What does a Bartholin cyst look like?

A small cyst may cause only a subtle bulge under otherwise normal-coloured skin. It can feel soft or firm and is generally found low on either side of the vaginal entrance. Larger cysts may make one side of the vulva appear fuller and can rub against clothing or make sitting uncomfortable.

If infection leads to an abscess, the swelling often becomes very tender and may look red or feel hot. Pus or fluid can drain if it opens. These changes describe inflammation; they do not prove the identity of the lump, because boils and other vulval conditions can look similar.

Do not squeeze the swelling or insert a needle. Instead, note when it appeared, whether it is growing, and whether there is pain, discharge, skin change, or difficulty with everyday movement. Warm sitz baths may ease mild discomfort and sometimes allow a small cyst to drain.

Seek an examination when you are unsure what the lump is, it remains present, or it recurs. The clinician will assess its position, surface, tenderness, and depth. Management may range from observation to drainage with a small catheter; marsupialisation may be discussed for selected persistent or recurrent cysts.

Contact a healthcare service promptly for rapidly worsening pain, quick enlargement, fever, chills, pus, spreading redness, or feeling generally unwell. Urgent assessment is also sensible if swelling makes it hard to walk, sit, or pass urine.

Any new lump near a Bartholin gland after menopause should be examined, including one that looks smooth or does not hurt. At any life stage, arrange review if the surface bleeds or breaks down, the lump feels fixed or irregular, or its appearance keeps changing.

Ask whether the appearance and location fit a blocked Bartholin duct, whether infection is present, and whether another cause needs consideration. If treatment is offered, ask what the procedure involves, how the wound should be cared for, and which symptoms require an earlier return.