Where is a Bartholin cyst located?

The Bartholin glands lie deep beneath the tissue near the lower left and lower right edges of the vaginal entrance. Their ducts release moisture through tiny openings that are normally impossible to see. When a duct is blocked, fluid collects and creates a rounded swelling on that side.

The lump may be noticed near the back of an inner labial fold, close to the vaginal entrance. It is not typically centred above the vaginal opening, on the clitoris, or deep within the vaginal canal. Several other skin, gland, and soft-tissue conditions can produce vulval lumps, so position alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Notice which side is affected, whether the swelling is changing, and whether walking, sitting, sex, or urination causes discomfort. Avoid repeated pressing, squeezing, needles, or harsh cleansers. A warm bath can soothe a small tender cyst while you monitor it.

A clinician can examine both the outer vulva and vaginal entrance to distinguish a Bartholin cyst from a boil, skin cyst, hernia, or another cause. Persistent, recurrent, or uncertain lumps deserve an examination. Treatment depends more on pain, infection, recurrence, and examination findings than on the exact side.

Get prompt medical help if the area becomes intensely painful, quickly enlarges, drains pus, develops spreading redness, or is accompanied by fever, chills, or feeling unwell. A painful infected Bartholin cyst can form an abscess that may require drainage.

Have a new lump in the Bartholin gland region checked if it appears after menopause. Arrange a routine appointment sooner if the location seems unusual, the swelling does not settle, it returns after drainage, or you cannot tell whether it is arising from the skin or deeper tissue.

Useful questions include: Does this swelling arise from a Bartholin duct? Is there evidence of infection? Could another type of vulval lump fit this location? Do I need drainage now, and what can reduce the chance of recurrence? Clarify how to clean the area after any procedure.