long to continue home care. If a procedure is suggested, ask how drainage is maintained, what aftercare involves and what recurrence would look like.