When a Bartholin cyst hurts to touch

A Bartholin cyst forms near one side of the vaginal opening when fluid cannot drain normally. A small, uninfected cyst may cause little discomfort, while swelling can make sitting, walking, sex, or direct pressure painful.

Pain that is increasing, throbbing, or accompanied by warmth, redness, pus, or fever can occur when the cyst becomes infected and develops into an abscess. Tenderness alone cannot confirm this, because friction, pressure, and swelling can also irritate the area.

A clinician can examine the location and surrounding skin to distinguish a likely Bartholin cyst from other causes of a vulval lump or pain.

Avoid squeezing, piercing, or trying to drain the lump yourself, as this can injure tissue and introduce infection. A warm shallow bath or warm compress may soothe discomfort and encourage natural drainage. Choose loose clothing, reduce activities that rub the area, and use a pain medicine only if it is normally safe for you.

Arrange an assessment if pain persists, the lump enlarges, or you are unsure what it is. Treatment depends on the examination and may include drainage when an abscess or troublesome cyst is present.

Seek prompt medical care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, quickly increasing swelling, fever, feeling generally unwell, spreading redness, or foul-smelling drainage. These features can accompany an infection that needs examination and treatment.

Any new or unexplained vulval lump should be assessed if it does not settle, feels firm or fixed, bleeds, changes the skin, or appears after menopause.

Ask whether the examination suggests a cyst or abscess, whether drainage is needed, which pain relief suits your health and medicines, and how to care for the area if it drains. You can also ask what changes should bring you back and whether a recurrent lump needs a procedure that creates a lasting drainage opening.